Ever stop to consider the origins of the everyday items we take for granted?
It’s something that crosses my mind in moments of cooking, especially while using my favorite sauté pan that perfectly balances size, weight, and function.
Conversely, I sometimes find myself grappling with poorly designed zippers on otherwise stylish tote bags.
Good design does not magically appear; it evolves through a thoughtful process.
Typically, a single visionary conceives the product idea, but it often takes a team of experts to bring that vision to fruition and onto store shelves.
Every innovative gadget or tool intended to simplify life is the result of meticulous planning by industrial designers who dedicate extensive hours to perfecting the elements that contribute to its success.
I had the opportunity to converse with two renowned industrial designers, both of whom have garnered countless accolades for their work.
Dan Harden operates Whipsaw out of San Francisco, specializing in diverse products ranging from water filters to home saunas, and even includes little tracking tags.
Scott Henderson, running his namesake firm in Brooklyn, has been influential in designing items commonly found in kitchens, nurseries, and bathrooms.
One standout product from Henderson is the ‘Moby’ spout cover, created in 2008 for Skip Hop.
If have toddlers, you may recognize the blue rubber whale that snugly fits over bathtub spouts to shield children from accidentally bumping into the hot surface.
Moby, made from a flexible latex-free material called TPE, features a tail that acts as a hook, placing the spout right where a whale’s blowhole would be.
Henderson considers Moby his all-time favorite design, noting, “It was one of the first products that integrated problem-solving innovation with its distinct character and charm.”
In a fun nod to pop culture, Pixar featured a character inspired by Moby, named Drips the Whale, in “Toy Story Toons.”
Henderson also leaves his mark on various kitchen essentials, including OXO dustpans, T-Fal measuring spoons, and Chantal kettles.
He believes that if a product evokes a smile, it becomes inherently easier to use.
How does one achieve that with a blender or a spoon?
“I find it effective to center the design around a single big idea rather than dispersing the focus across numerous smaller concepts.
When users can easily grasp the function and operation of the tool, it ultimately fosters a positive experience,” he explains.
“The interaction is both perceived and experienced visually. A well-designed product instills a sense of intelligence in its users, and with that comes a smile.”
During the pandemic, as supply lines faced unprecedented challenges, numerous designers pivoted to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers.
Henderson and his team worked with ZVerse and came up with an innovative design for a face shield that hooks at the neck instead of the top of the head, offering improved utility for food services and dental workers.
This ZShield became not only practical but also a trendy accessory for celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Michelle Obama during public events.
The production of the shield took place locally in North Carolina, allowing them to evade supply chain delays.
For Henderson, the most exhilarating part of the creative process is experiencing that “aha!” moment that leads to a new product idea.
“It’s a rush of dopamine,” he shared.
Harden reflects on the joy of seeing consumers embrace a design: “Witnessing your creation thrive in the real world and bring happiness to people is an incredible feeling.
It starts with an idea that excites you, progresses to sketched images and digital renderings, and culminates in a tangible model.
It’s bliss to watch a concept evolve into reality.”
Harden’s creative portfolio includes the FreeSip, a collaboration with Owala that earned spots on TIME magazine’s Best Inventions and The New York Times’ best water bottles lists.
His firm Whipsaw also teamed up with Tonal to create a sophisticated home gym that has garnered celebrity fans like Serena Williams and LeBron James.
Instead of using cumbersome weights, the Tonal system is designed to be mounted on the wall, utilizing digital weights powered by electromagnets, combined with an interactive screen for lessons.
Additionally, Whipsaw played a vital role in the development of the Tile tracker, a handy device for locating items such as wallets or bikes.
The design emphasized easy attachment with various vibrant colors, appealing especially to families and tech-savvy individuals.
“Sure, designing is a lot of fun, but it comes with its set of challenges,” mentions Harden.
“Maintaining a clear vision throughout the project’s duration is tough because of numerous distractions, like budget constraints and product requirements, as well as ensuring the design aligns with the brand.”
When asked what they would like to redesign next, Henderson noted his desire to enhance the aesthetics of city water towers, criticizing their uninspired, utilitarian appearance.
He also pointed to the unattractive orange construction barriers that clutter urban landscapes, indicating their potential for redesign.
Harden suggested that walking canes, and other products aimed at our aging population, could benefit from a creative overhaul.
“Creativity is an invaluable human trait, and dedicating oneself to understanding, practicing, and channeling that creativity is the most fulfilling pursuit one can undertake.”
