Tangerine's Weiwei He champions early engagement in rail design
29/07/2025
With a career spanning nearly two decades in transport design, Weiwei He, director at London-based design consultancy Tangerine, is a seasoned expert in shaping passenger experiences across aviation, rail, and automotive sectors.
Speaking ahead of her presentation at the Rail Interiors Show 2025, Weiwei emphasised the need for a more collaborative approach in the rail design process, particularly between designers, suppliers, and operators.
Tangerine, founded in 1989, began its journey in transportation with the lie-flat business class seat for British Airways. Since then, it has expanded into the rail sector, with notable projects including the refurbishment of the First Class carriage on the Heathrow Express, high-speed trains for CRRC in China, and most recently, a new Shinkansen for Japan.
Reflecting on Tangerine’s experience, Weiwei shared how traditional design approaches often lead to inefficiencies. “We’ve seen projects where clients wanted something truly groundbreaking, but by the time the concept was passed to suppliers, issues arose, whether in cost, timelines or feasibility,” she explained. “This gap between the flashy concept and reality can delay projects and drive up costs.”
In her presentation, Weiwei will advocate for an alternative: a collaborative RFP (Request for Proposal) process where suppliers are brought in during the early concept development stage. “It doesn’t need to be a massive commitment,” she said. “Even lightweight workshop involvement can help suppliers flag risks, contribute innovative ideas, and assess feasibility much earlier. That confidence in the concept ultimately benefits everyone.”
This mindset shift, she admits, isn’t yet common practice. “There’s still a belief that you design first, then approach suppliers, but that doesn’t leave space for their R&D or emerging technologies to influence the concept. By involving them early, they get a seat at the table and a longer runway to showcase innovation.”
Looking ahead, Weiwei predicts the future of rail interiors will hinge on flexibility. “Operators are starting to recognise that passenger needs are becoming more diverse. The next decade will likely bring more adaptable, modular interiors that can better serve a broader range of travellers.”
As for the Rail Interiors Show, Weiwei sees it as an ideal place to share these ideas. “It’s a great opportunity to connect the entire supply chain. We’re excited to be part of those conversations and to catch up with familiar faces in the industry.”
Session: Improving the design RFP process through supply chain collaboration
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 11:10 - 11:40
Tangerine, founded in 1989, began its journey in transportation with the lie-flat business class seat for British Airways. Since then, it has expanded into the rail sector, with notable projects including the refurbishment of the First Class carriage on the Heathrow Express, high-speed trains for CRRC in China, and most recently, a new Shinkansen for Japan.
Reflecting on Tangerine’s experience, Weiwei shared how traditional design approaches often lead to inefficiencies. “We’ve seen projects where clients wanted something truly groundbreaking, but by the time the concept was passed to suppliers, issues arose, whether in cost, timelines or feasibility,” she explained. “This gap between the flashy concept and reality can delay projects and drive up costs.”
In her presentation, Weiwei will advocate for an alternative: a collaborative RFP (Request for Proposal) process where suppliers are brought in during the early concept development stage. “It doesn’t need to be a massive commitment,” she said. “Even lightweight workshop involvement can help suppliers flag risks, contribute innovative ideas, and assess feasibility much earlier. That confidence in the concept ultimately benefits everyone.”
This mindset shift, she admits, isn’t yet common practice. “There’s still a belief that you design first, then approach suppliers, but that doesn’t leave space for their R&D or emerging technologies to influence the concept. By involving them early, they get a seat at the table and a longer runway to showcase innovation.”
Looking ahead, Weiwei predicts the future of rail interiors will hinge on flexibility. “Operators are starting to recognise that passenger needs are becoming more diverse. The next decade will likely bring more adaptable, modular interiors that can better serve a broader range of travellers.”
As for the Rail Interiors Show, Weiwei sees it as an ideal place to share these ideas. “It’s a great opportunity to connect the entire supply chain. We’re excited to be part of those conversations and to catch up with familiar faces in the industry.”
Session: Improving the design RFP process through supply chain collaboration
Date: 24 November 2025
Time: 11:10 - 11:40