We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Chris DeGray about their original and creative Hand Dryer design work. Chris DeGray is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original hand dryer works.
Chris DeGray ("CD") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
CD : The main principle and inspiration behind the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer design stem from our unique initiative with Artists For Humanity (AFH). At Excel Dryer, we believe in merging functionality with artistry, and our collaboration with AFH provided the perfect opportunity to realize this vision. Artists For Humanity, based in Boston, empowers high school students by engaging them in paid art and design projects, preparing them for college and their future careers. Recognizing the tremendous potential of AFH's teen artists, we partnered with them to create custom covers for our XLERATOR® Hand Dryers. This collaboration not only beautifies the restrooms but also supports the young artists' growth and showcases their talents. The specific design of the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer was created by young artist Takii Samuels. Samuels used his colorblindness to his unique advantage as it allows him to focus on the connections and relationships in his life through his artwork. He carefully selects colors he can see, which creates a thematic through line in his body of work. Samuel's art for the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer reflects his personal journey and the intricate web of connections that define human relationships. His work has found homes in multiple art collections, and this particular piece on the hand dryer is a testament to his ability to transform everyday objects into thought-provoking art. By integrating Samuels's vision with our advanced hand dryer technology, we aimed to enhance the user experience in restrooms, making it not only more hygienic and efficient but also visually engaging and reflective of the vibrant creativity of young artists.
CD : Our main focus in designing the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer was to transform traditional commercial restrooms into dynamic works of art while simultaneously supporting and showcasing the talents of young teen artists. Through our collaboration with Artists For Humanity, we aimed to blend functionality with creativity, turning a utilitarian device into a visually engaging piece that tells a story. At Excel Dryer, we recognize the importance of creating environments that are not only efficient and hygienic but also inspiring and aesthetically pleasing. By incorporating custom artwork from AFH's talented teen artists, we wanted to enhance the restroom experience for users, making it more enjoyable and memorable. This approach allows us to elevate everyday spaces and infuse them with artistic value, breaking the monotony of traditional commercial restrooms. In addition to transforming restrooms, our goal was to support the growth and development of young artists. AFH provides high school students in Boston with opportunities to work on paid art and design projects, helping them prepare for college and their future careers. By partnering with AFH, we offer these young artists a platform to showcase their work in public spaces, boosting their confidence and providing them with valuable exposure. Ultimately, our goal was to achieve a harmonious blend of art and functionality, creating hand dryers that not only perform their primary function but also contribute to the aesthetic and cultural enrichment of the spaces they inhabit. By doing so, we hope to inspire others to see the potential for beauty and creativity in everyday objects, all while supporting and celebrating the talents of young artists.
CD : Our future plans for the award-winning Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer are centered around expanding its impact and continuing to support the mission of Artists For Humanity (AFH). We now have this unique hand dryer as part of our AFH collection which is available for purchase, allowing businesses and organizations to incorporate them into their restrooms and contribute to a greater cause. By selling the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryers, we aim to generate funds that will directly benefit AFH. A portion of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to AFH, helping to sustain their valuable programs to support the youth of Boston with paid opportunities to work on art and design projects. This financial support will enable AFH to continue their mission of empowering young artists, fostering their creativity, and preparing them for successful futures. Moreover, we hope to inspire other companies and organizations to recognize the potential for integrating art into their spaces, creating environments that are not only functional but also visually stimulating and culturally enriching. By showcasing the work of talented young artists like Takii Samuels, we aim to elevate the perception of commercial restrooms and encourage a broader appreciation for art in everyday settings. Our collaboration with AFH is a testament to the power of community partnerships in driving positive change. As we move forward, we will continue to seek opportunities to support and promote the work of emerging artists, ensuring that their voices are heard and their talents are celebrated. Through the sale of the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryers, we hope to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the restroom, touching the lives of countless individuals and communities.
CD : Designing the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer took a lot of care and consideration to ensure that the artists’ vision was realized while being compatible with a hand dryer cover. The collaboration with Artists For Humanity involved multiple stages, each requiring careful attention to detail. Initially, we worked closely with the artists to understand their creative processes and the stories behind their artworks. During this phase, we spent several weeks gathering the high-resolution files of the artwork and discuss how best to translate these designs onto the unique surface of the hand dryer covers. Next, our team used our exclusive digital image technology to apply the artwork to the hand dryers. This technology had to be precisely calibrated to maintain the integrity and vibrancy of the original designs. Ensuring that every detail of the artwork was accurately represented and that the colors remained true to the artists' intentions required numerous test prints and adjustments. Throughout this process, we maintained constant communication with the artists to get their feedback and make any necessary modifications. This iterative process of testing and refining the designs to meet both artistic and technical standards extended the timeline but was crucial for achieving the high-quality final product. Overall, the project took several months from initial concept to the final design, encompassing collaboration, technical adjustments, and quality assurance. The result is a hand dryer that not only functions efficiently but also serves as a canvas for stunning artwork, enriching the user experience and supporting the mission of AFH.
CD : The design of the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer was driven by a vision to merge functionality with artistic expression, transforming an everyday object into a captivating piece of art. This particular concept was inspired by our desire to support young artists and create a unique restroom experience, rather than being a commissioned work. Our collaboration with Artists For Humanity provided the perfect platform to bring this vision to life. By partnering with AFH, we aimed to showcase the talents of their teen artists and provide them with an opportunity to have their work seen and appreciated in a public setting. This initiative aligns with our commitment to community engagement and social responsibility, as well as our belief in the power of art to enhance everyday experiences. The design process involved close collaboration with AFH artists to ensure that their creative visions would adapt well to the unique surface of our XLERATOR Hand Dryer covers. We carefully selected artwork that not only had a strong visual impact but also maintained its integrity when applied to the three-dimensional form of the hand dryer. This required considering factors such as scale, composition, and color to ensure that the artwork would be both visually striking and technically feasible. Using our advanced digital image technology, we were able to faithfully reproduce the intricate details and vibrant colors of the original artwork. This technology allowed us to seamlessly integrate the design onto the hand dryer cover, preserving the artist's vision while creating a durable and high-quality finish. The result is a hand dryer that goes beyond its functional purpose to become a statement piece, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any restroom while supporting the mission of AFH. By pursuing this inspiration, we aimed to create a product that not only meets our high standards for performance and efficiency but also contributes to the cultural and artistic enrichment of the spaces it inhabits.
CD : No, this design is exclusive as part of Excel Dryer’s AFH hand dryer collection.
CD : We designed the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer as part of our vision to transform commercial spaces into pieces of art. We aimed to create a functional product that also serves as a canvas for captivating artwork, reflecting our commitment to enriching everyday environments with creativity and beauty.
CD : Takii Samuels collaborated closely with other artists at Artists For Humanity (AFH) in a dynamic and supportive environment. This collaborative approach allowed them to exchange ideas and influence each other’s work, ensuring that each piece, including the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer, reflected a collective creative vision. Through discussions and shared insights, they developed designs that would adapt beautifully to the hand dryer covers, blending individual artistic styles into cohesive and impactful works of art.
CD : The target customers for the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer are those who seek to add beauty and creativity to their restrooms. These hand dryers are perfect for any setting that values aesthetic appeal and functional art. They are especially ideal for creative spaces such as museums, galleries, and cultural institutions where art plays a central role in the environment. By incorporating these hand dryers, customers can enhance the visual experience of their restrooms while supporting the mission of Artists For Humanity.
CD : The Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer sets itself apart from other similar concepts by transforming a functional commercial product into a beautiful piece of art. Unlike typical hand dryers, this design incorporates stunning artwork by talented young artists, making it a visually captivating addition to any restroom. It seamlessly blends hygiene and efficiency with artistic expression, creating an engaging and aesthetically pleasing experience for users. This unique combination of art and functionality distinguishes it from standard hand dryers, elevating the restroom environment.
CD : The name "Complex Thoughts" for this design reflects the intricate and deeply personal nature of Takii Samuels' artwork. As a color blind artist, Takii uses his unique perspective to explore the connections and relationships in his life, selecting colors he can see to create a thematic through line in his work. The name "Complex Thoughts" encapsulates the multifaceted and layered nature of his art, which delves into the complexities of human experiences and emotions. This thoughtful approach to naming the design highlights the depth and richness of the artistic vision behind the hand dryer, making it not just a functional device but a profound expression of the artist's inner world.
CD : For the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer project, we used a combination of traditional art techniques and advanced digital tools. The artists at Artists For Humanity (AFH), including Takii Samuels, initially created their artwork using various traditional mediums. Once the artwork was completed, we employed our advanced Kolorfusion digital image technology to transfer the high-resolution images onto the XLERATOR® hand dryer covers. This technology ensured that the intricate details and vibrant colors of the original artwork were faithfully reproduced on the hand dryers, maintaining the integrity of the artists' visions. The combination of these tools allowed us to seamlessly integrate art with functionality, resulting in a unique and visually stunning product.
CD : The Complex Thoughts XLERATOR hand dryer transforms a commercial hand dryer into a functional art piece, enhancing aesthetic and utility in workspaces. Created by the teen artists from Artists for Humanity (AFH), this project exemplifies the integration of art with commercial products while enhancing the environment and fostering community collaboration. The initiative advances hygiene standards while supporting emerging artists, seamlessly merging functionality with creativity.
CD : For the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer design, we collaborated closely with Artists For Humanity, specifically working with their talented young artists, including Takii Samuels. These artists brought their creative skills and unique perspectives to the project, providing the original artwork that makes this hand dryer so distinctive. On the technical side, we worked with our partners at Kolorfusion to transfer the images to the hand dryer covers using digital image technology. This advanced technology was crucial in accurately transferring the high-resolution artwork onto the hand dryer covers, ensuring that every detail and color was preserved. This collaboration between creative artists and technical specialists allowed us to create a product that seamlessly blends art and functionality.
CD : Technology plays a crucial role in the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer design, enabling the seamless integration of art and functionality. The advanced Kolorfusion digital image technology is at the heart of this process. This technology allows us to accurately transfer high-resolution images of the artists' original artwork onto the hand dryer covers, maintaining the vibrancy and intricate details of the designs. By leveraging this technology, we ensure that the hand dryers are not only aesthetically appealing but also durable and long-lasting. The Kolorfusion process provides a high-quality finish that withstands frequent use in commercial restrooms, ensuring that the artwork remains intact and visually striking over time. This innovative use of technology is what makes the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer a unique and impactful product, combining practical utility with artistic expression.
CD : The design of the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer was primarily driven by artistic inspiration and collaboration with Artists For Humanity (AFH), rather than by data or analytical research. However, our decision to pursue this design was informed by an understanding of the benefits of integrating art into commercial spaces and the positive impact it can have on user experience. To ensure the success of the project, we conducted research on several fronts: 1. Art and Design Integration: We explored how art can enhance commercial environments, making them more engaging and aesthetically pleasing. This research helped us understand the potential benefits of incorporating artwork into functional products like hand dryers. 2. Technical Feasibility: We investigated the best methods for transferring high-resolution artwork onto hand dryer covers. This involved studying various printing technologies and ultimately selecting Kolorfusion digital image technology for its ability to accurately reproduce the intricate details and vibrant colors of the original artwork. 3. User Experience: We considered feedback and preferences from previous installations of our hand dryers to ensure that the final product would meet the needs of commercial restroom users. This included maintaining the high standards of hygiene, efficiency, and durability that Excel Dryer is known for. While the core inspiration for this design came from the creative vision of Takii Samuels and the collaborative environment at AFH, our research ensured that the final product was both beautiful and functional, meeting the practical needs of our customers while supporting young artists.
CD : The main challenge was reimagining commercial appliances, traditionally designed for functionality, as artistic objects enhancing spaces. Using AFH’s teen artists’ art and Excel's proprietary digital image technology, we transferred Complex Thoughts of The Mind onto the retrofit kit, overcoming creative and technical obstacles. Balancing aesthetic appeal with restroom function, we made a unique product that reflects AFH's artistic ethos, demonstrating innovation in blending art with utility.
CD : We decided to submit the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer to an international design competition to showcase the unique blend of functionality and artistic expression that defines this product. Our collaboration with Artists For Humanity resulted in a design that not only meets high standards of hygiene and efficiency but also serves as a canvas for stunning artwork, making it an ideal candidate for recognition on a global stage. Participating in an international competition provides an excellent platform to highlight the innovative use of advanced digital image technology and the extraordinary talent of AFH's young artists. It also aligns with our commitment to social responsibility by promoting the mission of AFH and supporting emerging artists. By entering the competition, we aimed to gain broader visibility for this unique product, attract potential customers who value both aesthetics and functionality, and inspire other companies to consider the integration of art into their commercial products. Winning an award in such a prestigious setting validates our efforts and provides further opportunities to support and celebrate the creativity of young artists.
CD : During the design process of the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer, we gained valuable insights and experiences that have significantly enhanced our capabilities: 1. Collaboration and Communication: Working closely with Artists For Humanity and their young artists underscored the importance of clear and continuous communication. This collaboration taught us how to effectively merge artistic vision with technical requirements, ensuring that the final product met both aesthetic and functional standards. 2. Technical Adaptation: The challenge of adapting intricate artwork to fit the three-dimensional surface of hand dryer covers honed our technical skills. We became proficient in using our advanced digital image technology to maintain the integrity and vibrancy of the original designs, which will benefit future projects that involve complex surface applications. 3. Balancing Art and Functionality: This project reinforced our ability to balance artistic elements with practical considerations. We learned how to preserve the quality of the artwork while ensuring the durability and usability of the hand dryers, a skill that will enhance our approach to product design moving forward. 4. Supporting Emerging Artists: Engaging with young artists and supporting their creative journeys was an inspiring and enriching experience. It reinforced our commitment to social responsibility and the value of providing platforms for emerging talent to showcase their work. Overall, the process of designing the Complex Thoughts Hand Dryer has broadened our understanding of integrating art into commercial products, improved our technical expertise, and deepened our appreciation for collaborative creativity.
