The fifth edition of the TCOD (Taichung Original Design) city branding selection, organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Taichung City Government, held the award ceremony on 18th, July, at Taichung Lin Wedding Garden. A total of 30 outstanding local original products were officially unveiled. Showcasing a diverse array of creativity and design rooted in Taichung, these works will be featured at the 2025 Creative Expo Taiwan starting August 5. The public is invited to experience the rich spectrum of design aesthetics and industrial innovation from Taichung.
Director Chen Chia-chun of the Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that since its inception, the TCOD brand initiative has become a creative benchmark for the city's branding efforts. Over the years, the selected products have served as the best ambassadors of Taichung’s cultural and creative design industry. This year, the initiative attracted 126 entries. Following a rigorous evaluation by a panel of professional judges, 30 outstanding products were selected, including 8 in the crafts category, 3 in visual and packaging design, and 19 in creative lifestyle. The winning products span home living, personal accessories, and exquisite gifts—suitable for both personal use and gift-giving.
Several of this year’s selected products have already received international design accolades. In the Creative Lifestyle category, LIMore’s “LIMore Clock” was honored with the prestigious iF Design Award in Germany. Meanwhile, ZOOM, a watch brand established just two years ago, has also garnered significant recognition, including the iF Design Award and the Golden Pin Design Award. This year, its “Halo” series was selected under TCOD’s Creative Lifestyle category.
sNug, a brand long dedicated to foot health and sustainable materials, has received 10 international awards to date, including the Gold Award at the Milan Design Awards. This year, its “Taichung MRT Co-branded High-quality Functional Deodorizing Socks” was selected in the Creative Lifestyle category. Chairman Chung Chih-cheng remarked, “We invite the public to explore the city on foot. We promote environmental friendliness through design and provide everyday products that embody both sustainability and aesthetic value.”
Wang Li-chin (Grace), a judge and the chairperson of The Gala Asia, noted that among this year’s award-winning works, “Blessings of Sustainable Velvet Ribbon Flowers for Everyday Life” by Communicator Cultural Creative Design Studio stood out prominently. The piece blends the color aesthetics and stylistic language of traditional Taiwanese craftsmanship and, through the delicate handiwork of designer Chen Li-fan, embodies exceptional artistic value. On the other hand, Judge Wang Chun-lung of Studio Qiao commented on Solright’s “DB-1 Premium Coffee Grinder,” selected in the Creative Lifestyle category. He praised its refined attention to detail, such as its magnetic components, weight balance, and resistance mechanism—highlighting that its details, texture, and form are all executed with remarkable sophistication.
One Shoe was selected in the Crafts category for the first time for its “Handcrafted Taiwanese Straw-Woven Shoes,” which showcases a blend of natural elements and traditional craftsmanship. Brand representative Yu Huai-hsuan explained that the shoes are made using a circular weaving technique and foot-last molding process to reduce friction and discomfort. Each pair is meticulously handwoven by skilled artisans, allowing wearers to feel more connected to the land and to experience the warmth of local life through every step.
SENSIASHU, a leather goods brand focuses on minimalist and nature-inspired style, was selected for its “Mountain-Collecting Coin Purse.” Combining marble and leather, the piece embodies a refined craftsmanship aesthetic that balances low-key elegance with practical functionality. Founder Wang Hsiang-an remarked, “We are committed to using innovative materials to bring a new sensory experience to everyday items, as well as infusing every detail of daily life with the warmth and soul of thoughtful design.”
According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the “TCOD Taichung Original Design” initiative, launched in 2021, is dedicated to discovering design brands that embody originality, local culture, and market potential. This year, TCOD-certified brands will participate in the Creative Expo Taiwan, with a dedicated “2025 Creative Expo Taiwan – TCOD Taichung Original” exhibition area set up at the Nangang Exhibition Center from August 5 to August 11. The public from across Taiwan is warmly invited to visit, explore, and make purchases.