DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
ON : When thinking about design, what is important to me is simple thinking, usability, and seeing the face of a craftsman. My inspiration comes from walking around town and old magazines. Especially the magazine "FMR" is a source of important ideas.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
ON : The important thing to consider when designing this TPH is functional beauty. Usability and form beauty.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
ON : We would like to improve TPH. We will expand the variety of leather materials and colors. To improve usability while maintaining the shape. And in the future, we will work to make it recognized by many people.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
ON : It took about a year from design to completion.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
ON : The reason why I designed TPH is that it is becoming cashless in Japan.
I thought about how to retain the skills of the craftsmen who make wallets.The skills of Japanese craftsmen are high, and there is delicate Japanese manufacturing.I thought of an item that everyone needs, always exists in the house, and the shape does not change.I also found that I couldn't find the design I wanted to use for the tissue paper holder.
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?
ON : I have completed it with a town factory that shapes my design. We would like to sell our products and value customer feedback.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
ON : Original simple shape designed with a "shower holder" instead of a "hide cover"
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
ON : TPH is simply an acronym. It is an abbreviation for Tissue Paper Holder.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
ON : The form when the paper is set on the two trays changes with the use. Also, the texture of the leather is very beautifully expressed.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
ON : I completed this design together with a leather accessory craftsman who has supported manufacturing for many years.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
ON : The first challenge was to create the inverted U-shape, which is a characteristic of TPH. I tried to harden the skin and keep it in shape, but it was not completed. So I decided to keep the shape with metal. The next challenge is the weight of the tray. When pulling out the paper, the whole thing was not lifted up, and the weight of the paper that could not be cut was a problem. The upper and lower trays change the type and weight of the metal plate used. Lastly, we have put a lot of effort into sewing to express the goodness of leather.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
ON : I wanted to let a lot of people know about it globally and know the evaluation of professionals.
I got to know this award through an acquaintance who won the 2018 award, and entered.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
ON : I learned about the connections between people and gained important connections.