Yichen Shu

A car, as an industrial product, is such an object of contradictions. For many like us, it's the most expensive mass-produced product they will ever purchase, so they expect it to meet our demand as if it's a "bespoke". While for the manufacturers, they aim to sell one car to as many users as possible. Therefore, every car is a balance, a thing in common in the lives of thousands (or even millions), yet an expression of themselves and their values. It is this fascinating, complex character of car design that got me into it.

On the other hand, transportation/ mobility design has always been more than "car design" to me. It is mountain-biking in the Alps, sailing among the Scottish islands, as well as flying economy across a continent, or commuting in a rush-hour underground carriage. In my daily life, I try to put myself in/on as many different vehicles as possible, so that I can relate to that scenario when the time comes.

Studied automotive engineering and design for Bachelor degree, I started my journey at RCA to explore what "mobility design" means, apart from being a traditional car designer. After 4 intense terms and several internships at OEMs, design studios and a consultancy, I see my interest, as well as advantage, in developing my versatility as a mobility designer.

I found some projects are solutions to specific problems, while some are statements about what we witness, feel and foresee. With a mixture of solutions and statements in my projects, I would like to cover a "wider spectrum" in mobility design.