By Marie Kulik, Exhibitor Business Development Manager
You’ll recall the blog series we began in the spring highlighting IHA’s newest exhibit at the 2011 International Home + Housewares Show, Discover Design. We took a short hiatus, but we’re back with new companies and fresh perspectives on the world of design and how it relates to housewares. Damon Wilmott of Joseph Jospeh was kind enough to share with us about his experience from the 2011 Show to kick off our fall/spring installments of Inside Discover Design!
Marie Kulik: What is the inspiration behind the design and functionality of your products?
Damon Wilmott: Our approach to product design is always to look at improved function first. Though our products are colorful this is not part of our design strategy, more part of our identity and will change as kitchen trends change. We consider and agree the design and its functional innovation before colors are chosen.
Marie: Are there specific designers that have influenced you?
DW: We respect industrial designers who have established their own product brands, for example James Dyson.
Marie: What makes a design “great”?
DW: For Joseph Joseph: Innovative function; intuitive operation; appropriate for the market?
Marie: How much does cost influence design?
DW: Very much. Consumers are making constant comparisons based on cost. Perceived value can be increased with good design.
Marie: What does your company offer the Industry?
DW: A fresh approach to everyday housewares.
Marie: How do you see design impacting our industry five years down the road? 10? Longer?
DW: Outsourced manufacturing is key to our business. This means that we are not tied to a specific manufacturing technique. We can buy any product or material, so design becomes the most important driving force in our business. More and more companies in our industry are working like this so design will become more important in the next 5-10 years.
Marie: How much does the use or function of a product play into the design of it? Do your products follow a similar design throughout the line or does the influence differ from piece to piece?
DW: We like to think every one of our products has its own unique story. We don’t have a theme running through the range except for the fact that there must be a functional innovation. This could be about compact storage, hygiene, improved function or multi-functions.
Marie: What advice can you offer to designers working in the home goods field?
DW: Remain focused on what your market strength is and be the best at one aspect of design. Be known for something unique, then build the business from that.
Marie: How did the Discover Design help to expand your brand?
DW: Discover Design enabled us to be seen in a more design-focused area of the show, and gave us added exposure with the additional marketing and display areas. We won a GIA award that again helped to raise the profile of our brand.
