We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Thuan Nguyen about their original and creative Ergonomic Door Handles design work. Thuan Nguyen is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original ergonomic door handles works.
Thuan Nguyen ("TN") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Linear Locksets Ergonomic Door Handles. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
TN : The inspiration behind my design is modern ergonomics, which to me is: the efficient and seamless merge of form and function. Efficient in the use of resources whether that is for the creation of the product or through the use of the product.
TN : My focus was to create novel door furniture to provide interiors, architecture and for all persons to access their homes with a real alternative.
TN : To revolutionise secure access to our homes and buildings through modern ergonomic door furniture.
TN : The idea was instant, the prototype took 1 week and the final designs took 6 months.
TN : I designed this concept initially as there were no disability or movement impairment friendly door handles readily available for my mother who has severe rheumatoid arthritis. It was difficult and painful for my mother to turn her wrist to unlock her internal doors. These designs were not commissioned by anyone except by myself.
TN : Currently, only my company has the intellectual property rights to use my design and invention. I am producing these door furniture designs to sell myself. In the future, the IP may be licensed for other companies to use.
TN : I designed this type of work during renovations of my own properties. I attempted to replace my door furniture with a modern and ergonomic handle but I could not find any on the market. This led me to creating one myself.
TN : There wasn’t anything similar existing on the market which influenced me, so many of my designs are unique and novel. My designs are influenced by latest bathroom trends and modern architectural designs.
TN : The target would be for customer who are after high end architectural fittings and hardware, but I also have a range for consumer and disability access customers.
TN : My handles do not resemble long levers nor spherical balls, which resemble 99% of what is on the market. My designs are really the only alternative available to levers and knobs.
TN : Linear locksets are door handles and locks that operate in a linear motion, that is, pushing or pulling the handle as opposed to rotating a lever or knob as in conventional handles.
TN : I worked with simple 3D modelling software (Solidworks) and a consumer grade 3D printer. CNC milling and machining.
TN : The most unique aspect of my design is the way it functions, which is intuitive and it having less than half the parts of conventional door furniture.
TN : I did not collaborate with anyone on these designs. However, I would be very enthusiastic if I could work with more designers on my future projects!
TN : Technology in allowed prototyping to be made within a few days. Technology allows anyone with the will and a creative mind to start creating and innovating immediately without the expense of costly prototyping.
TN : I conducted market research and product research on ergonomic home fittings and hardware. Due to the lack of ergonomic and affordable home hardware commenced with my innovations.
TN : The lack of local support in the local industry and government.
TN : I believed in my design and innovation as there was not a lot in this space. I believed it was important to present this innovation and intuitive product to the world.
TN : Through installing prototype designs into my homes and undergoing real trials of usage over 2 months. Through this process of personal and public usage of the product, I was able to modifying the designs according to personal and public feedback to create the final designs.
TN : I would like to say thankyou for the recognition and acknowledgement of this award.
