London Design Awards interviewee - Qijun Nie

1. Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.

I’m Qijun Nie (Quentin), the founder and lead designer of Functional Form Block Allies (FFBA), a design consultancy dedicated to delivering innovative product design solutions. Alongside my co-founder and lead design partner, Menghai Xia (Luke), we specialise in industrial design, interactive design, and service design, with a unique focus on fashion accessories.

At FFBA, we provide comprehensive solutions across industries, from medical devices to consumer products and business innovations, always prioritising functionality and user-centred design.

My background as a former fashion house owner gives me a unique perspective, allowing me to blend creativity with practicality while maintaining a strong foundation in design principles. This year, FFBA has been honoured with several prestigious design awards, reinforcing our commitment to meaningful and impactful design. Let’s connect and explore new creative possibilities together: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qijun-nie-26976519a/

2. What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?

Design has never been about making beautiful things to me, and I've been fascinated by the innovations behind the first iPhone since I was a kid. Being curious about everything and questioning everything is probably the right ability for a designer, which is why I choose to be a designer.

3. Tell us more about your agency/company, job profile, and what you do.

I am the founder and lead designer of Functional Form Block Allies (FFBA), a design consultancy firm co-founded with my amazing design partner, Mr. Menghai Xia, also known as Luke. FFBA provides a wide range of design solutions, including industrial design, interactive design, service design, and fashion design, with a focus on accessories. Our expertise spans industries such as medical devices, consumer products, and business solutions, allowing us to address diverse client needs.

At FFBA, my role involves leading projects, ensuring that our designs align with our core philosophy of blending functionality with form to create thoughtful and impactful solutions. As a team, we aim to produce designs that respect and enhance human experiences, staying true to our user-centred and systematic approach. Our work has been recognised globally, and this year we were honoured with multiple prestigious design awards, reflecting the value and innovation we bring to the industry.

Beyond delivering design solutions, FFBA also strives to nurture the next generation of designers. Through educational initiatives, we connect students and young professionals with real-world industry insights, helping them to understand processes and challenges while encouraging fresh perspectives that can inspire new ways of thinking. This dual focus on professional work and education makes FFBA not just a design consultancy but also a collaborative platform for creativity, innovation, and growth.

4. What does “design” mean to you?

To me, design is the bridge between creativity and functionality, where ideas are transformed into meaningful solutions that enhance people’s lives. It’s not just about aesthetics or form; it’s about understanding human needs, challenging constraints, and creating experiences that resonate deeply. In essence, design is about empathy, innovation, and the pursuit of harmony between people, products, and the environments we inhabit.

5. What’s your favourite kind of design and why?

I’m particularly drawn to experience-driven design that focuses on seamless, end-to-end solutions for users. I love how service design maps out complex systems, breaks down pain points, and reimagines interactions to create a more intuitive and satisfying journey.

It’s fascinating to design not just for individual moments but for holistic experiences that connect people with services in meaningful and sustainable ways. The collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of service design excites me because it allows us to innovate while considering diverse perspectives and needs.

6. To you, what makes a “good” design?

A design that really thinks about practical problems and brings a good experience and aesthetic value. And importantly, it's not about consumerism after all, I'm still a consumer even as a designer, so a good design should make users feel that their life is better today and worth looking forward to in the future.

7. How did you come up with the idea for your award-winning design?

Well, I've won 32 awards, including Platinum, Gold, and Silver in a variety of different fields. If I have to sum up, it is curiosity and doubt. Since childhood, I have maintained a curious mind to observe, question and investigate the people and things around me. This curiosity has kept me trying and exploring, which has continued until now.

8. What was your main source of inspiration for this design?

I think in addition to the technical research support provided by some partners, so many of the winning projects are inspired by life.

9. Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?

Yes, I believe that cultural heritage plays an important role in shaping the design process. As someone from China, I am deeply influenced by the region's rich tradition of craft, storytelling, and meticulous attention to detail. Chinese family values and moral standards drive me to create honest, thoughtful and truly service-oriented designs.

10. Congratulations! As the winner of the London Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?

Winning the 2024 & 2025 London Design Awards is a profound honour for both me and Functional Form Block Allies (FFBA). It’s a testament to the dedication and creativity of our team, whose work spans industries such as medical devices, consumer products, and fashion accessories.

For us, this recognition is not just a celebration of success but a validation of our core mission: to create designs that blend functionality and form while truly improving people’s lives.

This year, some of our award-winning projects were presented under their project team names instead of FFBA. This was a deliberate decision to highlight the contributions of our younger designers and allow them to shine individually.

At FFBA, we strongly believe in nurturing new talent and giving them the platform to grow and be recognised. By doing so, we aim to create a collaborative environment that empowers the next generation of designers while showcasing the breadth of our work.

This award inspires us to keep innovating, refining our processes, and pushing the boundaries of design. It also reinforces our confidence when presenting to clients, showing that our values and designs resonate globally.

Ultimately, this achievement motivates us to continue contributing to the industry, not only by delivering impactful designs but also by fostering talent and ensuring that design remains a force for positive change.

11. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the London Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

We’re honoured to have a bunch of projects recognised in the 2024 & 2025 London Design Awards. Each of these designs was entered because we believe they strongly reflect our commitment to creating more humane, thoughtful, and convenient products. These projects aim to bridge connections between people in ways that may not have been possible before, balancing the needs of service providers and receivers.

While our winning works span different categories, they all share a core mission: to create designs that genuinely care about and enhance people’s lives, embodying the values that drive us at Functional Form Block Allies.

12. What were the main challenges you faced during the design process, and how did you overcome them?

Let’s not relive the trauma. Keep the passion.

13. How do you think winning this award will impact your future as a designer?

Winning so many London Design Awards has been incredibly validating for our practice. It’s given us broader recognition and strengthened our confidence when presenting to clients, showing that our ideas and values resonate on a global scale. This achievement demonstrates that design success goes beyond profitability—it’s about making a positive impact in people’s lives.

We’re grateful for this recognition and inspired to continue creating meaningful, people-centred designs. On a personal level, the award has inspired me to keep learning and evolving as a designer. It’s a reminder to stay curious, take risks, and continuously refine my craft.

14. What are your top three (3) favorite things about the design industry?

Love, care and humanity.

15. What sets your design apart from others in the same category?

Innovation and a smart solution.

16. Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?

In the next 5 to 10 years, I see the design industry becoming more diverse, automated, and intelligent. Streamline the process and make eventual improvements easier and faster. As our tools continue to evolve, designers will spend less time on labor-intensive production and more time connecting with real people to gain insight into their needs.

This shift will allow designers to focus on creating more human and thoughtful designs that resonate on a personal level. And I think the designer of the future will not be defined as a certain kind of designer but as a diverse creative worker.

17. What advice do you have for aspiring designers who want to create award-winning designs?

Don't let fear hold you back and just go for it.

18. What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?

The London Design Awards website itself is an excellent resource, offering a vast database of inspiring work. For developing specific skills, online platforms can teach you everything from drawing to software to understanding manufacturing processes.

However, as I often tell my students, the best resources are all around you in real life. Engage with people, observe, and learn from real interactions. Understanding human needs and experiences firsthand is invaluable, as design ultimately serves people. So, immerse yourself in real life—it’s the richest resource a designer can have.

19. Who has inspired you in your life and why?

My professor Ben Ge, He taught me more than just design skills and an attitude towards life. Several years after his death, I am still inspired by his serious, persistent and passionate attitude towards things.

20. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

My success? I'm not sure. But I know to embrace the real world, to feel, to experience, to connect with other people and the world. To wonder, to question, to criticise things that seem so common, maybe they shouldn't be.

21. Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?

Yes, I’d like to highlight the collaborative spirit of our organisation, Functional Form Block Allies (FFBA). While we are a relatively new entity, our work as a team spans several years, built through professional practice and friendship. Alongside my co-founder and lead design partner, Mr. Menghai Xia (Luke), and our exceptional design partner and consultant, Mr. Weijing Zhao (Jony), we have had the privilege of mentoring and working with some incredible younger designers.

This time, I’d especially like to recognise Luxi Yu (Lucy), who has been instrumental in our research and design processes. Jiayu Hu has made a great contribution to the Wattup project. Despite her young age, Alice brings a fresh, vivid perspective that connects deeply with the next generation of consumers and markets.

I’d also like to thank Siyu Zang, a designer and researcher currently getting her master's degree at the Royal College of Art in the UK. Siyu has made vital contributions to our research projects and medical product innovations, adding depth and insight to our work.

Looking ahead, we are excited to take our award-winning projects further, collaborating with clients and partners to bring these designs to life in global markets. We also remain dedicated to supporting and mentoring the next generation of designers, helping them shine on the world stage. For us, design is a vital behaviour of innovation, and by working together with both experienced and emerging talents, we hope to make a positive impact and contribute to a better future.

Winning Entry

2024
London Design Awards Winner - FitHive by FitHive Design

Entrant Company

FitHive Design

Category

Product Design - Smart Home

2025
London Design Awards Winner - FluxCharger by FluxCharger Design Team

Entrant Company

FluxCharger Design Team

Category

Product Design - Energy Products & Devices

2025
London Design Awards Winner - FunFeast by FunFeast Design Team

Entrant Company

FunFeast Design Team

Category

Product Design - Baby, Kids & Children Products

2025
London Design Awards Winner - HEX by HEX Design Team
HEX

Entrant Company

HEX Design Team

Category

Product Design - Robotics

2024
London Design Awards Winner - NostalX by Functional Form Block Allies

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Product Design - Media & Home Electronics

2024
London Design Awards Winner - BUFF by BUFF Design

Entrant Company

BUFF Design

Category

Product Design - Unexpected Design

2024
London Design Awards Winner - LuxBlade by Functional Form Block Allies

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Product Design - Lighting

2024
London Design Awards Winner - CataZap by Functional Form Block Allies
BOYE BIOTECH

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Product Design - Product Design / Other__

2024
London Design Awards Winner - SKYGUARD by SKYGUARD DESIGN TEAM

Entrant Company

SKYGUARD DESIGN TEAM

Category

Product Design - Safety

2024
London Design Awards Winner - CataZap by Functional Form Block Allies
BOYE BIOTECH

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Product Design - Healthcare

2024
London Design Awards Winner - AquaVenture by Functional Form Block Allies
PEROPURE

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Product Design - Outdoor & Exercise Equipment

2025
London Design Awards Winner - Rockid by Rockid Design Team

Entrant Company

Rockid Design Team

Category

Product Design - Baby, Kids & Children Products

2024
London Design Awards Winner - Wattup by Wattup Design

Entrant Company

Wattup Design

Category

Service Design - Energy

2025
London Design Awards Winner - ZOZO by ZOZO Design

Entrant Company

ZOZO Design

Category

Product Design - Baby, Kids & Children Products

2025
London Design Awards Winner - X Limb by X Limb Design Team

Entrant Company

X Limb Design Team

Category

Product Design - Aids / Prosthetics

2024
London Design Awards Winner - CataZap by Functional Form Block Allies
BOYE BIOTECH

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Product Design - Medical Devices

2024
London Design Awards Winner - Vela by Vela

Entrant Company

Vela

Category

Product Design - Healthcare

2024
London Design Awards Winner - Twispex Speculum by Functional Form Block Allies

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Product Design - Healthcare

2024
London Design Awards Winner - AquaClean by Functional Form Block Allies
PEROPURE

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Product Design - Personal Care

2024
London Design Awards Winner - GUASK8 by GUASK8 Design Team

Entrant Company

GUASK8 Design Team

Category

Product Design - Baby, Kids & Children Products

2024
London Design Awards Winner - HydraSense by HydraSense Design

Entrant Company

HydraSense Design

Category

Product Design - Wearable Technologies

2025
London Design Awards Winner - Navswim by Navswim Design Team

Entrant Company

Navswim Design Team

Category

Product Design - Wearable Technologies

2025
London Design Awards Winner - DYNO by DYNO Design Team

Entrant Company

DYNO Design Team

Category

User Experience Design (UX) - Health / Fitness / Wellness

2025
London Design Awards Winner - Women's Safety by Women's Safety Design

Entrant Company

Women's Safety Design

Category

Product Design - Public

2025
London Design Awards Winner - Pupil Space by Pupil Space Design

Entrant Company

Pupil Space Design

Category

User Interface Design (UI) - Health Care Services

2024
London Design Awards Winner - Arcdate by Functional Form Block Allies

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Service Design - Consumer Product / Services

2024
London Design Awards Winner - Toys for Children in Refugee Camps by TFCIRC Design Team

Entrant Company

TFCIRC Design Team

Category

Product Design - Toys

2024
London Design Awards Winner - Twispex Speculum by Functional Form Block Allies

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Product Design - Medical Devices

2024
London Design Awards Winner - Mtto by Mtto

Entrant Company

Mtto

Category

Product Design - Personal Care

2024
London Design Awards Winner - Ocean 14 by OCEAN 14 TEAM

Entrant Company

OCEAN 14 TEAM

Category

Service Design - Service Design / Other__

2024
London Design Awards Winner - SANA by SANA Design Team

Entrant Company

SANA Design Team

Category

Product Design - Healthcare

2025
London Design Awards Winner - FIT SENSE by FIT SENSE DESIGN

Entrant Company

FIT SENSE DESIGN

Category

Product Design - Lifestyle

2024
London Design Awards Winner - Twispex Speculum by Functional Form Block Allies

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Product Design - Pregnancy & Maternity

2024
London Design Awards Winner - Horizpec by Functional Form Block Allies

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Product Design - Pregnancy & Maternity

2024
London Design Awards Winner - Arcdate by Functional Form Block Allies

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Service Design - Retail

2025
London Design Awards Winner - MEOW-GO by MEOW-GO Design Team

Entrant Company

MEOW-GO Design Team

Category

Product Design - Pet

2025
London Design Awards Winner - ACD-ULTRA by ACD-ULTRA Design Team

Entrant Company

ACD-ULTRA Design Team

Category

Product Design - Safety

2025
London Design Awards Winner - DYNO by DYNO Design Team

Entrant Company

DYNO Design Team

Category

User Experience Design (UX) - Best User Interface / Experience

2024
London Design Awards Winner - Horizpec by Functional Form Block Allies

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Product Design - Healthcare

2024
London Design Awards Winner - Arcdate by Functional Form Block Allies

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Service Design - Shopping

2024
London Design Awards Winner - Wattup by Wattup Design

Entrant Company

Wattup Design

Category

Service Design - Sustainability & Environment

2024
London Design Awards Winner - balenX by balenX

Entrant Company

balenX

Category

Product Design - Aids / Prosthetics

2024
London Design Awards Winner - Horizpec by Functional Form Block Allies

Entrant Company

Functional Form Block Allies

Category

Product Design - Medical Devices

2025
London Design Awards Winner - SKY CARADLE by SKY CARADLE Design Team

Entrant Company

SKY CARADLE Design Team

Category

Product Design - Baby, Kids & Children Products