An Interview with SOLO’s Howard Tseng

The word SOLO brings several things to mind. Harrison Ford…plastic cups…Slash. But from here on out, SOLO is synonymous with the world’s most innovative hanger. And it’s shipping now!

Howard Tseng agreed to a celebratory interview to inaugurate his genius invention into the Quirky lineup. His answers paint a vivid picture of the progression of his idea.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Taichung, Taiwan. I moved to Canada when I was 13. I started in the West coast and then moved to the East side for a couple years. Then I came back to Vancouver last year. I’m a mechanical engineer. I love to travel, and I like doing things a bit differently. There’s this quote by Mark Twain that I really like. “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”

2. When did you join Quirky?

Early May of 2011.

3. How did you find out about us?

My brother Jimmy told me about Quirky. He saw a website featuring a Quirky product.

4. When and how did you think up the idea for this product?

About 2-3 years ago. I was having trouble hanging my buttoned up shirts and polo shirts (Apparently laundering with the shirts buttoned up is better for maintaining the clothes’ shape. I saw that on a TV show). I wanted to design a solution for this problem for an upcoming design project. I got my first “Oh, that’s it!” moment from looking at a pair of scissors. But the concept actually came up much later, after I started doing prototypes and revisions.

5. Had you tried to make this thing on your own already?

Nothing ready for production, but I did make some prototypes myself so I could test them out and see how the idea could be improved. The submission I made to Quirky was the 4th version, I think. Both the design and concept were totally changed and it’s nothing like the first design I had.

6. What do you think of the final product?

I think it’s great! The Quirky design and engineering staffs are all very talented and experienced. I can’t wait to send out the bunch I pre-ordered to my friends and relatives!

7. In your opinion, what is the most innovative product ever invented?

I’d say contact lenses.

8. What inspires you?

Observing other people.

9. What are some of your quirks?

Hmm…I don’t think you want to know. No…you really don’t. Yes, I’m sure.

10. What’s your favorite cereal?

I can never remember their names. There’s the rainbow coloured one, the chocolate ball one, the corn flakes (sweetened), and the one with marshmallows. I just switch between these.

11. Any parting words?

I definitely want to say a big THANK YOU to the Quirky staff for their effort and hard work in developing this product, and to the Quirky community for all their input and ideas. KEEP INVENTING!