Haotong Zhao’s Insights and Experiences
As a junior student in the Industrial Design Department of Shandong University of Art and Design, I have accumulated two years of study experience in the field of design. Over the past year, I have not only made academic progress but also gained valuable experience in practical projects. Especially in the project with the Spanish team, I experienced a transformation from challenge to growth, which has had a profound impact on my design thinking and practical abilities. In the cooperation project with the Spanish team, I deeply realized the importance of cross-cultural communication in design work for the first time. The project required us to design products that are both in line with the Spanish market positioning and innovative. Faced with this challenge, my team members and I had to overcome cultural differences and deeply understand the cultural background and consumer preferences of Spain, which was a new attempt for us. At the beginning of the project, we faced significant design barriers brought about by cultural differences. The design style in Spain has a significant difference from traditional Chinese aesthetics, which required us to consider these differences in our design concepts and find a balance between the two. To better understand the Spanish market, I began to focus on improving my cross-cultural communication skills, which not only helped me communicate more effectively with the Spanish team but also made me realize that design is a form of cultural exchange and conveyance. In the project, I was also responsible for rendering and animation production, which gave me a deeper understanding of the expression of design. Through continuous attempts and adjustments, I learned how to transform abstract design concepts into specific visual effects to meet the needs of the Spanish team. This enhancement of ability not only boosted my confidence but also made me realize that as a designer, the ability to adapt flexibly is crucial. Additionally, I participated in the writing of project copy, which made me deeply appreciate the importance of language in design. Design is not just a combination of graphics and shapes but also the conveyance of emotions and stories. Through copywriting, I learned how to express the core concept of design with concise and powerful language, and this enhancement of ability made me pay more attention to narrative in design. In the cooperation process with the Spanish team, we also encountered some technical difficulties. For example, during the animation production process, differences in software versions and operating habits affected our progress. To solve these problems, I took the initiative to communicate with the technical staff of the Spanish team to seek solutions. This cooperation not only helped us overcome technical obstacles but also deepened our understanding and trust. Through this cooperation with the Spanish team, I gradually realized the profound impact of contemporary culture on design. With the acceleration of globalization, designers need to have a broader vision and stronger adaptability. In future design practices, I will continue to strive to improve my cross-cultural communication skills, focus…