Ego Armchair by Vasil Velchev

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

VV : In this particular project i wanted to create a product which combines a new unconventional shape with comfort and possibility to change how it looks.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

VV : I wanted to achieve the main balance shape - comfort - appearance.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

VV : First i want to invest more in research, improvements and tests and then to find manufacturer for mass production.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

VV : I went through several shapes, then different types of construction, appearance, functionality. It took me more then an year.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

VV : Most of my designs are based on inspiration. This one too.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

VV : For now i have only one prototype. I wanted to start producing handmade models by myself but i decided to look for an experienced manufacturer.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

VV : Simply, I like furniture design.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

VV : For designing no, but for producing the prototype i received very big support from friends.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

VV : This is a product for connoisseurs.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

VV : To be honest i am not familiar with anything similar to this.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

VV : I went through several names like 'mosaic chair', 'puzzle chair' but eventually i chose EGO because it represents best the main idea to arrange the product as you like it, to be unique just for you.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

VV : Mainly 3D modeling software.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

VV : The shape is unconventional for an armchair but i cannot say that it is unique. Maybe the way of changing the appearance makes the product interesting.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

VV : Yes, i made several discussions with specialist mostly about two aspects ergonomics and technology of manufacturing.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

VV : Using the latest technologies you always have the possibility to create more complex shapes.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

VV : No, it was an inspiration. The only research that i did was to see if there are something similar already created.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

VV : Producing the prototype with this bended base was the biggest challenge

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

VV : First it is a good way to evaluate your product by experienced jury from all over the world. And also winning a contest is a good way more people to see your design.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

VV : As usual i will be more focused on the balance between comfort, functionality and shape.

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

VV : Thank you very much for this interview.