By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator
Get to know the people behind the stylish, thought-provoking designs that will be exhibited in Discover Design. This series of conversations will give you a glimpse of the inspirations, influences and ideas that go into creating the exciting products that you’ll see at the 2013 Show.
Based in Oakland, Calif., Urbio is a collaboration between Beau Oyler and Jared Aller and Enlisted Design. Beau and Jared, industrial design classmates at the Academy of Art University, worked for noted Bay Area design companies after graduating in 2005 and then founded Enlisted Design in 2008. The boutique creative agency specializes in product design, branding, graphics, packaging, POS and multimedia. Beau also teaches design at Academy of Art in San Francisco. The group has designed lifestyle products for Williams-Sonoma, Nestle, Netgear and Clorox and merited design awards and media attention. Urbio is a wall-mounted organizer composed of an assortment of magnetic, individually shaped containers that can be used vertical urban gardening or for keeping household and office supplies handy. They launched Urbio with Kickstarter funding in 2011 and presented it on ABC’s Shark Tank.
We are speaking with Beau Oyler, Co-Creator of Urbio.
Where do you find inspiration when designing new products?
Architecture, furniture, materials
Are there any specific designers, places or eras that influence you?
Urban landscapes, designer Konstantin Grcic.
How do you choose which idea to take to the next step — to product development?
When we understand the market/user and research sufficiently, recognizing the right concept becomes clear.
How do you identify the key user audience for your products?
Simple, anyone with a wall.
Is there an approach or look that joins the functionality, form or emotional appeal of your product line?
Urbio’s softness invites the user to touch, plant, organize and enjoy the product. The universality of the design allows it to fit well in any environment.
How do you see design’s importance in our industry as it moves forward?
As consumers expect good design, designers will validate their seats at the business table.
Where are your products manufactured?
China.
How does Discover Design help to expand your brand?
Retailers and consumers are looking for new design. There is no better platform!
What advice can you offer to designers working in the home goods field?
Take risks and trust that consumers demand progression.
Thank you, Beau, for sharing your insights with us. We look forward to meeting you and seeing your products in Discover Design Booth S4380. Wishing you success at the Show as Urbio meets retailers from around the world.
To learn more about their design team, see www.enlisteddesign.com. To learn more about Urbio, visit www.myurbio.com.
Discover Design is the premier design destination at the International Home + Housewares Show. Located in the South Building, within the Dine + Design Expo, the invitation-only category features more than 100 exhibitors from around the world. Companies driven by innovation and inspired by design present distinctive products and collections in Tabletop, Gift, Textiles and Home Décor categories. Exhibitors are selected to participate by a panel of industry experts comprised of retailers, design journalists and peers. Some exhibitors appeared here last year, many are new to our Show. The Discover Design Gallery, accessible to buyers and media, features select products that are entries in the Global Innovation Award (gia) for Design. Learn more about Discover Design exhibitors and their products by checking Housewares Connect 365 at www.housewares.org
