My design work shuttles between the past and the future, without nostalgia, and without running away from the future. It is capable of establishing a relationship with the memory that is mature enough to introduce subjective and emotional themes into the world of production. (more…)

The classic role of designers is destined to change in the near future. The recent ‘style wars’ will of course carry on and become more and more sophisticated. However, industry and designers alike are becoming aware that it is all getting a bit pointless. (more…)

I believe that good design rests on three elements: simplicity, credibility, and the aspirations of the customer. The task for a designer is to create a design that communicates the nature of the product, connects emotionally with the customer and, on a good day, and expands the vocabulary of the genre. It’s a relatively easy philosophy to articulate – a bit more complicated to execute. (more…)

The original power of design to create a utopia must be recovered. If this is the allegory of the potential transformation, the message must reach as many people as possible. The people, who are aware that our environment is being alienated, must continue as leaders in its transformation. (more…)

In just a few years, the Internet has revolutionized the way the world does business. It had already triggered the move from ‘mass production’ to ‘mass customization’. In fact, almost anyone with a product idea can sell goods directly over the Web. Entrepreneurs don’t have to wait for a retailer to carry their products. And consumers are no longer limited to merchandise that stores have in stock. For product designers, mass customization presents a compelling challenge: to develop flexible products and modular systems that give consumers meaningful choices. (more…)

In his small furniture workshop, Michael Thonet perfected the bentwood technique – marrying forward-looking, elegant design with industrial production – that ultimately exploded onto the international stage. In 1849, Thonet established the Gebruder Thonet Company, setting up a host of factories across Eastern Europe. (more…)