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tangerine Director Weiwei He Appointed Jury Member for Austria’s State Prize for Design 2026

tangerine is proud to announce that Director Weiwei He has been selected as a jury member for the State Prize for Design 2026 (Staatspreis Design 2026)—Austria’s most prestigious national design award, organised by designaustria on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Tourism.

Now in its 51st edition, the State Prize celebrates Austria’s best design achievements across consumer goods, capital goods, and interior product design. In times of economic challenge, the award underscores the essential role of design as a catalyst for innovation, competitiveness, and value creation. By highlighting individuals and organisations who think ahead, take action, and create with courage, the prize reinforces design as a driver of economic and cultural strength.

For 2026, three State Prizes will be awarded in the categories:

  • Industrial Design | Consumer Goods
  • Industrial Design | Capital Goods
  • Product Design | Interior (Objects)

 

Additionally, two Special Prizes will be presented for “Spaces & Environment” and “Design Concepts.”

 

Celebrating Design Excellence in Austria

The aim of the State Prize for Design is to elevate national design awareness by recognising outstanding creative achievements. Award‑winning projects consistently demonstrate how exceptional design delivers genuine performance, entrepreneurial value, and innovative power—strengthening Austria’s competitive position and showcasing the ingenuity that drives the country forward.

 

About Weiwei He – Director, tangerine

Originally from Chongqing, China, Weiwei moved to London to complete her Master’s in Industrial and Product Design at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, graduating in 2004 before joining tangerine.

With more than 20 years of industry experience, she has built a reputation as a visionary design leader in mobility innovation. Weiwei has led transformative, cross‑sector programmes in consumer products, automotive, rail, and aircraft cabin interiors—redefining passenger experience and shaping the future of global mobility.

She has collaborated with many of the world’s most influential organisations, including:

  • Amtrak
  • Cathay Pacific
  • CRRC Corporation Ltd.
  • Deutsche Bahn
  • Talgo
  • VIA Rail Canada
  • Volkswagen

 

A respected thought leader, particularly in rail design, Weiwei is regularly invited to speak at international design and mobility conferences. Her previous jury appointments include prestigious programmes such as the Red Dot Design Award (Product Design), the Rail Interior Awards, and the Design Week Awards, demonstrating her deep commitment to design excellence on the global stage.

 

A Significant Honour

Weiwei’s appointment as a juror for the Staatspreis Design 2026 reflects not only her individual expertise and industry influence but also tangerine’s continued impact in shaping progressive, people‑centred design around the world.

We congratulate Weiwei on this prestigious recognition and look forward to seeing the exceptional design work that the award will spotlight in 2026.

 

Weiwei He, Director at tangerine