Meet the Judge: Eric Pan
Empowering Makers to Build Local Impact
Today, we’re happy to have Eric Pan, founder of Seeed Studio and a long-time leader in the global maker movement, join the jury of the Seeed Interactive Signage Contest. With 17 years of experience nurturing the maker ecosystem, Eric brings a unique vision of how open hardware can drive local innovation and productivity.
Supporting Makers to Build Real-World Solutions
“I’m a maker and help makers build things by providing open-source hardware and services. After contributing global maker community for 17 years, I would like to push further on the productivity part. Before a unicorn or full-grown entrepreneur, most makers could collaboratively build local commercial projects, like interactive signage.”
What Makes a Project Stand Out?
“Local business or public could really benefit from the work and pay for it.”
Eric believes that the best projects are not just creative, but useful, especially when they’re grounded in real environments like neighborhoods, schools, or small businesses.
Is there a project or experience that left a strong impression on you?
“Like the speed meter combined with ‘slow’ sign, or sound level with ‘Noise Control’ for plaza performances.”
These examples stick with Eric because they blend creativity with everyday purpose, showing how technology can serve people’s lives in subtle but meaningful ways.
Advice for Contestants
“Care more, build less. A popular project should be very simple and effective.”
Eric encourages participants to stay focused on why they are building, not just what they are building. “A good project doesn’t need to be complex. The most impactful ones are often the simplest, clear in purpose, easy to use, and directly solve a human problem.”
What He Hopes to See
“I hope to see people upgrade existing signages instead of rebuild it. Commercial needs like retail or restaurants are strong, but social needs are also very important.”
The Seeed Interactive Signage Contest is open until August 15th. If you’re working on a project that’s interactive, signage-related, and designed with people in mind, we’d love to see what you’ve got! Submit your project and be part of this exciting global challenge to reshape how we see and use signs in everyday life.
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