Zhiyuan Yang

Zhiyuan Yang is an industrial designer from China.

I am curious about everything in the world and like to explore all kinds of different things deeply. I have been studying design systematically for 6 years and have based in various cities in China and the UK.I have obtained two degrees, won a number of awards, published a number of papers and discussed with many designers. I have always been committed to researching better design to help our society. I hope to help different people through breathing, emotional and unconscious design.

What makes me happiest is when someone gets a smile or warmth from my designs.

I designed a mini-kitchen for young people with limited space, who can cook in their own bedrooms.

The set contains an electric cooker, a hot plate, a pan, a set of cutlery, a chopping board and a work surface.

My project aims to help young people who work or study in large cities. Most of them have to live in limited rented space, without a kitchen or share a kitchen with strangers. They often have to eat fast food or takeaways. This is unhealthy.

’Free-chen‘ helps them to break down the boundaries of space and offers them a better solution. They can cook their favourite food themselves in a small space. It is a mini kitchen that is funtional, compact and aesthetically pleasing.

This design will give the target users a health and comfortable life. And it suggests a new trend for diversified future space design.

Usage status

Packaging status

Main cooker

Connectors make the whole structure more stable

flexible live hinges connect different parts. It's durable and stable.

It is a magical handle. When you cook, it is the handle of the pot. Its shape conforms to ergonomics, and it is comfortable to hold. When you do not use it, just rotate it gently, and it can be removed, so that the pot can be simply put into the box.

lid and lid holder – The lid can be placed on the holder, and the lid holder can help fix the upper plate.

This lid holder can also help fix the position of the pot and lunch box. You can see this grove on tableware. Prevent them from moving around the box.