We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Amor Jimenez Chito about their original and creative Hybrid Jetski Boat design work. Amor Jimenez Chito is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original hybrid jetski boat works.
Amor Jimenez Chito ("AJC") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work One 16 Hybrid Jetski Boat. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
AJC : The idea was born from a very personal need: to find a balance between performance, aesthetics, and functionality in the nautical environment, based on a desire to create and research water toys. I've always been inspired by objects that not only fulfill their function but also convey emotions. ONE 16 seeks just that: to be an extension of the lifestyle of the person who pilots it, and to bring people together and socialize from this vessel.
AJC : My goal was to offer a disruptive solution to the water toy sector, creating a product adaptable to different business models, with a powerful aesthetic and functionality.
AJC : The plan is to scale production, expand the dealer network in Europe and the rest of the world, and develop a line of accessories and expanded versions of the ONE concept.
AJC : The entire process took about 24 months, including market research, conceptual design, engineering and prototyping, followed by continuous improvements.
AJC : It was entirely my own initiative. I saw a gap in the market and launched into something that, as a user, I'd like to own one. It was a design idea with a strategic vision to innovate in recreational boating, detecting a clear opportunity.
AJC : I currently produce the design under my own brand/company, One Water Toys. We control the entire process to ensure quality and consistency with our vision. We are open to collaborations and selective licensing.
AJC : I detected a need for more versatile, modern nautical experiences aligned with new forms of active tourism and aquatic leisure. I also saw a need for independent exploration without set limits.
AJC : I sought out and drew inspiration from timeless lines, from the most recent and trendy minimalist forms, where form follows function with elegance.
AJC : Dynamic, curious people who enjoy the sea and value design as part of their lifestyle. The target audience includes boat rental companies, individuals who already own jet skis and want to expand their fleet, and premium tour operators, primarily in coastal areas or on lakes.
AJC : It has soul. It's not just a floating platform; it conveys character from the first glance. The modular integration of boat and jet ski, its compact design, its customization capabilities, and its advanced aesthetics completely set it apart from the competition.
AJC : ONE represents unity, minimalism, and uniqueness of design. It's direct, like the experience it offers. It symbolizes unity, uniqueness, and the spirit of innovation. It's short, memorable, and reflects our mission to offer a unique nautical experience.
AJC : I primarily used Rhino, Keyshot for visualization, Adobe Suite for post-production, and other parametric design programs to validate technical specifications. But the pencil remains my preferred initial tool.
AJC : The way the volumes and surfaces interact with the light and the environment. It has its own visual language. The most innovative aspect is the aesthetic-functional fusion between a jet ski and a boat, offering two experiences in a single adaptable product.
AJC : Yes, I worked with specialized naval engineers and manufacturers. It was a collaborative learning process. And we're continuing to work on it in the near future.
AJC : It was key. From manufacturing processes to computer-aided design, everything relies on technology. Technology enabled prototyping, structural strength validation, navigation simulation, and improved production processes with millimeter precision.
AJC : Yes, I did a lot of research into usage habits, trends in nautical tourism, ergonomics, and materials. I translated all of this into shapes. I conducted market research, surveyed potential users, benchmarked similar products, and analyzed CE regulations to influence design decisions.
AJC : Finding suppliers who understood my vision and adapting the design to the technical limitations without losing its essence. Also involved was reverse engineering to adapt these jet skis, controlling weights, drafts, and maintaining aesthetics without compromising stability and safety.
AJC : I wanted to test the work, gain an outside perspective, and give myself the opportunity to share my vision with the world. This was also a strategy to position it globally and validate its design and innovation.
AJC : I learned to be more patient. I learned that ideas need to mature, and details define everything. The process solidified my iterative design methods, validated with real users, and helped me improve the product's visual communication.
AJC : I want to underscore our commitment to design as a tool for real transformation in the nautical industry. This isn't just a product; it's a long-term vision.
