We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer about their original and creative design work. is an award-winning creative designer, that makes our world a better place with their original works.
("") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work . Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
: The main idea was to create a lightweight product that allows travelers to make a drip coffee on the go. I designed it using a clean form language.
: The focus has been on creating a durable, yet sleek design. I wanted to enable travelers to enjoy fresh coffee without adding a bulky or heavy item to their travel gear.
: My plans are to have more people enjoy the product. With the extra publicity, potential users will be able to find the product and experience the benefits this design has to offer.
: I usually start by generating multiple ideas of which the client can choose a favorite option or multiple options. In this case, I generated four ideas, and we continued with the one that is now available on the market. The entire design project was carried out over a time span of just over two months.
: The design was commissioned, and I strived to make it an environmentally friendly product that people on the go would love to use.
: The client already produced the FLTRgo design and it is currently available for purchase.
: The design had to be compact and practical for travelers, which is why I chose to create a collapsible design. It can be folded into a smaller size for convenient transport and storage. Another vital element is the filter itself, made of organic cotton. It is easy to clean and can be reused time and time again.
: The design came into being by following my design process that starts with drawing various options from which the client can choose. Client input and feedback are important factors that influence in which direction I move forward. In this case, no other designers influenced the work.
: The main target group is travelers that enjoy drinking drip coffee. There are other groups that also like the FLTRgo. Tea drinkers love to use it for brewing a cup of tea. Zero-waste devotees and minimalists appreciate it because it matches their lifestyles.
: It is collapsible, light-weight, easy to clean, and it has its looks that differentiate it from similar products as well.
: The client chose the name for the design, FLTRgo. It enables travelers to make coffee with the filter on the go.
: The project started with classic pen and paper sketches, after which I drew various ideas using computer drawing software. After I discussed with the client what direction we would go into, I used Computer Aided Design software in order to create design files for prototyping. For an initial prototype in order to validate the dimensions and proportions, I used a cardboard model.
: I think the most unique aspect is its collapsibility and the use of organic materials.
: My client collaborated with me on the design process, after which he continued developing the product with a prototype builder based in New York.
: Technology plays an important factor in creating and producing industrial designs. It starts with the software and hardware used for the design model. The production technology is important too. For example the precision of the bamboo cutting process determines the look and therefore the perceived quality of the final product.
: Analytical research was done into types of food-safe and sustainable fabrics and glues. Antropometric data was used for the handle design.
: The way the cotton filter stays within the bamboo frame was the most challenging part to realize. Furthermore, finding an existing type of hinge was challenging, since it had to have the exact dimensions to fit in the bamboo frame. In many cases it is more cost effective to use existing parts instead of custom parts.
: I received a personal invitation from the A' Design Award team to submit my design, and it looked like an interesting opportunity.
: During almost every design project, I learn something new about materials and production techniques. This was the case in this project as well.
: I feel privileged to work together with great entrepreneurs, founders, and businesses. I can recommend to other designers to work with people that share your vision, because it enables you to create great products together.
