Wong Eng Geng
Photographer, Designer Researcher, Experience Designer, Writer, Adjunct Lecturer, 


A designer whose profound passion for photography informs his distinctive approach to research. A graduate of the National University of Singapore’s Division of Industrial Design, he leverages photography as a potent storytelling medium, capturing the essence of people and environments while seamlessly merging the worlds of photojournalism and design. 

Say hi!

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Eng Geng also runs a print collective at bluetaped.com
Some of the works you see here are available there.

To purchase works by him and friends, click here

self-led project

Refuse: A Dumpster Diving Craft Handbook
&
Karung Guni Chair


as featured in 
NUS DID Grad Show2023
Singapore Art Book Fair 2024
Milan Design Week 2025
role
Design Research
Ethnography Research
Prototyping
System Design
Publication
Exhibition project context
Refuse is a handbook that unveils the complex issue of furniture waste in Singapore, through thoughtful resources catered to the different needs of the dumpster diving and crafting community. Refuse aspires to be the 4th R of recycling - where the 4th R means “Refuse to buy, to throw and to do nothing”.

It is a care package jam packed with different ideas. Every image, word, clip-on and instruction in the book is derived from insights gathered while interviewing the dumpster diving and crafting community.
Currently, there is no proper recycling method for our 
disposed furniture.
Singapore has a rising issue with waste that is invisible to our eyes. Our waste gets cleared so efficiently that Singaporeans do not visually see how much waste we produce, and cannot visualise the impact of our actions. However, there is a type of waste that is too big to be hidden by the green bin. Our bulky refuse.


Bulky refuse is always placed near the green bin making it obvious that it is thrown away, but not close enough to make it dirty. It feels inviting for people to pick up. I want to explore the culture of dumpster diving and figure out where it sits in the ecosystem of waste disposal.​

In order to map out the ecosystem, I interviewed, shadowed and visited different profiles of individuals. I talked to profiles ranging from rag and bones man to freegans who dumpster dives for food.

The material value of disposed furniture is being overshadowed by their lack of monetary value
When it comes to bulky refuse, rag and bones dumpster divers do not look at them as furniture or appliances. Instead, they look at them as materials for sales (wood, metal, plastic, fabric, ceramics and paper). Whether they pick up those items are based on the monetary resale value.



Furniture is usually left untouched due to the difference in monetary value. Mainly made of wood, fabric and plastic, they are made from materials that even ‘karang guni’ do not want because the profitability is too low.

This key insight was the turning point of my project. I decided that my project will aim to shift the dumpster diving value of disposed furniture away from just monetary value, and instead, let the overlooked material value encourage the act of dumpster diving.

Galvanising the public into dumpster diving furniture for DIY crafting projects
Refuse is a magazine that unveils the complex issue of furniture waste in Singapore, through thoughtful resources catered to the different needs of the dumpster diving and crafting community. Refuse aspires to be the 4th R of recycling - where the 4th R means “Refuse to buy, to throw and to do nothing”.

It is a care package jam packed with different ideas. Every image, word, clip-on and instruction in the book is derived from insights gathered while interviewing the dumpster diving and crafting community.




In the magazine you can find, archival photographs of furniture waste, ideation toolkits for craft projects, dumpster diving guides, furniture harvesting instructions, material case studies, crafter’s showcase, expert interviews, suitability news, crafting tools recommendations and everything you will need to start dumpster diving and crafting.

But beyond theory, the book is also a call to action, time to walk the talk






How would a Karung Guni design a chair?

To bring these ideas to life, Eng Geng created the Karung Guni Chair — a functioning chair crafted entirely from materials found at the dumpster. No nails, no glue, no power tools. He limited himself to using only what a Karung Guni (rag-and-bone man) might carry: a pair of scissors and raffia string. 

This self-imposed constraint is key to the project: it proves that anybody, regardless of skillset or budget, can start crafting from trash.










Dumpster diving isn’t just a practice, it’s a deeply personal experience

You have to be at the right place at the right time to find something meaningful. It’s serendipitous. What you create becomes a 1-of-1 object, impossible to replicate, even with an unlimited budget. 

That connection between object and moment is what makes this kind of crafting so irreplaceable.


Bringing Refuse to an international audience at Milan Design Week
In April 2025, I was fortunate to be invited by the DesignSingapore Council as one of 14 designers to showcase their work at Milan Design Week 2025. Refuse was exhibited as part of Future Impact 3: DESIGN NATION, an annual showcase organised by the DesignSingapore Council. Curated by Tony Chambers, Maria Cristina Didero, and co-curator Hunn Wai, the third instalment of the series celebrated 60 years of Singapore design, exploring how ways of living have transformed over time.

Refuse was showcased under Virtuoso Visionaries, alongside five other emerging designers.

The exhibition was held at Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Monache, a church located in the historic Cinque Vie district.

Exhibition Photo credit: Mark Cocksedge




Refuse was published in Oct 2023.

Karung Guni Chair was made in Mar 2025.

The dumpster shall determine the next stage for Refuse.

Refuse can be purchased at bluetape.com


while with Agency

Project Commune:
Redesigning a More Human Dormitory Experience for Migrant Workers in Singapore.  


client
Dormitory Association Singapore Limited (DASL) 2021

role 
Design Research
Prototyping
Communication
Workshop
User Testing
project context
A migrant worker’s dormitory has long carried the stigma of being messy, dirty, and disorganised, with clothing and towels hanging from every possible surface. It is often used as a comparison to describe someone’s untidy room.

The question then arises: is this the result of migrant workers’ behaviour, or is it due to poorly designed living spaces in Singapore’s dormitories?

I was part of a cross-functional team tasked with reimagining this experience. The goal: to design living spaces that not only meet practical needs but also support wellbeing, social connection, and a stronger sense of ownership.

Setting new standards for what a ‘good’ dormitory can be.


How might we redesign the dormitory experience for Singapore’s migrant workers to foster comfort, community and a sense of home?


The project kicked off in 2021, right after the loosening of restrictions from the Covid-19 pandemic. This project came at a most unprecedented time, as Singapore was facing its largest Covid-19 case clusters in migrant worker dormitories.

We were able to conduct our research with workers who had been confined within the boundaries of their limited dormitory spaces and deprived of the chance to return home or visit their families – all while having to adapt to a “new normal” within a dormitory environment.

The project involved 39 stakeholders from across the dormitory ecosystem, identified 8 behavioural archetypes representing both residents and managers, and took 19 weeks to develop a functional prototype.


Residents are more than just migrant workers. We need to place humans back at the centre of dormitory experiences and dormitory design.

To ensure that our interventions were grounded in real needs, we began with deep, human-centred research. Rather than relying solely on aggregate data, we sought to understand life in the dormitories as it was actually lived. We did this through primary research methods such as observation, conversation, and immersion.

We conducted site visits across a range of dormitories with differing layouts, management styles, and resident demographics. At each location, we engaged directly with residents and stakeholders through interviews, informal conversations, and ethnographic observation. Our goal was not just to understand what the space looked like, but how it was used. We paid attention to small human behaviours such as how routines formed, how relationships played out, and how culture was shaped within each dormitory.

This qualitative research led us to identify six distinct behavioural archetypes among residents. These archetypes were not defined by nationality or age, but by patterns of interaction, adaptation, and personal values. Some individuals prioritised social bonding and collective living, while others preferred solitude or leaned on trusted peers for support. These behavioural patterns had significant implications for how space was shared, adapted, and maintained.

Recognising and designing for this diversity became a foundational element of our approach. We understood that a one-size-fits-all solution would fall short. To truly foster a sense of community and home, our design strategies needed to accommodate a broad spectrum of human behaviours and needs within the shared living environment.


Residents are more than just migrant workers. We need to place humans back at the centre of dormitory experiences and dormitory design.
To ensure that our interventions were grounded in real needs, we began with deep, human-centred research. Rather than relying solely on aggregate data, we aimed to understand life in the dormitories as it was actually lived. We did this through primary research methods such as observation, conversation, and immersion.

Together with 39 participants—dorm owners, managers, and support staff—we ran a co-creation workshop grounded in three design principles:

  1. Design for the human, not just the worker. Dorms should support holistic wellbeing.
  2. Support evolving lives. Dorms must adapt to residents’ changing needs over time.
  3. Respect local culture. Each dormitory's social ecosystem is unique and should shape its communal life.

From our workshop, we refined a series of practical interventions—some immediate, some long-term—and focused on building a live showflat prototype to test our near-term ideas in the real world.




Bringing the Prototype to Life
Over 10 days, we retrofitted an existing dormitory room based on our co-created ideas. We introduced:

  • Hanging storage to free up bed space
  • Privacy dividers to reduce makeshift, often unsafe, solutions
  • Dedicated zones for eating, resting, and socialising
  • A welcome kit with essentials like a prepaid SIM card to ease the onboarding experience

We also added small but meaningful details, such as clocks set to residents’ home countries, which deeply resonated with them.

We invited eight workers to live in the show flat for a month, observing how they interacted with the space and with one another. The result: improved cleanliness, fewer fire hazards, stronger social bonds, and a sense of pride in their shared space.





The space we created:






Mid-prototyping check-in

We began to see the benefits of running a long-term prototype as residents' living habits started to shape the space.

As the space gradually transformed, we made sure to have regular check-ins with our participants, just as dormitory managers would. We continued to make minor tweaks to our prototype throughout the entirety of the project.



The space we created, lived in:






“How do you know if your prototypes really worked? What if the participants are afraid to tell you the truth?”


These are valid concerns, especially when working with a vulnerable group.

During the project, we explored an alternative method of primary research to address this issue.

We gave disposable cameras to our participants, with a simple task: to take photos of things they cared about, whenever and wherever they liked. In return, we printed the photos for them.

The candid photos captured from their daily lives gave us glimpses into how our prototypes were being used. In the background, we could see the effectiveness of the privacy beds, bags hung on their designated pegboards, and even friends from other rooms gathering in the common areas to spend time together.


The space we created, in action, candidly:





Everything we learnt was translated into a handbook for DASL: Enabling a Sustainable Dormitory Experience through Design.

This handbook is now the go-to guide for any new dormitory being designed, or any existing dormitory undergoing renovation.



Project Commune concluded in 2021 as a research-driven initiative.

DASL Handbook 05 continues to be distributed today.

Many of the insights from Project Commune can be seen implemented in new dormitories across Singapore.


while with brief.

Seahorse: Scaling New Standards for Migrant Worker Dormitories in Singapore


client
Dormitory Association Singapore Limited (DASL) and Meet&Co2023

role 
Design Research
Strategy
Industrial Design
project context
Project Seahorse began with an ambitious vision: to elevate dormitory living standards for Singapore’s migrant workers while keeping solutions financially feasible for dormitory operators. 

Partnering with Dormitory Association Singapore Limited (DASL) and Meet&Co, a furniture manufacturer, we set out to redesign dormitory furniture that meets the daily needs of residents and aligns with the practical concerns of dormitory managers and business stakeholders.


Striking a middle ground between welfare and practicality.Our research with dormitory stakeholders uncovered a balancing act between maintaining affordable living spaces and delivering improved quality. While operators understand the importance of a positive living environment, making such upgrades economically viable is a significant barrier. Many owners are open to small changes, but only if they come with minimal cost and disruption.




A general concenses from the dormitory management community is that they the cost effectiveness and ease of maintaince are non-negotiable, esspecially when it comes to managing large dormitry where they are scaling by the thousands.
The solution: modular furniture that fits the budget, and the space.
In response, we recommended a modular approach to bed design, allowing Meet&Co to create furniture that dormitories could adapt gradually. By modularising beds and accessories, dormitory operators could purchase add-ons and enhancements instead of fully replacing furniture, giving them a cost-effective way to introduce new features while staying within budget.


First, we focus on bringing the barrier of entry down. Selling new beds at a base price, built and design with the intention being upgraded down the road with modular accessories. 

This allows dormitories owners to slowly upgrade their beds across the years as they allocate budgets to it. 

There is also an opportunity for resisdences to upgrade their beds if they choose to purchase different accessories.






Making compliance a core selling point.Compliance with regulatory standards is crucial for dormitory furniture, so we made it a central aspect of Meet&Co’s offering. With DASL’s endorsement, Meet&Co could position its furniture line as both regulatory-friendly and optimised for dormitory living. This emphasis on compliance became a unique selling point, strengthening trust and easing concerns for potential buyers.




Accessible furniture solutions for all.Recognising that purchasing decisions happen at both the management and individual levels, we shaped Meet&Co’s strategy to target dormitory operators as well as employers and migrant workers themselves. By setting reasonable prices for accessories, Meet&Co could appeal directly to residents who often take personal steps to make their spaces more comfortable. This dual focus aimed to enhance dormitory living while keeping upgrades affordable and accessible.



Rolling out change, one bed at a time.Project Seahorse isn’t just about redesigning dormitory furniture; it’s about setting a new standard for what these spaces can become. By providing scalable, business-aligned solutions, we’re paving the way for dormitories that support residents’ well-being without compromising business viability.


Project Seahorse concluded in 2024.

DASL and Meet&Co moved forward with the stratagy and furniture are now being sold to dormitories in Singapore and hostels in China.


while with brief.

Integrating Play into Food and Nutrition Education for Lifelong Healthy Habits


client
HaruPlate
2024
supported by DesignSingapore Council under Good Design Research (GDR) programme.

role 
Ethnographic Research
Business Strategy
Communication
Prototyping
User Testing


project context
In collaboration with HaruPlate, we set out to make nutrition education a natural part of family life, transforming healthy eating into a hands-on enjoyable experience for both children and parents.

Through play-based design and research, our goal was to inspire positive mealtime habits for children across Asia. 

Guided by ethnographic research and rapid prototyping, we explored how play could bridge knowledge gaps and help families embrace nutritious habits in a way that feels natural and sustainable.


Unpacking family dynamics around food Families have diverse mealtime routines, yet many face common challenges that impact children’s relationship with food. Time constraints, preferences for familiar foods, and limited exposure to nutritious options were all recurring themes. 

Across the board, we saw an opportunity to use play as a catalyst for developing healthy habits. Children naturally connect with activities that involve hands-on engagement, which provides them with independence, confidence, and joy around food.



Prototyping to understand 
play’s impact on 
mealtime habitsBased on these insights, we began developing a series of prototypes to explore how different play-based activities could influence children’s approach to food. Prototyping allowed us to test ideas quickly, helping us understand which elements of play were most effective at building healthy habits. 

We wanted to learn how children respond to playful experiences around food, what encourages them to try new things, and how these activities could fit seamlessly into family routines.






Prototyping 
play-based solutions for healthier eatingEach prototype addressed a unique aspect of nutrition education, from hands-on cooking kits that encourage family bonding to sticker rewards and food exploration packs that make trying new foods exciting. 

By blending play with nutrition, these prototypes encouraged children to approach food with curiosity and pride, while also making it easier for parents to guide healthy habits in a natural, supportive way.





Play as a catalyst for positive mealtime habitsOur research showed that play is a powerful motivator for healthy eating. Through structured, play-led activities, children were more inclined to try new foods and engage with mealtime routines. 

This approach goes beyond simple exposure; it helps children develop independence and pride in their choices, encouraging habits that last. By integrating play into the mealtime routine, we can create positive associations with food that lay the groundwork for lifelong health.

Scaling playful nutrition for long-term impactBy embedding play into nutrition education, HaruPlate is cultivating a foundation of healthy habits for children across Asia. Through a blend of prototypes, research insights, and the scalable support of Haruboss, we’re helping make nutrition an engaging, integral part of everyday family life. This collaboration is more than just about developing healthy eating habits—it’s about reimagining how families connect over food, creating joyful, lasting bonds, and empowering the next generation to take charge of their own well-being.

Together, we’re setting the stage for a future where healthy habits are nurtured through play, where learning about nutrition is as fun as it is meaningful, and where mealtime becomes a moment of growth, curiosity, and connection.

Our research project with HaruPlate concluded in 2024.

HaruPlate continues to use design principles developed from the learnings as ideation guides for their product innovation.


while with brief.

COMMUTE: Exploring Singapore’s Commuting Culture Through Observation-Based
Design Research


client
Singapore Design Week
2024
in collaboration with Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SBS Transit
supported by DesignSingapore Council
curated by Hans Tan

role 
Ethnographic Research
Interaction Design
Experience Design
Industrial Design
Exhibition Design


project context
At Singapore Design Week, we brought the art of design research into the public eye with COMMUTE, 
an interactive exhibition in collaboration with DesignSingapore Council, Land Transport Authority (LTA), SBS Transit and Hans Tan Studio. 

Located at Bencoolen MRT station, the heart of 
Bras Basah.Bugis Design District, COMMUTE showcases the personalities and routines of Singapore’s MRT commuters, transforming the everyday commute into a unique lens for observing human behaviour. 

By inviting people to participate in a personality quiz, both physically and digitally, we encouraged the public to experience design research first-hand, showing that anyone can learn something valuable from simple observation.


Bringing Design Research to life during Singapore Design Week 2024 As a design research-first studio, we believe in making complex ideas approachable and engaging. COMMUTE centres on a personality quiz, an embodiment of observation-based research that invites commuters to find their place within seven unique “tribes” we identified during our research. Each tribe, such as the E-Citizen, Workaholic, or Reflection Gazer, represents different commuter behaviours, turning subtle habits into relatable characters that capture the diversity of Singapore’s commuting culture.

The quiz is available in two formats: a digital version, accessible online, and a physical version at the MRT station itself. The in-station experience takes the quiz one step further, immersing visitors in the design research process through hands-on interaction.





Marrying design research, observation, and interactionAt the exhibition, we created a nostalgic, exam-style quiz experience that’s both analogue and digital. Visitors fill out OAS-style quiz sheets using a marker, selecting answers that reveal their commuter tribe. 

Once completed, they scan their quiz sheet at a custom-built computer vision scanner, which identifies their personality type and displays the result on-screen in real time. 

It’s an engaging, tangible experience that lets visitors feel like active participants in the design research process, instead of passive observers.



Stamping a personalised mementoTo complete the experience, each visitor can stamp their quiz sheet with a custom two-part stamp featuring the character of their tribe. 

This stamped quiz paper becomes a takeaway, a personalised memento that reflects their role in Singapore’s commuting ecosystem. 

By transforming these observations into a playful, hands-on activity, we aimed to make design research memorable and accessible, sparking curiosity and encouraging participants to see their daily commute with new eyes.


Observation as a gateway to Design ResearchCOMMUTE isn’t just an exhibition; it’s an invitation to explore design research through simple acts of observation. 

By focusing on the small details of commuting, we show that design research doesn’t always require sophisticated tools or complex methodologies. It often starts with noticing the little things. 

This quiz-based experience allowed the public to learn about design research in a way that’s both intuitive and interactive, highlighting how observation can reveal meaningful insights about the world around us.


Leaving with new eyesWe hope that COMMUTE leaves visitors with a renewed appreciation for the subtle routines and personalities that make up Singapore’s MRT culture. 

By demonstrating that anyone can engage in design research simply by observing, COMMUTE bridges the gap between professional practice and everyday experience, showing that design research is as much about curiosity as it is about process.

In the end, design research isn’t just for studios—it’s a perspective for anyone willing to look a little closer. After all, some of the most meaningful insights are hidden in the everyday moments we often overlook.


COMMUTE ran for the entirety of Singapore Design Week 2024