We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Tom Man about their original and creative Stools design work. Tom Man is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original stools works.
Tom Man ("TM") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Daejo Stools. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
TM : Inspired by philosopher Soetsu Yanagi's book "The Beauty of Everyday Things" (2019), my design ethos revolves around redefining our relationship with everyday objects. Yanagi's philosophy emphasizes care, longevity, and appreciation for our belongings, which deeply resonates with my approach. Motivated by this vision, my design series aims to elevate the humble wooden stool into an object of enduring beauty and significance. Through meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful design, each piece in the series embodies Yanagi's belief that everyday possessions should evoke feelings of respect and affection. By embracing simplicity and elegance, my work invites users to rediscover the inherent beauty in the simplest of objects, fostering a deeper appreciation for the tangible aspects of our surroundings.
TM : My main focus in designing this work was to provide a tangible response to the question, "Why do I design?" It was an honest journey seeking clarity on this inquiry. Additionally, I aimed to create an inherent appeal, something that would compel people to touch and connect with the design on a deeper level.
TM : Actually, it's already in motion as we are beginning to manufacture all three variants in different types of wood. On one hand, we are actively pursuing retailers to showcase and distribute the designs. On the other hand, we're leveraging the success of these designs to inspire and develop new variations and concepts.
TM : Around a year.
TM : Currently, we manufacture this design in-house as a studio product. However, we remain open to various opportunities and are prepared to collaborate with partners who align with our values and vision.
TM : The target customers for my design are individuals who appreciate craftsmanship, simplicity, and the beauty of everyday objects. It appeals to those who value thoughtful design that enhances their living spaces with both aesthetic appeal and functional integrity.
TM : The name "Daejo" means "Contrast" in Korean. It was chosen because contrast was a fundamental element that unified all aspects of the stools in this design series.
TM : The most unique aspect of my design lies in its use of contrasting elements, which I believe accentuate its beauty. Combining soft shapes with sharp lines, employing hard and durable materials alongside gentle movements, these contrasts create a dynamic and visually compelling experience.
TM : No, my design process wasn't influenced by data or analytical research. Instead, I immersed myself in old-fashioned research, delving into philosophy books that explore concepts of emotional design and neuroaesthetics. This approach guided my exploration and development of the design.
TM : The creative challenge of the Daejo project was finding the delicate balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern design aesthetics. This required seamlessly blending centuries-old woodworking techniques with advanced CNC technology, demanding meticulous attention to detail and numerous iterations through prototyping.
TM : I hadn't initially planned to submit Daejo to another design award, feeling satisfied with previous recognition from a different platform. However, my perspective changed when I received a personal invitation that deeply resonated with me, prompting me to reconsider and ultimately decide to participate in the international design competition.
