PolyU Outstanding Student 2025/26 CHENG Rachel Lok Yung shares the power of curiosity in communicating complexity with empathy

We are delighted to announce that Miss CHENG Rachel Lok Yung, a final-year student majoring in Information Design within our BA (Hons) Scheme in Design, has been named the PolyU Outstanding Student of School of Design for 2025/26.

In our interview, Rachel shared how her four years at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University nurtured her curiosity, allowing her to evolve from exploring diverse design disciplines to finding her true passion in Information Design. Passionate about applying design thinking to everyday challenges, she credits the vibrant studio culture and global opportunities for shaping her perspective. With aspirations to work in the local fields of art, design, and culture, Rachel hopes to contribute to preserving Hong Kong’s creative spirit while sharing the city's unique voice on the global stage. Join us to explore her inspiring journey and the passion behind her success.'

Q1: What initially drew you to Information Design, and how has your perspective evolved throughout your studies?

In my first year, I was introduced to both the tangible and digital sides of design, from graphics and 3D forms to storytelling and spatial experiences. I was particularly drawn to compositions, typography, and the clarity of visual communication. Choosing Information Design allowed me to deepen that interest. Over time, I’ve come to see that information design is not just about making things look good, it’s about communicating complexity with empathy and simplicity, helping people connect with ideas in intuitive and engaging ways.

Q2: How have the courses, studio culture, and facilities at PolyU Design influenced your design philosophy?

Over my four years at the School of Design, the courses, studio culture, and teaching approach have profoundly shaped my thinking and design philosophy. I’ve been trained to apply design thinking not just to design projects, but to everyday life challenges, approaching problems with curiosity, empathy, and iterative solutions. Studio life also introduced me to talented classmates from diverse backgrounds, and through close collaboration, I’ve learned the true power of different perspectives, enhancing my ability to co-create and thrive in team environments.

The Print Shop has been especially meaningful in my work because it helps bring my ideas into reality through visualisation and test prints. It allows me to experiment, refine details, and understand how my concepts translate into physical form. The Photography Studio is also important to me, as it helps present my tactile works in a more professional way. It gives me the opportunity to document my work clearly and communicate its qualities more effectively.

Q3: Could you share a standout project and discuss how your experiences outside the studio contributed to your development?

The visual identity design for the Summer Olympic Games Osaka 2036 was both challenging and rewarding. The goal was to embody Osaka’s vibrant spirit, capturing its cultural rhythm of unity, energy, and joy while blending athletic excellence with cultural diversity to create an emotionally uplifting, globally resonant narrative. I overcame this by distilling iconic festival elements like lanterns, rhythmic patterns, and celebration into a bold, versatile visual system that feels distinctly local yet universally celebratory. I learned that simple colours and graphics can evoke emotion and belonging at a glance, proving authentic storytelling bridges local pride with worldwide appeal.

Visiting Japan on a study trip with my tutors and classmates stands out as one of the most memorable experiences of my university life. Touring design studios, universities, and the Osaka Expo exposed me to innovative designs from around the world across disciplines like science, technology, and architecture. It inspires me to expand my vision internationally and think more boldly about interdisciplinary possibilities. My internship at NOCOMPANY also immersed me in Hong Kong’s real creative field, where I contributed to actual client projects and connected with professionals, gaining insights that couldn’t be replicated through studio courses alone.

Q4: What does the Outstanding Student Award mean to you, and what are your aspirations after graduation?

Being named the Outstanding Student of the School of Design 2025/26 is a profound honour that truly celebrates the growth, challenges, and discoveries I've embraced throughout my four-year journey at PolyU Design. It validates the hard work and passion I've poured into my studies in Information Design, while inspiring me to continue pushing creative boundaries and making meaningful contributions to the field of communication design and to the city. I believe a strong curiosity to experiment with new things and innovative ways to present information has been fundamental to this recognition.
I hope to contribute to preserving Hong Kong’s creative spirit by working in the local fields of art, design, and culture, passing it on to inspire the general public. At the same time, I’d like to help share our city’s unique voice more widely on the global stage through thoughtful, meaningful projects.

To future SD students: Stay open-minded and draw inspiration from the world around you in daily life, not only through exhibitions, books and media, but also through conversations and everyday moments. These experiences can uncover fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to design that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Story posted on 15 April, 2026