The Global Language of Design: Lessons from Singapore

During my trip across Singapore, I was struck by an unexpected but refreshing realisation - product and industrial designers in Singapore share an extraordinary level of alignment with their counterparts in the UK. While each country has its unique cultural influences and market dynamics, there is a deep sense of shared values, integrity and approach to design that transcends borders.

A Shared Design Ethos

One of the most striking similarities between Singaporean and British designers is their commitment to problem-solving through design. Both cultures embrace a user-centric approach, where functionality and aesthetics go hand in hand. Whether it’s a consumer gadget, a medical device, or a piece of urban infrastructure, designers in both regions focus on how a product integrates into people’s lives rather than just how it looks.

In my conversations with designers in Singapore, I found that - just like in the UK - there is a strong emphasis on balancing innovation with practicality. Both cultures value products that are not just technologically advanced but also intuitive and accessible. This speaks to a broader philosophy of thoughtful, human-centered design, rather than innovation for innovation’s sake.

Integrity in Design

Integrity is another common trait I observed in Singapore’s design community. Designers here, much like those in the UK, are deeply committed to ethical design practices. There is a growing emphasis on sustainability, responsible material sourcing, and designing for longevity rather than disposability. Many of the professionals I spoke with were keenly aware of the environmental impact of their work and actively sought ways to minimise waste and promote circular economy principles.

This mirrors the shift happening in the UK, where designers are increasingly looking at lifecycle analysis, sustainable production methods, and ways to create products that serve long-term needs rather than contribute to short-term consumerism. There is a shared belief that good design should not only solve a problem today but also anticipate future challenges.

Entrepreneurial Mindset and Design-Led Innovation

Another parallel between Singapore and the UK is the increasing role of designers in entrepreneurship. In both countries, there is a growing trend of designers stepping beyond traditional consultancy roles and launching their own products or startups. Singapore’s design community, much like in London or other UK innovation hubs, is fostering a culture where design-led businesses are not just creating new products but also redefining industries.

Singapore, with its strategic position in Asia and strong government support for innovation, has cultivated an environment where designers can experiment, test, and commercialise new ideas. Similarly, in the UK, with its strong design heritage and access to European and global markets, designers are leveraging their skills to build ventures that go beyond aesthetics - integrating engineering, branding, and commercial strategy.

Collaboration and Future Opportunities

As I reflect on my time in Singapore, I can’t help but feel that there are exciting opportunities for deeper collaboration between designers in both regions. The shared values of integrity, user-focused innovation, and sustainable design create a strong foundation for cross-border partnerships.

Whether through joint ventures, knowledge exchanges, or collaborative product development, designers in Singapore and the UK have much to gain from working together. With the challenges of sustainability, technological advancement, and evolving consumer expectations ahead, the global design community must continue to foster these connections.

Ultimately, good design is universal. And as my experience in Singapore reinforced, the best designers, no matter where they are, are united by a common goal: to create meaningful, impactful, and responsible products that improve lives.

Share your thoughts in the comments section. Do you feel other design communities around the world in the same way as Singapore and the UK?

Gethin Roberts | [email protected] | iterate-uk.com