Two years have passed since the launch of Nissha SurfaceWorks, a brand dedicated to delivering timeless comfort through the tactile interface between people and products. Today, Nissha operates across 21 global locations (as of September 2025), leveraging its international network to explore what “comfort” means in the evolving world of design.

In this article, we share insights from a roundtable interview conducted in June 2025 with three CMF designers based in North America, Europe, and China. How do they perceive the value that SurfaceWorks brings to the global design community?

What does “SurfaceWorks” mean to you?

Jil: The name “SurfaceWorks” reflects not only our technical capabilities but also our creativity. It’s a vital brand for helping clients recognize Nissha as a creative team specializing in surface design. We want the world to know more about what we do.

Coco: I often use our website during presentations, and I feel that clients clearly understand the brand’s stylish, calming, and comfortable value. Communication with clients begins even before their ideas take shape, and by proposing diverse solutions, we aim to inspire new possibilities.

Debra: In the U.S., Nissha was often seen simply as an IMD (In-Mold Decoration) supplier. But our strength lies in offering not just decorative expression, but also functionality and emotional value. Many clients today are looking for comprehensive solutions, not just IMD. We’ve had to reintroduce ourselves as a brand that delivers holistic design experiences.

IMD (In-Mold Decoration):
A decorative technology in which printed patterns on a film (transfer foil) are transferred onto the three-dimensional surface of a plastic part during the injection molding process. This technique allows for high-quality surface decoration integrated directly into the molded product.

How is SurfaceWorks perceived in different regions?

Jil: I once visited a major French automotive manufacturer to present our “TECH 10” sample book. They were genuinely surprised by the richness of our CMF design and said, “This was far beyond our expectations. We’re glad we joined this meeting.” That feedback was memorable, and we’re now working on several projects with them. The research and prototyping behind that sample book truly made an impact.

Coco: In Shanghai, many clients are impressed by our sample books and appreciate the quality and relevance of our CMF designs. However, in China, price often takes precedence over quality. While competitors may offer lower prices, we believe that delivering comfort and emotional value leads to better design. It’s important to help clients understand that.

Debra: We regularly host casual meetings to showcase our latest sample books and the Nissha Trend Vision. These gatherings allow us to discuss various surface expressions—like high-quality decorative films and light-transmitting effects using mutech—in a relaxed setting over coffee. Clients appreciate the diversity and depth of our offerings.

What kind of design do you want to pursue through SurfaceWorks?

Coco: SurfaceWorks is a brand that delivers cross-border value. But each region has different lifestyles, interests, and ways of connecting with end users. The needs of younger generations are also evolving rapidly. By understanding our strengths and regional differences, and sharing insights across teams, we can create new opportunities and collaborations.

Jil: To meet the increasingly complex demands of clients, I want to push the boundaries of technology and create innovative ideas with my colleagues. In the automotive field, there’s growing interest in smart and sustainable materials. Clients expect functional and eco-conscious solutions, and I want to continue proposing bold and unexpected designs.

Debra: The global market is constantly changing, and how we evolve as designers and manufacturers is crucial. Through SurfaceWorks, we aim to deliver both emotional and functional beauty, and explore new technologies still in development. These challenges open doors to innovative co-creation with our clients.

This interview with our international designers highlights the unique value that SurfaceWorks brings to the global design landscape. By embracing diverse perspectives and sharing challenges across regions, we continue to explore design that resonates worldwide.

If you’re interested in collaborating with Nissha or learning more about our business partnerships, feel free to reach out.