X One Construction site radio by Ivan Rogic

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

IR : Intuitive functionality, clean lines and durability.

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

IR : Main focus was to fit this product in range which is based on power and garden tools based on same shareable 20V battery. Therefore, product guidelines had to be followed so we don't end with a product that is in contrast. However, hidden battery achieved result that gives a feeling of product that can be used in example at home as appliance, not only in the workshops or construction sites. With this product we opened doors to new groups with a better chance to get familiar with other products from the range.

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

IR : After promotion and first feedbacks it will be easier to decide if we might consider similar model with extended functions, if that will make sense. For now we will so our best to bring it to the market together with other new products from the range.

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

IR : Around one month.

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

IR : It was on our list actually, since we have a model that wasn't good for market but it did served as a good inspiration.

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?

IR : It will be produced by Matrix only as part of the X ONE tools range.

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

IR : This is only one example among other products from range that are in development. Some of the designs are still in concept while other are already in prototype phase.

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

IR : Yes, new X ONE range for which we gradually developed product guidelines.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

IR : Primary DIY hobbyists between 25-45 years.

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

IR : Innovative use of wheel controller is something that wasn't applied yet on similar products.

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

IR : X ONE is the name of cordless tools range. Inspiration came from the fact that ONE battery can be used in many different ways, meaning with many other products without finite number because it's gradually growing, therefore X.

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

IR : Huion graphic tablet, Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Fusion 360, Keyshot 8 and handmade model from cardboard.

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

IR : I believe that would be intuitive and easy use thanks to wheel controller and mobility solution without folded handles.

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

IR : I work closely with marketing director, Tino Switon and our technical QA team in Shanghai who doing great job with technical support and communications with engineers in factory.

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

IR : Programming must be executed flawless, functions and quality must meet standard that we set, therefore, it's a huge and it had overall impact on decision to think about product with those possibilities.

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

IR : Since there was existing radio compatible with 20V battery from the range, but poorly produced in sense of design and functionality, main goal was to improve all the points in new version. Based on feedback from customers and available technology by suppliers initial concept was developed further until satisfactory final version of product. It wasn't required specific data and analytic approach, after confirmations with factory we simply proceed with concept.

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

IR : Challenge was to keep original volume size with minimum deviations and to fit 2 speakers, have space for removable battery and electronic parts. Result is symmetrical design for 2 speakers on sides, central internal space for battery and one tactile wheel on top. Compact and strong construction is made of strong plastic housing with aluminium and tpe for edges. End parts are formed in X shape as handles for easy mobility which was necessary to consider during the process.

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

IR : Everyone in the company were thrilled and excited with the concept which gave me enough confidence to apply and seek for professional confirmation of design quality.

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

IR : Every design is a challenge in certain way, since I am personally involved in many different types of tool development. Learning is great motivator, I am not seeking for "perfect design" as long as I am happy with results. Sometimes after while I think about different ways that might be applied, but that's all of the process and there is a chance to be applied in new designs perhaps.

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

IR : My thanks to A'Design Award and jury for accepting my nomination and giving me a chance to be a part of this great community of designers who are doing magnificent things. Congratulations to you all.