By Marie Kulik, Manager of Exhibitor Business Development
This week Marie caught up with first time exhibitor Jeremy Black of Jasper+Black from 2011’s Discover Design. Black discussed non-magnetic “magnets”, moms as inspiration and how design can take hold of big business over the next ten years.
Marie: What is the inspiration behind the design and functionality of your home and housewares products?
J+B: Our inspiration is the busy mom organizing her family who wants colorful and fun products that help her organize, remind, and remember.
Marie: How much does cost influence design?
J+B: Cost is always a consideration in designing commercial product but financial limits also create opportunities to enhance design. It can be as simple as reducing packaging to as complex as reducing components. Generally the deeper exploration and thinking that is required by pricing restrictions leads to a product that better connects with the consumer.
Marie: What does your company offer the home and housewares industry?
J+B: Our product range opens new areas for Mom to organize and communicate as our product range of 360 Click Clip, list pads, and calendars, stick to a variety of non-porous surfaces including stainless steel, glass, tile, mirrors, and finished walls. Our product can be removed and re-applied and should the grip weaken, use water to clean and re-charge. Our material is non-toxic and leaves no marks.
International Home and Housewares Show 2011: Jasper and Black’s Non-Magnetic Magnet for Stainless Steel Fridges from Core77 on Vimeo.
Marie: What was your first impression of Discover Design? The International Home + Housewares Show in general?
J+B: As a first time exhibitor at Housewares Show, I was impressed by the diversity of exhibitors within Discover Design. There is a lot of young and talented companies that are re-thinking product categories, materials, and consumer needs in creative ways. For a merchant with vision, there is much opportunity to re-invigorate product assortments and create excitement at retail.
Marie: How do you see design impacting the housewares industry five years down the road? 10? Longer?
J+B: “Design” is a buzzword used often by US business as a reflexive response to the need for innovation. But many of these companies don’t go beyond the easy surface of design – color and decoration. As we move forward businesses with a commitment to applying design management to all aspects of their business will have a competitive advantage. Product development, user interface, packaging, new materials, brand identity … all can benefit. And, we’ll see more companies taking a comprehensive and holistic approach to design to thrive in a new economy.
You can visit housewares.org for more information on Discover Design and the 2012 International Home + Housewares Show. You can also find past Inside Discover Design profiles in out archives!
Please contact Marie at Mkulik@housewares.org with any questions regarding Discover Design.
