Interview: For Douwe Jacobs, industrial design is the blend of arts and technology!

Ever since he was a tiny tot, Douwe Jacobs has been drawing and to this day his sketchbook is never empty, says he. After finishing high school, he started Industrial Design Engineering at TU Delft. During his studies he worked with companies like Formula Zero, Philips and most recently Ajax Fire Protection. Currently he’s working on his MA thesis in IPD (Integrated Product Design). More coming up after a little jump,

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1. How and when did you get into this field?

Jacobs: I’ve always been interesting in the combination of arts and technology. For me industrial design just was the logical marriage between the two. When, during high school, I went to take a look at Industrial Design Engineering I was hooked instantly.

2. What were your major sources of inspiration and motivation when you were starting out?

Jacobs: In high school I did an extensive report on the Bauhaus. I really loved the simplicity of the products and implementation of industrialization to make these products available for more people. Personal design favorites include the Wassily chair and Bauhaus lamp.

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3. During your studies you have worked with companies like Formula Zero, Philips and Ajax Fire Protection, do you think so you’ve kind of been at the cutting edge of design from the beginning?

Jacobs: Each of these companies brings something completely different to the table. The product we created for Formula Zero was more a tool to create awareness for sustainability, than it was cutting edge design in itself. For Ajax the challenge was to create something completely new for the very conservative market of fire hose reels. Working with Philips certainly is the biggest example of cutting edge design, with their new sense and simplicity credo; they really push the limit of technology and user interaction.

4. How and when did you come up with Tchaikovsky, the stylish electric nutcracker and Twist Again?

Jacobs: With the Tchaikovsky I wanted to create a stylish object that you would leave on the coffee table. The tall shape accentuates the crushing of the nut. An aluminum extrusion profile provided the perfect balance between look and weight.

The Twist Again lamp’s starting point was its simple retro-futuristic shape. To avoid the traditional on/off button, I wanted to create a new sort of interaction. In the end I chose the twist motion of the top to accentuate the lamp’s round shape.

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5. Jacobs, please spill out the concept behind Mark II for Formula Zero?

Jacobs: Formula Zero is a Dutch company that wants to raise awareness for hydrogen and fuel cell transportation by starting a zero-emission race class. They are starting out with karts, and as the car industry moves to mass production of fuel cell vehicles, they will scale up to being a full size racing class. At the time of the project, replacing the hydrogen tank in the kart would take approximately 10 minutes, which is a long time for an in-race pit-stop. We developed a system that reduced that time to 10 seconds, using a four-bar mechanism, gas springs and a click-and-go coupling system.

6. Do you have a favorite accessory or design (of your own)?

Jacobs: I’m always most enthusiastic about the design I’m working on at the moment. Currently I’m really into my entry for the Nespresso Design Contest (top secret!).

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7. Form follows function, what’s your opinion?

Jacobs: To certain extend yes! On the one hand it is wonderful when the user immediately understands the use of the product based on its shape. On the other, FFF would mean that each product has an ‘optimal’ shape. Wouldn’t it be horrible if everyone owned exactly the same objects?

8. Where do you see yourself after five years? I mean, any dreams, or plans for the coming future?

Jacobs: Ideally, I would like to set up my own design studio.

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9. What advice would you like to give to the budding designers?

Jacobs: Try to see your designs through the eyes of other people.

10. Finally, we would like to have your thoughts on Coolbuzz.org?

Jacobs: Coolbuzz.org satisfies my craving for the latest news and information about inspiring new trends and technologies.

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Rapid fire questions:

What is the best moment of the day?

Jacobs: The clearness of mind, just before going to sleep. Or is that considered night?

What music is on your iPod or radio?

Jacobs: At the moment, Jamie Lidell.

Who would you like to design something for?

Jacobs: Everyone; my goal is to design something that everyone can and wants to use.

How would you label/categorize your work?

Jacobs: Practical, fun objects for daily use.

Do you have a signature style? If yes, what are the hallmarks of your style?

Jacobs: Hard to say. I did at one time make a catchy phrase to sum up my work:
Clean look. Clear use. Clever thinking.

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Thank you Jacobs for sparing out time in doing an interview with us, it is greatly appreciated. I’d also like to wish you luck for all your future endeavors.

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