Designing for Life: Bowei Zeng’s User-Centered Vision for Urban Living

At the 2025 Future Art & Design Award UK (Summer Season), industrial designer Bowei Zeng, a graduate of Shih Chien University, received international recognition for his thoughtful and innovative project Petro—a mobility solution designed for both people and pets. His work, honored with a Platinum Prize, reflects his commitment to human-centered design that blends empathy, functionality, and visual appeal.

From a young age, Bowei’s creative journey was shaped by art and music, sparking his passion for design and eventually leading him to industrial product design studies. That early love for creative expression now informs his user-focused approach. “Design, for me, is about responding to life with empathy—transforming everyday observations into purposeful solutions,” he says.

Inspired by the rise of pet ownership in cities, Petro was born from trend analysis, user interviews, and iterative prototyping. Bowei aimed to create a product that not only functions as urban transport but also redefines the spatial relationship between humans and their animal companions. His design, influenced by the penguin’s adaptability on land and in water, features soft, streamlined shapes and a modular structure that can shift modes to suit different environments.

The biggest challenge? Turning concept into reality. “Transforming my idea into a functional, full-scale prototype required rethinking traditional frameworks and grounding creativity in practical application,” Bowei reflects.

Participating in the competition provided Bowei a platform to showcase Petro internationally and gain new inspiration. The experience reinforced his ambition to refine and commercialize the project. Looking ahead, he envisions a design future focused on harmonious coexistence between humans and the environment, where technology, nature-inspired forms, and sustainability converge to address the evolving needs of urban life.

Please give us a brief introduction about yourself and your creative background.

I'm Bowei Zeng, an industrial design graduate from Shih Chien University. I specialize in communication and integration, with a passion for observing life and exploring diverse creative fields. My work focuses on user-centered design with warmth and purpose.

What inspired you to pursue a career in creative / art / design?

My early involvement in art and music allowed me to express myself creatively and sparked my interest in design. That passion eventually led me to study Industrial Product Design at Shih Chien University and pursue a career in the creative field.

Can you describe the creative process behind your work and what motivates you to create?

Inspired by the growing trend of pet ownership in urban areas, I created Petro—a mobility solution designed for both people and pets. My process began with trend analysis and user interviews to define real needs, followed by sketch exploration, form studies, and iterative prototyping to shape its function and identity. For me, design is about responding to life with empathy—transforming everyday observations into purposeful, human-centered solutions.

What was the most exciting or challenging part of creating the work you submitted to the competition?

The biggest challenge was transforming my idea into a full-scale, functional prototype. Beyond adjusting proportions and refining form, I had to rethink traditional transportation frameworks and redefine the spatial interaction between human and pet. This hands-on, iterative process taught me how to ground creativity in reality and sharpened the integrity of my design.

How would you describe your creative style and the key characteristics that define your work?

My creative style balances nature-inspired forms with a sense of motion. Influenced by the penguin’s ability to navigate both land and water, I translated this into soft, streamlined shapes and vivid, approachable colors. Functionally, I emphasize adaptability—using a separation-based structure that allows the product to shift modes in response to urban environments, blending flexibility with strong visual identity.

What has been your experience participating in the competition? Were you satisfied with the process and results?

Participating in the Future Art & Design Award UK gave me the chance to showcase my work internationally and gain new inspiration from diverse creative perspectives. The recognition strengthened my confidence to continue refining and commercializing the project.

Where do you see the future of the art and design industry heading in the next 5-10 years?

In the next 5 to 10 years, art and design will deepen their focus on harmonious coexistence between humans and the environment, emphasizing interactions in urban living. Integrating technology with nature-inspired, multifunctional designs will be key to addressing diverse needs and advancing sustainability.