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Kwik Set Multi Purpose Hand Press by Erik Christopher DeMelo |
Home > Winners > Design #53737 >Interview |
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FS: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
ED: We wanted to make an all-in-one arbor press that was optimized for leather workers. It was important to make the design extremely approachable and fit into a vast amount of settings.
FS: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
ED: The main focus was to combine many functions into a single machine. A lot of time was spent in dialing in the performance characteristics.
FS: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
ED: Get it out to as many people as possible so that they can make exceptional work.
FS: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
ED: The entire process took a year, but that includes everything from research all the way through production and patent.
FS: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
ED: The need for such product came from many customer feedback. The concept to make all functions into a single machine was a conscious decision to better serve the end users.
FS: 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?
ED: Yes, the machine is currently being sold through our retail channels under our own brand, "Craftplus", as well as other leathercraft companies around the world.
FS: What made you design this particular type of work?
ED: It was designed based on a need.
FS: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
ED: Not directly for this product. I get inspiration all over the place.
FS: Who is the target customer for his design?
ED: The target customers are leather workers, craftsmen, factories, designers, leather craft enthusiasts and workshops. While the machine is purposely made for leather work, it also lends itself as a fantastic arbor press for countless applications and can be used on different materials like fabric and paper.
FS: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
ED: Its ease of use, multi-function, small footprint and simplistic aesthetic sets it apart from the rest. The design has a removable table to accommodate for other dies and adapters which is unique for machines of this nature. Also another iconic element is the single piece laser cut handle which incorporates the cam.
FS: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
ED: Kwik Set (pronounced "quick set) is a suitable name for this machine due to its ability to quickly set vast amounts of hardware. It can also emboss logos into vegetable-tanned leather with pre-made stamps or customs designs in seconds.
FS: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
ED: Besides pen and paper I used SolidWorks heavily to do all the design and engineering documents required for the factory.
FS: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
ED: The design has a removable table which is unique for machines of this nature. Also another iconic element is the single piece laser cut handle which incorporates the cam.
FS: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
ED: I worked with Engineer William Drinkwater, Sales and Marketing Director, Hao-Wen Chen and the President of the firm, Hsiu-Keen Chen on this project. Then project parameter, research, design concepts, packaging and branding were established. William and I spent a lot of time on cam optimization, FEA testing, and figuring out which materials would be ideal for the production application.
FS: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
ED: This machine is pretty low tech and is not accomplishing anything new. I used high tech tools to make this machine but that's it.
FS: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
ED: Yes. All my products go through extensive research. It's wise to understand your customer and the market. The last thing you want to do is make something that already exists or at least make sure you understand why your version of something is better or offers the end users additional benefits.
FS: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
ED: Integrating a pleasing aesthetic and managing all the engineering and performance characteristics is always tricky. But the results can be in unexpected and satisfying if you work through it.
FS: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
ED: My teammate and wife, Hao-Wen Chen who is in charge of the company sales, marketing and operations motivated me to submit my design. We met back in college when we were both Industrial Design students at Rhode Island School of Design. She has been my cheerleader, honest critic and motivating me every since.
FS: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
ED: Every project helps advance your skill sets. This particular project help me development great relationships with a few of our factories.
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
ED: No
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A' Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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