Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dennis Tsai. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dennis, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
One of the biggest trends in industrial design right now is the integration of AI-driven generative design.
A few months ago, I visited a design studio working on a next-generation electric bike. Traditionally, the design team would spend weeks sketching, prototyping, and testing frame designs—iterating through countless variations. But this time, they fed parameters like weight distribution, material constraints, and aerodynamics into a generative AI tool. Within hours, the software produced hundreds of optimized designs, some with organic, lattice-like structures that no human would have intuitively conceived. The final frame was not only lighter and stronger but also used 20% less material, reducing both cost and environmental impact.
Generative design is transforming how we approach problem-solving in industrial design. By leveraging AI, designers can explore vast solution spaces quickly, uncovering innovative forms and efficiencies that push the boundaries of traditional manufacturing. This trend isn’t replacing designers; it’s augmenting them. The best outcomes happen when AI handles brute-force computation while humans guide creativity and real-world applicability.
Dennis, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As an industrial designer at a leading consumer electronics company, I craft objects that merge beauty and utility—products designed to inspire desire while enriching everyday life. My work thrives at the intersection of disciplines, collaborating with engineering, product management, and marketing to transform insights from user research, market trends, and emerging technologies into meaningful innovation. With a holistic perspective, I consider not just individual products but entire ecosystems, ensuring seamless harmony between hardware and software. My deep understanding of manufacturing grounds my creativity, allowing me to bridge vision and reality—turning ideas into tangible objects that people can hold, use, and cherish.
In an era defined by rapidly evolving experiences, I remain attuned to the subtle ways people interact with technology, observing how design shapes behavior and emotion. By staying receptive to change and distilling insights from the world around me, I strive to create not just products, but meaningful connections—elevating the human experience through thoughtful, intentional design.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is to create products that can bring benefits millions of people around the world. It is a joy to see people using objects I designed.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Getting design awards definitely help with reputation within the industry but the most important thing is to be down to earth and have a open mind when working with other designers. This is a small industry, so words spread fast. A little goes a long way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dennis-tsai.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tsaidennis/
Image Credits
Chen Hsuan (Dennis) Tsai