DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
TA : The main idea of Tip is lightness and its flat appearance. The tip in the middle of the sheet recalls a drop hitting a surface just before it spreads out. I was also inspired by all those possibilities offered by the LED technology.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
TA : My main focus was to design a light fitting that would look new and that would not block the view when hanging. Furthermore, I wanted to create an object where light would disperse perfectly to all directions.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
TA : I am planning to design a complete series around this concept including a variety of sizes and a floor lamp.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
TA : All in all, the process took me about half a year.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
TA : This design was commissioned by Keraplast Interior but I got more or less free hands in designing a new light fitting for their collection.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
TA : My design is produced and sold by Keraplast Interior.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
TA : I realized that this kind of product was missing on the market.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
TA : Mr. Markku Rantanen of Keraplast Interior offered his technical expertise during the process.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
TA : This design is suitable for use at home but also in public spaces.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
TA : Lightness and the way that light is reflected and dispersed.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
TA : The name refers to the inspiration behind this design, i.e. the tip in the middle of the sheet recalls a drop hitting a surface just before it spreads out.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
TA : I used the 3D programme.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
TA : I would say that it is the application of the LED technique.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
TA : I closely collaborated with the Product Manager of Keraplast Interior, Mr. Markku Rantanen, who had an important role in technical issues.
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
TA : As a matter of fact, it served as a starting point in the whole project.
DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
TA : Based on a market research, I started to design a concept that was not on the market yet. The analysis also influenced the design and the visual looks of the product.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
TA : Technically it was challenging to place the light source inside the object. Another challenge was the making of the mould for the acrylic part.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
TA : The initiative came from the producer, Keraplast Interior.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
TA : During the process I learned more about the LED technique.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
TA : There will be a complete series of Tip light fittings in various sizes and types. We are currently looking for a partner in marketing this product.