Zerong Yang’s path to becoming an award-winning industrial designer is a story of passion, versatility, and relentless pursuit of innovation. With a background that spans mechanical engineering, industrial design, and entrepreneurship, Zerong has built a career at the intersection of design, engineering, and business, transforming ideas into impactful, commercially viable solutions.
Early Influences and the Start of a Design Career
From a young age, Zerong demonstrated a curiosity for understanding how things worked—an interest that laid the foundation for a career dedicated to shaping the world of design. Growing up, he was the kind of child who was constantly taking apart toys and gadgets to see what made them tick. This early fascination with mechanics and functionality eventually led him to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, where he built a strong foundation in technical precision and problem-solving.
The Turning Point: Breaking into the Design World
While studying mechanical engineering, Zerong realized that his passion extended beyond technical problem-solving; he was drawn to the creative process of design and its potential to transform everyday products. This realization prompted him to pursue a master’s degree in industrial design, where his interest in merging technology with user-centered design took shape.
During his master’s studies, Zerong seized opportunities to expand his skill set, including taking courses in entrepreneurship and earning a Technology Entrepreneurship Certificate. His thesis, titled “Bespoke and Repetitive: Converging Technologies in the Design of Custom Products,” explored the future of customization in industrial design, presenting a methodology for personalizing products at scale. As part of the project, he designed a customizable computer mouse, which served as a case study to demonstrate the practical applications of his research.
The project gained recognition, becoming a finalist in a startup competition and earning a spot for presentation at the International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE). “That project marked a turning point for me,” says Zerong. “It was when I first saw how design, engineering, and business could come together to create something impactful.”
Founding Clink Design: Turning Ideas into Reality
Inspired by these experiences, Zerong took the leap to found Clink Design, a company focused on creating innovative pet training solutions. The company’s flagship product, the Clink Clicker, reflects his philosophy of integrating ergonomics, functionality, and aesthetic appeal to elevate the pet training experience. “I wanted to design something that was not just another training tool but a product that genuinely improved the interaction between pets and their owners,” explains Zerong.
Accolades and Industry Recognition
Clink Design’s success has been marked by numerous prestigious awards for the Clink Clicker, including the IF Design Award, European Product Design Award, Core77 Design Awards, MUSE Design Awards, IDA Design Awards, Paris Design Awards, New York Product Design Awards, and French Design Awards. Each accolade serves as a testament to Zerong’s dedication to creating designs that are both innovative and functional. “The awards are an acknowledgment of the hard work behind the design,” says Zerong. “They motivate me to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in industrial design.”
A Philosophy Grounded in Convergence
Zerong’s work is characterized by a commitment to user-centered design and an interdisciplinary approach that blends design, engineering, and entrepreneurship. His process combines a deep understanding of functionality with a desire to solve real-world problems through design, always prioritizing the user experience. “I approach every project from the perspective of how it can make life easier or more enjoyable for the user,” he explains. “It’s about finding that balance between practicality and beauty.”
Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues
As Zerong continues to grow Clink Design and explore new possibilities in the field of industrial design, he remains committed to creating products that not only meet functional needs but also inspire and delight users. With plans to expand the Clink product line and integrate new materials and technologies, the future looks promising for his continued impact on the industry.
About Zerong Yang
Zerong Yang is an award-winning industrial designer and entrepreneur with a background in mechanical engineering and industrial design. As the founder of Clink Design, Zerong has received numerous international awards for his innovative approach to product development, pushing the boundaries of industrial design through user-centered principles and interdisciplinary thinking.
Published by: Holy Minoza
