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How Design Enables Industry Innovation Six Case Studies Showing How Design Drives Industrial Transformation

Catalogue Introduction

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Kamaro’an Co., Ltd.

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WOO Collective

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Pro-Iroda Industries, Inc.

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Kimu Design

��

YSTUDIO

��

Hwa Meei Optical Co., Ltd.

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Conclusion

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Introduction Amid the waves of digital transformation and intensifying global competition,

design

longer

merely

aesthetic

embellishment, but a core driver of enterprise innovation.

To accelerate innovation and transformation of Taiwan’s industries through design-centric approaches, the Industrial Development Administration of the Ministry of Economic Aﬀairs launched“Industrial Design-Driven Innovation”(IDDI), executed

by the Taiwan Design Research Institute. Targeting primarily the

“design service industry”and the“manufacturing industry,”the

program positions design thinking as the strategic foundation, bringing together cross-disciplinary design teams to craft tailored innovation roadmaps for enterprises. Through this process, companies are supported in advancing product innovation, business model upgrades, and brand transformation.

This publication presents six representative IDDI demonstration cases, analyzed from a strategic perspective to reveal how

companies leverage design as a breakthrough tool to uncover new growth

opportunities

amid

market

challenges.

systematically examining each company’s design integration

process and key strategies, we can clearly see: how design meaningfully

intervenes,

creates

measurable

generates long-term momentum for transformation.

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impact,

and

In each IDDI case, the core strategies are categorized into four key dimensions:

· R&D and Innovation: Modularization, development process optimization, production and manufacturing, element integration, and material innovation

· Collaborative Networks: Expert consultation, designer exchange, joint development, discussions with processing partners, and integration of local experience

· Impact Expansion: International collaboration, global design awards, patent applications, overseas channels, and promotional exhibitions

· Market Strategy: Market pre-testing, market validation, customer interviews, market diﬀerentiation, and brand positioning

As shown in the diagram below, these four dimensions form the strategic framework driving the IDDI program. Each project touches on diﬀerent dimensions throughout its

implementation, and radar charts illustrating the intensity of engagement across these dimensions are presented in the respective case studies.

Modularization

Expert consultation

Ｍaterial innovation

Joint development

Production and Manufacturing

Designer exchange

Market diﬀerentiation

Mar

IDDI Design Strategy

Market pre-testing

sio n

R&D

Discussions with processing partners

Collab ora tiv

orks etw eN

Development process optimization

i on vat no

te g

E ct

Element integration

I m pa

Integration of local experience

International collaboration Global design awards Patent applications

Market validation Customer interviews

Brand positioning

Overseas channels

Promotional exhibitions

▲ IDDI Design Strategy Map

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Design-Driven Craft Innovation and the Deepening of Cultural Value

Kamaro’an House, a Taiwanese Indigenous craft design brand (hereafter“Kamaro’an”), launched its IDDI project with targeting craft culture, material development, and international market promotion. Since March

��, the brand has carried out a series of experiments and practices, ranging from documenting traditional crafts and innovating in material technologies to product design and trial production, to integrate the

expertise of local manufacturing partners and explore the balance between traditional craft and mass production, generating outcomes that create both cultural meaning and market value. The project focuses on three major design applications:

�.Sustainable Innovation: Developing sustainable craft textiles with innovative techniques to expand their range of applications.

�.Technical Upgrading: Elevating the brand’s design and

R&D and Innovation

Collaborative Networks

Market Strategy

Impact Expansion

production capabilities to strengthen product diﬀerentiation and market competitiveness.

�.Cultural Deepening: Integrating cultural documentation with

craft application to enhance brand identity and open up high-value markets both domestically and internationally.

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Local Design, Entering International Stage through Stories of the Land

Through the IDDI program, Kamaro’an developed two types of craft textiles and two types of woven craft

bands, and further designed three products along

with their deratives. A major highlight lies in the application of natural dyeing techniques, using plant-based dyes such as betel nut and yam root to

create new fabrics that embody both environmental consciousness and cultural depth. The woven bands

incorporate locally sourced materials such as ramie, showcasing

experimental

results

that

blend

traditional ﬁbers with contemporary craftsmanship.

In terms of brand strategy, with support from an international advisory team, Kamaro’an reﬁned its development

focus

segments,

planned

craftsmanship,

and

around

targeting

culture

high-value

promotional

and

customer

initiatives

centered on immersive exhibitions and cultural

storytelling. Through this project, Kamaro’an further strengthened its brand identity and positioned itself

as a model of craft excellence and cultural continuity in the global design market.

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Guided by IDDI, A Win‒Win Path for Culture and Commerce With the support of the IDDI program, Kamaro’an gained critical resources for material innovation, product development, and cultural documentation, which enabed the brand to integrate culturally signiﬁcant local elements, such as natural plant dyes and ramie, into product

design, enhancing product uniqueness, elevating technical sophistication, and expanding the overall product portfolio. Through strategic reviews and market insights provided by international

advisors, Kamaro’an ﬁne-tuned its approach for its relatively specialized audience, ensuring that the brand’s spirit is communicated with precision. This, in turn, strengthened the competitiveness of its craft design and cultural depth within the commercial market.

The newly developed plant-dyed textiles and craft products have also attracted attention in Japan and Europe, reﬂecting strong international interest in sustainability and cultural value, as well as their commercial viability. By transforming local cultural foundations into market-ready oﬀerings, the project helped channel cultural documentation and craft knowledge back to Indigenous

communities to foster a positive cycle, becoming a representative case of cultural design practice.

Weaving the Future, Kamaro’an’s Ongoing Design Journey

Looking ahead, Kamaro’an will continue to make

cultural communication the core of its brand strategy, developing

distinctive

proprietary

textiles

and

advancing tool reﬁnement and material R&D to enable the eﬀective mass production of traditional crafts such

as hand weaving. Once a stable production system is established,

the

brand

aims

pursue

deeper

collaborations with international partners, bringing its

craft philosophy to the global market and shaping a Taiwanese design brand that embodies both strong cultural identity and international potential.

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From Tin to Glass, Introducing New Product Styles WOO Collective, renowned for its tin products, has been selected as a gift for foreign dignitaries by

the Presidential Office.“�� Coffee Tasting Glass”marks the company’s first entry into the coffee

market. Through the IDDI program, and by adopting a modular and strategic development approach, WOO Collective successfully launched the new brand BraveHeart along with its star product, the ��

Coﬀee Tasting Glass. The cup’s smooth mass production and strong consumer appeal reﬂect the synergy between WOO Collective’s expertise and the strategic guidance provided by the IDDI program.

The project focuses on three major design applications:

�.Product Expansion: Moving from tin products to coﬀee utensils, broadening both application scenarios and market reach.

R&D and Innovation

Collaborative Networks

Market Strategy

Impact Expansion

�.System Development: Implementing a modular R&D

process to improve internal design and management eﬃciency.

�.Brand Upgrading: Leveraging strategic planning to create a new brand image and sales model, opening the

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path for diversiﬁed growth.

From Zero to One, Establishing a Modular Development System

During the project, WOO Collective expanded from wine-tasting tools into the �� Coffee Tasting Glass, entering a market with completely different positioning and target consumers. The primary mission of the IDDI program was to help the company navigate budgeting, sales strategy, and business model development—transforming a “good product” into a “successful commercial item.”Over the course of the year-long project, in addition to leveraging a strong team of designers to carry the cup from concept through design, iteration, and successful crowdfunding under tight deadlines, IDDI also required regular update of the “Design Log,” which played a crucial role. By systematically documenting daily R&D activities, the team ensured that the design process stayed aligned with the project timeline, development goals, and commercial requirements. The design concept for the �� Coffee Tasting Glass had been shelved for years until the IDDI program provided the framework to activate it. Following the step-by-step indicators established by IDDI, the design timeline was cut in half compared to previous product development cycles. With just two months dedicated to pre-crowdfunding preparation, the product achieved remarkable results, becoming the fastest-developed and market-launched item in the brand’s history. Its crowdfunding performance also ranked among the top three of all WOO Collective products.

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Partnering with IDDI to Unlock the Value of Design Services Through the IDDI program’s rigorous yet ﬂexible guidance, WOO Collective established a sustainable product development process that improved design and R&D eﬃciency while building long-term innovation capacity within the team. For a designer-led brand with mature design capabilities and a lean structure, this system proved highly practical and scalable.

From an industry-wide perspective, the strategies introduced by IDDI not only help companies create

products with strong market potential but also guide them in building duplicable institutional foundations. Design thus evolves from expression of a single product into a core tool driving business

models. By institutionalizing the development process, design becomes a critical force for industrial innovation and brand growth, providing small and medium-sized creative teams with stable and sustainable momentum for development.

Entering Everyday Life, Expanding New Dimensions of Brand Design WOO

Collective

will

continue

focus

lines

and

“innovating the taste experience”as the core of its brand,

expanding

both

product

application scenarios. Following the successful

market introduction of the Aroma Flavor Cup, the team is currently developing a lightweight version to meet a broader range of everyday needs. At the

same time, WOO Collective plans to venture into

physical retail spaces, actively seeking to establish WOO Table cafés. By integrating products and

space, the brand aims to extend its presence in the lifestyle

market

and

strengthen

connections with consumers.

emotional

Looking ahead, guided by a design-driven strategy,

WOO Collective will continue to explore the

intersection of design and taste experiences, shaping a multifaceted lifestyle brand.

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Opening New Frontiers, IDDI as the Catalyst Uniting Three Domains Led by Pro-Iroda Industries, Inc. (hereafter“Pro-Iroda”), in collaboration with TAIWA Precise Technique

(hereafter“TAIWA”) and GlobalSense Inc. (hereafter“GlobalSense”), an interdisciplinary team spanning manufacturing, design, and international marketing applied for the IDDI program to jointly develop the

“FlameStage” series of biomass-based, safe, and clean ﬂame products. Through this three-way

collaboration, the team established a concurrent engineering process covering product planning, design, manufacturing, and marketing deployment. Breaking from the traditional model of

manufacturers outsourcing tasks, this equal partnership allowed all parties to deﬁne shared goals, pool resources, and ultimately enter international markets. This collaborative model maximized the

expertise of each partner, enhancing design value and commercial ﬂexibility, and showcased the collaborative strength of Team Taiwan.

The project focuses on three major design applications:

�.Cross-Disciplinary Co-Creation of Product Innovation:

Combining manufacturing, design, and marketing expertise to develop

products

that

are

aesthetically

appealing,

environmentally friendly, and technologically advanced. �.Design-Oriented concurrent

Development

engineering

and

System:

design-driven

Collaborative Networks

Market Strategy

Impact Expansion

Implementing development

processes to elevate the product development capabilities of the manufacturing sector.

�.Expanding Global Market Visibility: Leveraging international marketing strategies and e-commerce analytics to enter markets in Japan, Thailand, China, and Central and South America, strengthening the brand’s international presence.

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R&D and Innovation

Innovative Green Energy, Igniting a New Realm of Flame Aesthetics

The “FlameStage” series centers on clean energy technologies, oﬀering a variety of ﬂame

products including ﬁreplaces, tabletop heaters, camping torches, and igniters, combining aesthetic appeal, practicality, and customizable ﬂexibility. The products integrate innovative

ﬂame technology with biomass energy, paired with optimized manufacturing processes, responding to global trends in energy conservation, carbon reduction, and green energy, and creating a lifestyle-oriented ﬂame aesthetic.

Each professional team in the project played its role while supporting one another: the

manufacturer Pro-Iroda leveraged its technology foundation of over �� patents to transform

industrial products into applications for leisure and lifestyle settings; partner TAIWA Precise Technique applied its �� years of sheet metal processing experience to shift from order-based production to a concurrent development process, gradually enhancing design understanding

and product quality; GlobalSense was responsible for market research and marketing planning, bringing cross-cultural market insights to help the team establish product positioning and a ﬂexible integrated promotional framework, ensuring eﬀective connection to international

markets; the design team Champing Corporation linked all processes and areas of expertise, facilitating smooth and consistent cross-disciplinary collaboration.

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Industrial Upgrade, Design Empowering Manufacturing

Participation in the IDDI program prompted deep internal transformations at Pro-Iroda and TAIWA Precise Technique. The design departments, which had previously focused mainly on appearance

optimization and structural design, began to reexamine the core values of their brands and products after introducing external design and marketing collaboration. Gradually, design functions were integrated into product development and decision-making processes, evolving from a supporting role

into a key unit in R&D strategy. Through this process, Pro-Iroda completed a ﬁeld transformation, expanding from industrial equipment into home lifestyle applications while strengthening brand

value communication; TAIWA transitioned from a traditional OEM model to a collaborative design role with R&D capabilities, enhancing both design involvement and product value.

Externally, the project established a model of cross-disciplinary collaboration among design, manufacturing, and marketing teams, demonstrating that design is no longer merely decorative but a critical driver of service strategy and market positioning. With e-commerce insights and market

analysis provided by GlobalSense, products were developed in close alignment with real-world usage scenarios and consumer needs. This shift illustrates how design in manufacturing can evolve from an added function to a core driving force, expanding the role of design in industrial upgrading.

A Strong Alliance, “FlameStage”Igniting the International Market

Looking ahead, the “FlameStage” product series will

expand into Japan, Thailand, China, and Central and South

America with the support of GlobalSense, extending the brand’s global presence. TAIWA Precise Technique will also

continue to leverage the organizational improvements achieved through this design integration, collaborating with Champing Corporation to launch a new round of design

upgrades, further strengthening R&D and brand capabilities under the IDDI framework.

Both parties plan to elevate the strategic role of design and share resources continuously, driving the manufacturing industry

from

contract

production

toward

brand

development and realizing a business model upgrade that integrates technology, design, and marketing.

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A Turn to Design, Lauching the Brand’s Second Growth Curve Kimu Design (hereafter“Kimu”) originally focused on lighting, furniture, and home décor products. In ��, in response to market changes, the company initiated a brand transformation toward commercial

space product development and applied for the IDDI program. Centered on the strategies of“Research,”

“Connection,”and“Development,”the program enabled Kimu to explore the potential of expanding

from lifestyle products into commercial space applications. With the support of program resources, the

team was able to conduct in-depth interviews and exchanges to better understand the market landscape, focus on target user needs, and optimize product and service strategies, laying the foundation for the brand’s second growth curve.

The project focuses on three major design applications: �.Commercial

Market-Oriented

market

strategies

Transformation:

Conducting in-depth research on target users to develop entry

for

strengthening brand positioning. �.Cross-Disciplinary Development:

commercial

Connections

Engaging

with

and

commercial

spaces,

space

adaptability and collaboration opportunities. Model

Innovation:

Integrating

ﬁlm

placements, IP collaborations, and trade show resources to drive a B�B�C co-branding → exposure → sales model.

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Collaborative Networks

Market Strategy

Impact Expansion

Product

designers, distributors, and key users to enhance product �.Business

R&D and Innovation

Moving Forward with a Three-Pronged Approach: Understanding, Empowering, and Crossing Boundaries With the support of the IDDI program, Kimu

successfully launched the “Churros” lighting

series, combining strong design aesthetics with scalability and ease of maintenance, enabling smooth entry into the commercial market. To meet the diverse needs of commercial space

designers and related businesses, Kimu employed brand

co-creation

and

cross-industry

collaboration strategies, crafting products that balance quality and functionality. The team also

optimized the development process, eﬀectively reducing trial-and-error losses while expanding the product lineup. Beyond

expanded

local

into

partnerships,

international

Kimu

actively

markets.

participating in global trade shows, leveraging

successful product placements in ﬁlms, and collaborating on cross-border IP projects, the

brand established connections with international

audiovisual platforms and distributors. This strategy increased brand visibility, touchpoints, and usage scenarios, while pioneering a B�B�C

“Co-Branding → Exposure → Sales” business model extending from its original B�C operations.

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Advancing Research and Innovation, IDDI as a Brand Development Accelerator

From a corporate perspective, the IDDI program enabled Kimu to establish a“market-driven” product development mechanism, allowing the team to focus on expanding products for commercial spaces while integrating design and business operations. Through in-depth interviews and feedback testing, product lines were no longer guided solely by brand aesthetics

but could respond to actual spatial needs, improving both functionality and market

acceptance. The overall brand communication strategy became more focused, eﬀectively enhancing recognition and collaboration success.

From an industry perspective, following the launch of the Churros series, Kimu collaborated

with multiple commercial venues, including the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Volando (Taitung FuNature), and Moonlight at Night. By connecting with commercial space designers, exhibition activities, and cross-industry brands, Kimu demonstrated ﬂexible application and strong integration capabilities. This collaborative model further strengthened the potential of design

as a language for industry communication and provided a market-oriented example of brand transformation for Taiwan’s spatial design sector.

Worldwide Deployment, Connecting to the Global Design Stage The IDDI program helped Kimu accelerate the achievement of its goals, establishing a more eﬀective integration path between design and business. Moving forward, Kimu plans to expand its network and advance into international markets, aiming to participate in design exhibitions

and physical events in Thailand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and other locations. With

these strategic steps, the brand seeks to steadily establish itself on the global design stage and become a representative force for Taiwanese design.

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From First to Only, Embarking on a Brand Transformation Journey YSTUDIO has built a premium stationery brand centered on the theme of“the warmth of writing,” establishing its identity through copper-cast fountain pens and writing-themed activities such as“The Distance to a Dream: From Vision to Daily Devotion”and“A Letter to the Unspoken Words”to deepen

its brand spirit. However, with changes in consumer behavior and communication methods, relying solely on oﬄine marketing was no longer suﬃcient to support brand expansion.

Through in-depth discussions with the IDDI committee, the team re-evaluated its brand strategy, adjusting online communication method and content. This led to a more than ��% increase in online search visibility and a notable growth in media exposure. The project focuses on three major design applications:

�.Brand Research and Repositioning: Conducting surveys

and interviews to clarify brand strengths and challenges, adjusting market communication strategies, and establishing the spirit of “empowering contemporary meaning through design.”

R&D and Innovation

Collaborative Networks

Market Strategy

Impact Expansion

�.Integrated Digital Marketing Deployment: Optimizing

website structure and search rankings, implementing social media strategies, and expanding brand touchpoints.

�.Sustainable Material Development: Promoting innovative

applications of recycled ﬁshing nets and eco-friendly copper,

moving from experimentation to commercialization to realize sustainable design and facilitate industry connections.

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With a Focus on Brand Positioning, Confirming the Value of“Design Power” YSTUDIO operates both its own brand and design services. Facing challenges such as weak connections between brand communication and service proposals and unclear standards, the team used the IDDI program to drive brand repositioning, implementing an action strategy of“focusing on core spirit.” Through quantitative analysis of �� surveys and in-depth interviews with users, agents, and retail points, the team clearly defined the brand’s core spirit as“pursuing pure essence and empowering contemporary meaning through design.”Based on this, YSTUDIO built a cross-disciplinary design team to provide design services for diverse clients, strengthening its design capabilities. Simultaneously, the team optimized brand communication interfaces, integrating website SEO and social media strategies. In consultation with the IDDI committee, they adjusted execution methods and resource allocation to make communication more aligned with target audiences. On this foundation, YSTUDIO advanced several experimental and sustainability-oriented design initiatives, showcasing the brand’s ability of interdisciplinary integration and practical innovation. First, in collaboration with the Hibāng, YSTUDIO developed the “Ocean Sustainable Rollerball Pen”using recycled fishing net materials. Supported by IDDI program funding, the team conducted full-process testing and material experiments, ultimately achieving EU certifications including RoHS, REACH, and GRS. The product also received recognition from the Golden Pin Design Award and facilitated cross-industry collaborations with Taipei Metro, Chia Hsin Cement, and Taipower. Another major initiative was the eco-copper upgrade project. Copper is a core material in YSTUDIO’s products, with classic series such as“Yakihaku (Dragon)”and“Kazari Kanagu (Orchid)” widely acclaimed in the market. To address user concerns about copper odor and oxidation discoloration, YSTUDIO collaborated with three metal processing factories to develop improved eco-copper smelting methods, while evaluating carbon emission reduction and potential certification pathways. This demonstrates the brand’s long-term commitment to sustainable practice.

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Amplifying Design Impact, Expanding Brand Present in Industry At the organizational level, the IDDI program helped YSTUDIO integrate a dual-track operation of design and business. The design department and brand team, previously operating with a relatively loose connection, were gradually consolidated into a strategic unit capable of effectively aligning with brand values in product development and collaboration proposals. The team also responded to sustainability trends and corporate social responsibility by investing in recycled materials research and reuse, while strengthening international certification capabilities. Their efforts have been recognized by organizations such as Green CMF Conference and RENATO LAB, and they have successfully secured orders from international companies including Baxter (U.S.) and Index Ventures (U.K.), with potential for further global collaborations. Externally, under IDDI’s professional guidance, YSTUDIO deepened the connection between design, materials, and social issues, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and gradually demonstrating the brand’s ability to integrate cultural value with industry practice. As international visibility increases, the brand’s order capacity has significantly grown, establishing partnerships with companies in cement, energy, and transportation sectors. The Ocean Sustainable Rollerball Pen was recently selected as a gift for foreign guests by the Ocean Affairs Council, and the team was invited to participate in the �� Taiwan International Ocean Forum (TIOF) to share practical experiences in“Material Design × Sustainable Oceans” with experts from around the world. This positions YSTUDIO as a representative case of Taiwanese design successfully merging aesthetics with market impact.

Design as the Helm, Embarking on the Path to a Century-Old Brand YSTUDIO has achieved a balance between brand positioning and design expertise while continuously pursuing innovation and breakthroughs. With the support of the IDDI program, the company has faced a rapidly changing market and diverse value transformations, using design as the core driver to upgrade products, materials, and brand strategy comprehensively, steadily progressing toward a development path with greater sustainability and international vision. Looking ahead, YSTUDIO will continue to deepen its design capabilities, leveraging more focused brand communication and diverse collaborative opportunities to meet global expectations in design, culture, and sustainability, positioning itself on the path toward becoming Taiwan’s next century-old brand.

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Circular Innovation, Deﬁning Sustainable Design Hwa Meei Optical Technology Co., Ltd. (hereafter“Hwa Meei Optical”) began as a professional lens OEM

and gradually developed its own brand,“�� armour.”In response to changing markets and consumer behaviors, Hwa Meei actively deepened its brand value. Leveraging IDDI resources and the international

experience of Duolog Design, the company launched the“�� Sustainable Modular Eyewear Innovation

Product Development Project” in ��. This nine-month initiative focused on three core areas:

eco-material innovation, brand transformation strategy, and organizational capability upgrade, oﬃcially beginning the design-driven process of brand transformation. The project emphasizes three key design applications:

�.Eco-Material Innovation: Using recycled discarded ﬁshing nets as raw material, creating functional and aesthetically designed eyewear modules to diﬀerentiate the product.

�.Diverse Eyewear Modules: Screw-free design allows free

assembly, enhancing user interaction and product longevity

R&D and Innovation

Collaborative Networks

Market Strategy

Impact Expansion

while meeting sustainability, personalization, and vision care needs.

�.Brand and Organizational Transformation: Leveraging

design to connect resources and upgrade organizational capabilities, strengthening decision-making processes and

cross-department collaboration, guiding the company’s transition from OEM to brand-driven operations.

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Deﬁning the Contours, Shaping Market Resonance

With the support of IDDI resources and expert guidance, Hwa Meei Optical developed sustainable eyewear modules using recycled discarded fishing nets, responding to the market’s strong interest in eco-friendly products. The eyewear features a modular design, divided into three main components: frame, temple, and �D nose pad, with the temples and nose pads freely interchangeable according to individual needs. The components connect without screws, enhancing ease of assembly and extending product longevity. Design partner Duolog Design conducted trend research and persona analysis to redefine the product’s market positioning, targeting eco-conscious consumers with an interest in outdoor leisure and fashion. The project also introduced design thinking and strategic planning, enabling the team to gradually establish a professional workflow from user insights and resource integration to product proposals, optimizing the creation and communication of the brand story.

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From Execution to Thinking, Design as the Heart of Organization

Within the company, Hwa Meei Optical gradually established a design-centered organizational structure through this project. The design team evolved from a purely execution-focused role to a key department capable of integrating corporate strategy and proposing concrete solutions. Product decisions shifted from being top-down directives to collaborative outcomes shaped by professional specialization, strengthening interdepartmental coordination. This transformation has equipped Hwa Meei with long-term competitive strength driven by design. Additionally, the company secured two patented technologies and plans to expand their application across other product lines, signiﬁcantly enhancing brand advantage. From an industry perspective, the“�� Sustainable Modular Eyewear”successfully merges eco-consciousness and fashion, earning both the iF Design Award and the Golden Pin Design Award. It also establishes a product narrative centered on recycled materials, oﬀering a sustainable design model through which Taiwanese industry can engage with global markets. The IDDI program demonstrated the practical application of design thinking and resource integration, further enabling Taiwanese companies to position themselves globally through sustainability, fostering opportunities for cross-disciplinary co-creation and expanding international visibility—truly making design a core competitiveness for Taiwan’s industry.

Breaking Through with Design, The Core Spirit of IDDI

Looking ahead, Hwa Meei Optical will continue to deepen its brand design capabilities and expand its presence in international markets. Observing Korean brand Gentle Monster, which successfully leveraged a cross-disciplinary strategy combining art and design to become a global trendsetter, highlights the strategic value of design in brand development. The IDDI program aims to build on this experience, supporting more Taiwanese companies in transitioning from OEM to brand ownership, and using design thinking to construct sustainable business models, thereby enhancing Taiwan’s industrial competitiveness on the global stage.

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Conclusion

The power of innovation often comes from continuously introducing new ways of thinking and leveraging them to create unique value. This value is the core driver of

future industrial development and a crucial key for companies seeking breakthroughs in a competitive landscape.

The IDDI program was born from this philosophy. Through resource support and cross-disciplinary collaboration, it embeds design into various industry settings,

serving as a critical enabler for companies to redeﬁne their value and respond to

market challenges. From craft details to technological applications, from local brands to global markets, the six demonstrative cases concretely show how companies can discover new positioning and growth directions through the integration of design.

Innovation is not just about creating diﬀerent products, but about whether a company

has the ability to continually evolve. When design becomes a driving force for enterprise progress, it generates not only tangible creative outcomes but also sustained, long-term transformative momentum.

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How Design Enables Industry Innovation

Six Case Studies Showing How Design Drives Industrial Transformation

Publisher

Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Aﬀairs

Editor-in-Chief

Chang Chi-Yi

Executor

Deputy Editor Chief Writers

Managing Editors Art & Design

Editorial Oﬃce Address Phone

Website

Publication Date

Special Thanks

Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI) Lin Shin-Bou

Chu Po-Ying, Wu Chun-Ting

Wang Wen-Shiung, Tahan Lin, Fan Chen-Hao, Liu Chen-Hsu, Chou Yu-Jui, Li Chien-Chen, Hsiao Yu-Chen, Lai Yu-Ting, Wu Yu-Han, Chiu Yun-Ting Wu Pei-Yun, Lin Yueh-Lei

Taiwan Design Research Institute

North Tobacco Factory, �F, No. ��, Guangfu South Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan ��-��

WWW.TDRI.ORG.TW August ��

Kamaro’an Co., Ltd. WOO Collective

Pro-Iroda Industries, Inc.

TAIWA Precise Technique Co., Ltd. GlobalSense Inc. Kimu Design YSTUDIO

Hwa Meei Optical Co., Ltd.