In the fourth chapter of our Storefront Chats designer interview series, we spoke with Qiu Xia, the designer behind JiJianWu—a collectible porcelain series that weaves heritage into every curve.

Read on as we explore how secular stories inspire the journey from idea to prototype, with each piece of porcelain capturing cultural heritage — as shared by Qiu Xia, an alumna of NUS Industrial Design.

1. How do you maintain your creative energy?

To me, creativity isn’t merely about delivering surprises, it’s about deeply understanding a problem and crafting thoughtful solutions from that insight. A good design doesn’t just catch the audience off guard; it creates experiences that feel natural, seamless, and genuinely effective.

I maintain my creative energy by staying curious, immersing myself in art and design exhibitions to stay updated on current design trends. Travelling during breaks also plays a big role in exposing myself to different cultures and broadening my perspectives.

2. Where do you usually draw inspiration from when starting on a new project?

I often draw inspiration from my surroundings and personal experiences. When a project centers on interaction and user experience, I start by reflecting on how I’ve engaged with similar products in the past. For instance, if I’m designing an app homepage, I think about the apps I use daily. Paying attention to their interactions, gestures, and overall user experience to spark ideas and inform my approach.

3. What is JiJianWu about?

It’s a  meaningful piece representative of my culture.

JiJianWu is established on the topic of Feng Shui. With my little knowledge about this topic, extensive research and readings were required before I could begin ideating. I would read through papers to understand the foundations of the subject which included things like ancient and modern day theories, how it has evolved over time, and how it is perceived in a contemporary context. 

This exploration led to five collectible porcelain pieces in the JiJianWu collection: Ma, Pi Xiu, Hu Lu, Qi Lin, and Jin Chan.

4. Can you walk us through your typical design process, from initial concept to the final product of Ji Jian Wu?

The process began with thorough research to build a deep understanding of the subject matter I was working with. This involved both primary research, like in-depth readings, and secondary research such as surveys and interviews to gain insights into my target users. Once all the information was gathered, I analyzed the findings to extract key insights and identify potential opportunities.

In the ideation phase, I began exploring possible directions for the final deliverables. This stage also involved additional research—particularly into competitor products and manufacturing considerations. (e.g material, size etc to ensure the feasibility and uniqueness of the concept)

After ideation, I started to look into prototyping and creating these products into something tangible with the aims of gathering feedback from users for further enhancements. 

The final stage focused on enhancing the design based on user feedback ensuring the product was ready for final delivery.

5. How do you see your work evolving in the future? 

I’m currently seeking opportunities to expand my collection, as there’s still so much to explore within the layers of Chinese superstitions and culture. In the future, I hope to continue interpreting these elements through various formats. (e.g. in the form of everyday objects or through digital experiences)

6. If there’s one advice you would like to give to aspiring designers, what would it be?

Don’t be limited by conventional thinking. The key factor for an impactful design is to fully understand your subject and connect with your audiences.

Perfect for decorating home and living spaces, all pieces from the JiJianWu collection are available for purchase through Greydient Store.