Experiences

Curriculum Vitae

You Le, Chong (Malaysia)

Curriculum Interaction Designer
Vitae
Research Designer
Interaction Industrial Designer
Design
Industrial &
Research Design Experiences
Corporate Identity 2007 Studying MA Interaction Design, Umeå Institute of Design, Sweden
& Branding 2003 - 2006 Research Designer, Orcadesign, Malaysia
2002 - 2003 Industrial Designer, Likom Casework, Malaysia
1997 - 2002 Bsc. (Hons) Industrial Design, University Technology Malaysia, Malaysia

Clientele OSIM, www.osim.com

Maclarenbaby, www.maclarenbaby.com
PENSONIC, www.pensonic.com
ORCA, www.orca.com.my
Lotus Restaurant, Su Zhou, China
Niceprint, www.niceprint.net
MAQUET, www.maquet.com
Motorola, www.motorola.com
Danfoss, www.danfoss.com
Nokia, http://onlyplanet.nokia.com/php/public/
Umea Airport, http://www.lfv.se/
How I Work? Each project has different weightage within individual phases
Design Process depending on the project nature and the project scopes.
Industrial Design
2001 Orcadesign Consultants, Malaysia
2002-2003 Likom Casework, Malaysia
Likom LCD Monitor
 Likom LCD Monitor
Industrial Design

Concept 1

Ideation Concept 3

Concept 2

Concept Development

Concept 4

Concept 5

Development 1 Development 2 Development 3 Zero

Research
Design
Evaluation

1 Month (2002)
www.likom.com.my
“WOBI” Sponge Holder
Sponge Holder
Industrial Design

Ideation

Product Concept
Usage Development

Zero
A sponge holder that bring in joy and happiness Research
Design
to the kitchen. Evaluation

1 Month (2001)
www.orca.com.my
 Research Design
2003-2006 Orcadesign Consultants, Malaysia
Maclarenbaby Stroller Research Program
Identifying problems in existing baby strollers and defining
design oppotunities in baby strollers market
 Maclarenbaby Stroller Research Program Examples of research findings
Research Design
We also identified parent who left their baby stroller unattended for a few minutes because of inconveniency to
push in the baby stroller into the shops.
The objective of this program is to identify problems in existing baby
strollers and to find out design oppotunities in baby strollers. This
program enphasized on two (2) focuses, the product studies and
the users studies. The research material were used as New Product
Devlopment materials.

Research Process
Interviews On-site trials User Observations

We had discovered interesting usage of stroller and who are actually sitting on the stroller.

Product Trials Mechanism Studies Market Research

Who sit on the stroller?

Shopping Bag? Over Grown Kids? or Baby?
Product Studies Analysis

Zero
Research 2 Weeks (2004)
Design
Evaluation www.maclarenbaby.com
 Problem Identification
Parents who say NO to stroller due to the inconveniency of stroller in manuverable around
especially when they are traveling alone.

Parents who misused the stroller that might endangers the children who say in the stroller.

Creative parents who modified their own stroller or even design their own stroller that suit
their needs and the geographical climates.
Maclarenbaby Convertible Cot and Seat
A detachable seat module for an existing baby stroller
 Maclarenbaby Convertible Cot and Seat
Industrial Design

Convertible Cot and Seat (CCS) is a detachable module that allow it to be transformed from a Mockup (Ideation)
cot to seat in seconds, catering for a wider usage and for a longer period of time. This project Low-fidelity mockup in ideation stage that help to push the idea forward. Size (1:5)
start up with a new concept that was proposed by Maclarenbaby and we carried on the design
from the idea of converting cot to seat.
In this project, there are 2 major focuses:

1. mechanical design solutions

2. softgood design solutions (fabric & cushion design)

Convertible Cot and Seat Usage

Converting from Seat to Cot

Functional Mockup (Development)
Functional Mockup is essential in this products because it involved a lot of mechanism design. Size (1:1)

Unlock the side lock

and push the CCS Back
Rest from the bottom
till it change into Cot.

Converting from Cot to Seat

Released the safety

lock at the CCS Back Zero
Rest. The gravity force Research
helps to convert the Design
Evaluation
cot into seat.
3 Month (2005)
Collaboration with mechanical Team
Prototype
Mechcanical Design (Converting Cot to Seat)
After a few functional mockups and design evalutions, the design is send for prototyping. In this project, the
design was transfered back to the Maclarenbaby UK New Product Development Team for evaluation.

Releasing the Safety Lock Push the upper frame Push it till both side of the
locks snapped.

Softgood Design (Converting Seat to Cot)

Unbuttoning the 4 buttons on the side of the softgood of CCS.

Hold on to the top frame and let allowed CCS converts from Seat to Cot naturally with the help of gravitational force.
Product Design Identity
2003-2006 Orcadesign Consultants, Malaysia
PENSONIC Product Design Identity Product Design Identity (PDI)
Corporate Identity & Branding It is a value, an image, as well as a visual expression of the company and its brand through design, aiming to create a
desirable experience that happens between the user and the company

A Malaysia company named PENSONIC would like to have a facelift in their brand image. Due to the constrained of
time and resources, we’ve suggested them to do a PDI program specially on colours on their best selling product range,
kitchen appliances.

Zero Phase Research Phase Design Phase Evaluation Phase

Planning Setting up Colour Lab Analysis & Ideation Implemention

& Testing

Market Research Design screening

Zero Colours Interpretations & Finalising Colours

Research 4 months (2005)
Design Cultural Influences
Evaluation www.pensonic.com
Research Scopes
a. Colour Feelings & Emotion
b. Regional Studies (South East Asia)
c. Kitchenware + Kitchen Environment
d. Brand Image & Value
e. Electrical Appliances Competitors
(International & local brands)
f. Trends Studies (Collaborate with Clariant)
g. Target Users
 PENSONIC Product Design Identity
Corporate Identity & Branding

Proposed Colours Applications

In their products range, there are significantly divided into 2 editions,

1. The original edition

2. The limited edition for special launching or occasion.

For the original edition, we used try to work with pastel colours which are natural, comfortable, For the limited edition, we
soothing and suit very well with kitchen appliances. Pastel with some subtle vivid tone gives selected Maroon with Silver
the product a bit of highlights especially with the companion of white. because it is a distinctive and
exclusive combination.
Corporate Identity
2006 -2007 Graphic Design Freelancer
Astra Pharmaceutical
Corporate Identity
Astra Pharmaceutical
Corporate Identity
& Branding

Zero
Research
Design
Evaluation

3 Weeks (2006)
Graphic Design I
 Nice Print
Corporate Identity & Packaging Design
Nice Print
Corporate Identity
& Branding

Logo

Zero
Save 50-60% of your printing costs, align with your overhrad trimming strategy!
Research Clear printing, good quality, 100% product warranty,
Design and a good way to stay GREEN!
Evaluation

60 Hours (2007)
www.niceprint.net Cartridges Packaging Advertisement
Lotus Restaurant, Suzhou
Corporate Identity
Lotus Restaurant, Suzhou
Corporate Identity
& Branding

Logo Business Card

Zero
Research
Design
Evaluation

60 Hours (2006)
www.niceprint.net Menu
 Interaction Design
2006-2008 Umeå Institute Design, Umeå, Sweden
Design is a Game
Design reflection
 Design is a Game
Interaction Design
To transport the CUBE from “START” to “DEADLINE”
by shooting the puck at it
“Tick-Tock Time’s Up!”, a game was inspired by Danfoss (Micro-Drives) - the first team to complete this, WINS.
product manager who thinks that whole department is fighting with
time.

The game makes players aware of the important of time and the
importance of collaborations within teams to achieve the goal. It 1
also teaches the player to be open to what is done by others and
triggers a discussion afterwards about their experiences in the game
and everyday life.
“Time is very costly,”
he states and
continues to say Collaboration in University of Southern Denmark - Sønderborg
“and very big factor
to look at.”

Users Testing

Zero
Research
Design
Evaluation

5 Weeks (2006)
Collaborations with University of Southern Denmark - Sønderborg
 Intuitive Door
Sound, Form and Graphical Interpretation
 Intuitive Door
Interaction Design Intuitive Door Interface

Signing in with your

Door Unlocked Please Sign In Sign in Pad Door Bell & Intercom Devices detected
personal signature.
user appoaching.

New designed sounds are incorperate into these interfaces the to make the whole device
more intuitive and friendly.
//Link to User Interface
RFID
Tag User with RFID Tag

The design of the

device guide user
to push like an
handle and once the
user pushed it, is a
doorbell.
Devices detected user appoaching. User Sign in. Code Accepted, door unlocked.

User without RFID Tag

Door Bell connected to

the receptionist.

User without RFID tag approaching and try to Door bell heard and Door unlocked by
open the door by pushing the door handle. connected to the receptionist
receptionist
With RFID Tag, the device can auto-detect //Link to Product Demo - With RFID Tag Zero
Research
whenever an user with the RFID Tag is //Link to Product Demo - without RFID Tag Design
Evaluation
approaching.
3 Weeks (2007)
Collaborations with MA Product Design
Ambient (Musical Visualiser)
A multi layering information project; giving priority in
information layering...
 Ambient (Musical Visualiser)
Interaction Design

A display that visualises the architecture of sound and projects the mood based on the
music that is playing in the living environment. Ambient the musical visualiser was inspired
by the Music Genome Project which capture the essence of music at the most fundamental
level.

Community that listening

to the same music channel

Time
Song Information:
1. Song Title Coming
2. Artist Tracks
3. Album
4. Year
Current
Playing
Track
Event Information Colours and Mood of
the Genre of the Music
Previous
Tracks

Melody Orchestration Vocal Percussion

Harmony Intrumentation Rich of Vocal
Rhythm Harmony

Zero
Research
Design
Evaluation
Link to example 5 Weeks (2007)
“Stretch Your Body” with Nada
A research program comparing 8 others mobile phone
brand identity with panda
 “Stretch Your Body” with Nada
Interaction Design
“Tap-tap” File Sharing Platform
In this virtual files of sharing, the tangible interactivity between each other become invisible
“Stretch Your Body” with Nada is an exercise that was carried out with Tellarts. It was designed and sharing activities have dimmed gradually.
to use Nada Sketchtools with MAKE controller, an asssortment of sensors, Nada software and
Flash actionscripts. This design allows people to share their files through network by simply tapping the side
of the screen. The shared files will fly through the screen of the sender to the screen of the
During the exercise, three projects were developed during this exercise with Heewon Lee and receiver.
Jannes Peters.

MAC platform

NADA Sketchtools
1, Mac Mini
RFID 2, Make Controller (analog and
digital converter kit)
inputs 3, Phidgets RFID Reader
MAKE 4, An assortment of sensors, motors, //Link to design demo
controller lights, fans, servos, and RFID tags
5, NADA software and Live Manual
6, Flash 8 Software Approximately Sensor : to identify the location of the user’s hand relatively to the
outputs files location of the screen
Touch Sensors : to trigger the sending signals
MAKE Controller : links the computer and sensors as a platform

Zero
Research 5 Days (2007)
Design
Evaluation www.sketchtools.com
 “Stretch Your Body” with Nada
Interaction Design

“Stretch it “ health monitor “Drink me” reminder

“Stretch it” is an health monitor that reminds users to do some daily exercise in their computer “Drink me” reminder is designed to remind the computer user to drink more water.
work routine.
This device just looks like an ordinary cup coaster but it is embeded with a pressure sensor.
The computer screen will shrink down after 2 hours of non-stop work as a reminder to the user It records the weight changes of the cup over time. From time to time, a pop up screen
that they need to take a break and exercise. To resume the screen, the user is forced to pull the appears on the monitor, “It is time to drink water!”.
stretching tool with a friend. If a juicer is connected, the system will activate it once the exercise
is completed.

//Link to design demo //Link to design demo

Pressure sensors : embedded in the handle to simulate the pulling actions Pressure Sensors : embedded under the coaster to weigh the glass
Motors : lab-made fruit juicer (the amount of the water)
Make Controller : links the computer and sensors as a platform Make Controller : links the computer and sensors as a platform
“Happy Feet” the music floor
Experience prototyping project with the objective of
build, test, build, test and build...
 “Happy Feet” the music floor
Interaction Design B.O.M list
2x Laptops 192x LEDs
2x Speakers 24x Pressure sensors
“Happy Feet” is a luminous music player that could be played by 1x Power supply 24x 100k Ohm resistors
anyone. In this project, we intended to explore the integration 2x Keyboard Emulators 2x 100 Ohm resistors
between dance steps with digital interactivity, in this case with 2x Arduino Boards 4x ULN2003 chips
sounds and lights. 24x Tiles A lot of wires

// Link to demo
This project was carried out over 12 working days with the approach
of prototype early and prototype more. We nearly spent 80% of our
time in prototyping, testing and trouble shooting.

Zero
Research
Design
Evaluation
12 Days (2007)
 “Happy Feet” the music floor
Interaction Design

HOW WE WORK?

Trial and error Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Development Day 6

Finding ideas and exploration Sourcing for Materials Arduino with processing and More experiments and Hacking an electronic Piano to Using PhidgetLED 64 to create
Flash (matching hardware & building our own pressure get some sounds the luminous effects
software) sensors

Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Production Day 10 Day 11 Day 12

Facing lots of difficulties with New attempt with Arduino Using ULN 2003 chip as a switch Production starts (duplicating Production continue (sub- The final assembly
the hacked piano system using flash actionscripts with to allow external power supply the code, physical parts, assembles the parts)
keyboard emulator to power the LEDs soldering, wiring...)
Airport as an Interface
Shaping a Pleasure Departure
 Airport as an Interface
Interaction Design

The Airport as an Interface is a 8 weeks group project with Stina

Jonsson and Paula Segura, in collaboration with Umeå Airport.

The goal was to create an user experience, considering the airport

as an interface to the city of Umeå. We also aimed to give the airport
some ideas for the future reconstruction.

User Observations & Shadowing Interviewing Grounded Theory

The final design is based on eight weeks of ethnographically

inspired methods such as User Observations, Ethnomethodology,
Grounded Theory and Participatory Design.

The concept is declined in four parts: an interactive floor guide, a Participatory Design (i) Participatory Design (ii) Participatory Design (iii)
culture cube, a motion detector OLED information on tables and
some arrivals, departures and gate screens. dscreens.

Zero
Research
Design 8 Weeks (2007)
Evaluation
www.lfv.se
 Airport as an Interface
Interaction Design

Shadowing (Research sample) Grounded Theory

It is a well known fact that there often is a discrepancy between what people say
they do and what they actually do. In light of this, we decided to shadow and film
behavior as well as interview the travellers. Shadowing and then interviewing the
same individuals would provide us with a deeper and more complex understanding
of how the airport is being used.
This part of the research was very much inspired by Grounded Theory with the less strict
version that is connected with Glaser (1998). The aim of Grounded Theory is to discover
the theory implicit in the data. You start with data collection which we did by shadowing
and filming and by interviewing. The next step is the coding.

Link to
research
video
 Airport as an Interface
Interaction Design

Joakim
(student)
Quotes from
Interviews
Sara & Lena
(scientists)
Interview
Austrians
(engineer) Hypothesis
Coding Memoing (Design Design
Henricksson
Footage from Opportunities)
Family Shadowings
Shadowing
Umeå
Man

Sony Ericsson’s Sales

(Foreigners)

Grounded Theory Participatory Design

 Airport as an Interface
Interaction Design
Participatory Design (PD)
We had two participatory design sessions at which nine
travellers and seven design students participated. For the
first session we decided to divide the group into two groups.
PD -1 is “the white room” which included role playing and
body storming.
PD -2 is “the mini airport”. Is it a miniature model group, made
a 3D collage about how they wanted the new departure hall to
be. The could draw on the plan of the airport, cut and paste from
magazines, hang signs in the ceiling and use play-doh to make
furniture.
PD -3 is “the departure hall”. For this session we took ideas
from the first two sessions ideas and build a departure hall with
lo-fi & wizard of oz techniques to allow people to experience the
environment. A discussion is held after this session to discuss
about the pros and cons or each idea.
 cultural cube
The cultural cube is a collaboration between the airport and the library, supporting
the project of getting Umeå elected European cultural capital 2014. It gives travellers a
nice way to spend time in transit by listening to sounds, music, books and facts about
Umeå. They can bring a bit of Umeå culture with them on their journey afterwards, by
downloading from the cube on their pendrive.

// Link to demo
 interactive floor guide
Although Umeå City Airport is a small place, signage is a must have and it presents an
opportunity to create an innovative experiences out of the ordinary.
Inspiration comes from the nerves of the leaf but it is also an attempt to reduce the
information overload by only showing the information to people who need it.

// Link to demo
 Info screen and gate screen
Time passing is displayed using Storytelling. Complementing the accurate
clock, birch leaves fall smoothly one by one, during the last ten minutes
before boarding. The leaves are of course also a connection to “The City of
Birches”. It gives to passengers a calm feeling.

// Link to demo

At least 60% or the students.

 motion detect OLED information
Keeping the essential airport information close to the travellers when they are
in transit at Umeå City Airport is one of the important parts of the new airport
experience. Nervous double checks of flight time or gates are no longer needed.
Passengers can relax and enjoy their time in the departure area.

// Link to demo
Connect the Unconnected
“Connect” the “Unconnected”?
 Nokia Only Planet
Interaction Design
This project spread over 10 weeks and resulted into a
documentary about the “unconnected” community from
the massive digital communication network.

IMMIGRANTS
their aspirsations and their stories
It started up in a group of three and after 2 weeks of “A man’s reach must exceed his grasp...
research, we proceed into our own direction. In our
or what’s a heaven for?”
research wedecided to look back at our own cultures,
and try to find a common ground to three of them. - Robert Browning

“Conventional” What is communication? Visual Memories The “Malaysian Way”

Zero
Research
Communication What is non-verbal
Design 10 Weeks (2008) Methods communication Who is the unconnected?
Evaluation www.nokia.com
reflection | role playing | brainstorming | interviews | mock-up | user testing | shadowing | observation | documenting | video editing |
brainstorming | interviews story telling | wizard of oz reflection | decision making exploration | interview sharing | reflection

In my project journey, I had experienced a totally different design route.

Instead of continuing in design, I moved on with more research.
New information, new sight, new exposure and new aspiration strike.
 Nokia Only Planet
Interaction Design
A day with Anthony Chu User experience Visiting the Immigrants Accomodation
A stronger insight has extended the limits (the photographer) (the immigrants with the camera) In Melaka, Malaysia
in design from a design solution into a
documentary.

More interviews and observations were

carried out with the immigrants. The
intention was to comprehend their social
contacts as immigrants in Malaysia. On the
other hand, shadowing Anthony Chu had
become part of the plan to grasp further
his daily contribution to them.

This project went through various phases

of design. From ideation to development
till refinement, but after the user testing
exercise, instead of proposing a design
solution which at that stage was not
mature, a decision of continuing the Message from Home The Postcard Camera Concept
search was made. Although the project
(Nepal to Malaysia) (Story telling)
requirements were not met with the
deliverables of documentaries but it has
definitely gave me a clearer insight of CLICK on the images to play videos.
immigrants life and expanded my view.

The last 4 weeks of my project had Read more about this project:
changed my design vision and questioned
my personal positioning in design. Project Blog
The Malaysia Ways
My Experience (Project Report)
 Green Umeå
Make sustainability a living community
 Green Umeå
Interaction Design Research Focus
Waste
As a final examination, the students of Master in Interaction Design Dec Preliminary Management
Operating
programme have to develop a project in co-operation with a basic understanding about the subject System
company, demonstrating their skills as interaction designers. This plan - time, budget, collaborators
project lasts about 20 weeks starting from 21 January till 4 June
2008.
Jan Research
collect, sort & analyse data
identify problems and design opportunities The Process
(Behind the
scene)

Feb Ideation
use the inspirations from the research to
generate ideas lot of sketchy ideas

Mar Development The Process

(User
use the inspirations from the research to experience)
generate ideas lot of sketchy ideas

Photo by: B Tal

Apr Refinement
improve and refine the design
I am an Interaction Design Master Student with a professional constrains implementation
background as a Research Designer for 4 years. I have always been Waste
interested in the environmental topic. I will take this project as Management
Information
an opportunity to explore “What could be the role of Interaction
Design in Sustainability? ” May Delivery
build final design mockup or prototype
final presentation
Zero
Research
Design
Evaluation
20 Weeks (2008)
Visiting sites
and interviewing
professionals
Shadowing,
Observing and
Interviewing users
Problem Identification
To have a clearer view, I have devided the recycling route into three
different zones,
1. recycling at home
2. the journey from home to recycling center
3. at the recycling center
Proper waste management needs efforts, extra knowledge
and is very time consuming.

Results are not prominent, facilities are not well maintained

and community contributions are not appreciated.

What if...
recycling becomes enjoyable
information is in the air
recycling is a lifestyle
someone say thanks

The design challenge of the following phases are to

make sustainable a living community in Umeå

This project is still on going till 5th June 2008...

Example of Research Video at iLRecycling

Link to Mid Presentation

 Skills
& Strength
Curriculum Vitae

Skills
Softwares Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign Languages English, Chinese and Malay (Advance)
Adobe Premiere Element French & Swedish (Beginner)
Macromedia Flash and Freehand
Microsoft Word and Powerpoint Strength Strong in Design Process & Methodology
Sound Software - Audacity Strong in Research, Documentation and Presentation
ProEngineer Strong Coordinating, Planning & Organizing Skill
Innovative & Creative
Responsible & Self Initiatives
Hardware Make Controller with Nada
Problem Analytical Skill
Phidgets
Work great in Team & Individually
Arduino
Electronics

Knowledge Experience Prototyping - Low Fidelity and High Fidelity Prototyping Thanks for viewing.
Electronics with sensors and controller (with flash actionscripts)
Design Research - Grounded Theory, Participatory Design, Shadowing
Design Research - New Product Development and Trend Studies
Video Documentary
Short Movie Making
You Le, Chong (Malaysia)
Branding and Product Design Identity
chongyoule@gmail.com
Project Management
Interactive Presentation +46 73 031 00 85
Pedagoggränd 1C:15
SE-907 30, Umeå, Sweden