Meet Tina Tsung | Product Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tina Tsung and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tina, what matters most to you?
The principle that resonates most deeply with me is sustainability. To me, design isn’t just about creating beautiful objects; it’s about crafting meaningful, enduring experiences that respect both cultural heritage and environmental responsibility. This ethos of sustainability extends beyond materials—I aim to create designs with long-term relevance that also tell a story. Whether it’s blending traditional Taiwanese motifs into contemporary forms or exploring eco-friendly materials, I’m committed to a design process that minimizes waste and enhances connection. This value has driven every project I take on and has shaped the foundation of my work as a designer.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work is rooted in cultural storytelling, craftsmanship, and sustainability. One of my proudest achievements is the EXPLORE project with VANS, where I collaborated on sustainable business strategies that won a Red Dot Concept Design Award in 2015. It was a pivotal moment in my career, affirming my passion for merging sustainability with design.

Another key project was my role in designing Bank of the West’s digital banking platform. As one of the few financial service platforms focused on sustainability, it showcased how design can influence socially conscious financial practices and won both iF and Indigo Design Awards in 2023. Collaborating with Bank of the West to integrate responsible design into digital banking was a powerful experience that reinforced my belief in design’s potential to drive positive change.

Projects like the Mission One smart diving watch with ATMOS and my Radiant Embrace lighting piece bring together technology, design, and sustainability. The diving watch, which promotes ocean ecology preservation, and Radiant Embrace, a lighting installation inspired by Taiwanese iron window grilles, both reflect my commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage. It’s rewarding to see my work recognized on international platforms like Golden Pin Design Award gallery in Taipei in 2019 for the Mission One smart diving watch, and Dutch Design Week exhibition in Eindhoven this October for my Radiant Embrace lamp design, as it reaffirms the impact of these values in the global design landscape.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I faced numerous challenges, especially balancing cultural preservation with innovation. Through each obstacle, I learned that staying true to my principles is essential, and I want the world to know that sustainable design isn’t a trend but a way to create a more connected, responsible future.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend visited, I’d take them to explore Pasadena first, where my design journey in the US began at ArtCenter College of Design. Pasadena’s Old Town is filled with history, art, and charm, and it’s a perfect mix of traditional and modern vibes. It’s also a gateway that connects DTLA with the culturally rich San Gabriel Valley, where they can experience authentic Chinese cuisines and one of the largest American Asian communities in LA.

For a more urban experience, I’d take them to the Arts District in DTLA. It’s a creative hub that showcases the raw energy of Los Angeles and features incredible street art, galleries, and innovative spaces that inspire me as a designer. Whether it’s grabbing coffee at a local spot or exploring installations, the Arts District reflects the soul of LA’s artistic community and is always a memorable part of any visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe so much of my journey to my mentors, friends, and family who have supported and guided me along the way. My family in Taiwan instilled in me a deep sense of heritage and a love for art and culture from a young age—both of which are central to my work today. I’m especially grateful to my professors at ArtCenter in Pasadena, who encouraged me to see beyond traditional design boundaries and gave me the courage to experiment with new ideas. Their guidance has been invaluable, pushing me to explore the intersection of sustainability and cultural storytelling.

I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the design teams I’ve been fortunate to work with, from Samsung Think Tank Team to propelland, who believed in my vision and provided opportunities to create impactful, award-winning projects. These experiences taught me the value of collaboration and strengthened my commitment to sustainable design practices.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the broader design community, especially those advocating for sustainability and cultural storytelling. Their work continues to inspire me to think critically about the impact and legacy of my designs, reminding me that I’m part of a larger movement where our collective efforts can create meaningful change.

Website: http://www.tinatsung.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinatsung.design/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinatsung

Image Credits
Image Credits for Radiant Embrace: Will Chu & Yixuan Liu from 33North Studio