Dr. Richard Y.F. Tsai
Academic Path
1992 - 1994 Industrial Design (Bachelor)
National Yunlin University of Science & Technology
1998 - 2001 Industrial Design (Masters)
University Duisburg-Essen
2003 - 2004 Industrial Design (PGR)
Burg Giebichenstein University of Art & Design Halle
2009 - 2016 Design Theory in Architecture (PhD)
Zhejiang University
Experience
1994 - 1997 Senior Industrial Designer
at Tsann Kuen
2002 - today Design-Project Collaborator
at BMW Deutschland
2008 - today Design-Project Collaborator
at Porsche Design
2003 - 2003 Design-Project Collaborator
at Daimler Group Mercedes-Benz
2003 - 2004 Design Director
at Top Design Company
2007 - 2009 Bachelor Project Mentor
at Folkwang University of Arts
2005 - 2018 Patent Registration for Intelligent Public Transport Project and Exhibitions
at International Trade Fair Ambiente
2018 - 2021 Main Spokesperson
at 2016 World Design Capital Design Promotion Cologne IHK Taipei
2018 - 2025 CEO of United Dynamics Transportation and Smart City
at Zhejiang Tonglian Technology Limited
2024 - today Committee Member of Team "Sustainable Buildings & Smart City Concepts"
at University of Stuttgart
07. 2004 - today CEO
at DESIGNHANSA GmbH
Awards & Achievements
2000 Future Award
2007 Reddot Design Award
2007 Distinguished Alumni
at National Yunlin University of Science & Technology
2010 IF Design Award -
Collaboration Project with BMW & Thermaltak
2018 Alibaba World Fight of Gods Competition Winner
2018 Vehicle Series Product Design Award
with China Industrial Design Institute
2019 Reddot Design Award -
PRT City Train System
2021 German Design Award -
Intelligent City Transport System
Our Philosophy
Research, Methods & Interdisciplinary Approach
DESIGNHANSA believes in research-driven design projects that integrate
methodological thinking, system analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The works of Dr. Richard Y.F. Tsai reflect an approach where design is informed by research, technological frameworks, and cross-domain knowledge, bridging practice and theory.
This project establishes a research-based design database for a Taiwanese high-end cultural glass brand (TMSK). Our methodology combines target-group analysis with systematic studies of color, form, and material expression, as well as cultural symbolism within CI and VI development.
Design elements are structured analytically to support consistent visual identity and informed design decisions beyond subjective stylistic judgment.
A system-driven approach to future transportation design, based on problem discovery and iterative PDCA cycles, reframing traffic congestion as a design and system inefficiency.
From Mobility Object to Urban System
International Collaboration, Exhibition & Media Engagement
We work with students in project-based teams in collaboration with other university instructors. Students experience the full development process, from sketching and 3D modeling to clay models and functional prototypes, allowing students to understand design not only as an object, but as a communicative process.
By participating in international industrial design exhibitions, they develop skills in organization, communication and cross-institutional collaboration. Selected projects were presented in public exhibitions and covered by China Central Television (CCTV), providing students with real experience in professional presentation and public discourse.
We assist independently initiated and operated design brands to grow their presence with various methods including exhibition, presentation, and sales activities.
Our work reflects long-term experience in bridging design, production, branding, and market implementation within professional practice.
Brand Development & Market-Oriented Practice
Notable Partners
BMW Group
The BMW Group is a leading German multinational manufacturer of premium automobiles and motorcycles, headquartered in Munich, Germany. While universally known for the BMW brand, the company is a global conglomerate that manages several of the world’s most iconic luxury and automotive marques.
Porsche is a premier German automobile manufacturer renowned for high-performance sports cars, SUVs, and sedans. Founded in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche, the company is headquartered in Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, and is currently a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group.
Porsche Design
Fraunhofer
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (Fraunhofer Society) is the world’s leading organization for applied research, headquartered in Munich, Germany. Named after the scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur Joseph von Fraunhofer (1787–1826), it serves as a critical bridge between academic basic research and industrial commercialization.