Jon Walker

Specialized in Design.

Jon Walker

About Jon Walker

Jon is applying his industry expertise to social change by developing sustainable products that inspire actions which support a healthy environment. Through industrial design and the supply of 'products as a service' Jon is aiming to enhance the current approach to recycling by both increasing and improving the practice. The 'Why' behind this is people - by preserving a healthy environment in which to live and grow we can help to give everyone a fair chance in life.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs

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Interview with Jon Walker

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
I'm not a trained designer but have always designed - making pots from the clay in our garden, tables from the wood in the garage... I wanted to be an architect originally.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
dwiss is a young company concerned with designing products and services that help people behave sustainably. We collaborate with academics, students, designers and makers from across Europe.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
I like Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona chair - proportionally elegant, durable, simple and functional.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Wood is my favourite. I'm enjoying the possibility of 3D printing.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Design in a way that supports the circular economy - the conservative use of sustainable materials to develop durable products that can be easily repaired.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
The value of design is being ever more realised. Design will move to a more central position in human evolution.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
September 2016 at Tent, which is part of London Design Fair. We're hoping to exhibit at Stockholm's Furniture and Light Fair in 2018.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
People and world around us. I like using public transport and walking round public spaces to see people and how the interact with the world around them.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
Simple, sustainable and elegant. I'm a minimalist and so this style works for me.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I live in Sheffield, UK. We have a strong history of making, starting with steel and cutlery. I think that the durability of this material and product is captured in my designs.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Listen to their ideas and give them space. I think selectin is gut feel, so extended conversations work best when selecting a designer.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
It's very much based around the 'design-thinking' approach. My designs are about the user, providing them with a solution. So rapid prototyping and feedback are key.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
An old Singer sewing machine - beautiful engineering. A pan set that we got as a wedding present - simple and durable. A Wedgewood vase that we inherited for some flamboyance. A cutlery set that we also inherited - dripping with Sheffield heritage. My Orange mountain bike - fun!
Can you describe a day in your life?
Rise as early as I can, meditate and shower. Get the kids up and off to school. Come home and design. Lunch and then make calls / have meetings. Then get the kids to bed and grab dinner with my wife.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Talk to as many people as possible to understand an issue from multiple perspectives - you never fully understand anything so react more than you plan.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Positives are freedom of expression, creativity, craftsmanship. Negatives include uncertainty, doubt...
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I tend to sketch in a book and knock up prototypes. I work with the people that are skilled in the use of software to create the digital models.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I don't try and manage it too much but I do apply the principle that sometimes done is better than perfect and move on.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It can be hours or it can be years. The dwiss has been over 10 years in the making but I designed a desk in a few hours.
What was your most important job experience?
It was actually writing a quality procedure - it talk me how to capture expertise.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
The concept stage right at the beginning, when an idea flickers into your mind.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
Developing a low cost version of the dwiss made from surplus material that we can supply as a 'product as a service'.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I've a desk that I'm working on. The idea is that it can be shipped flat pack to anywhere in the world and built using something as a basic as a rock.
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
Anyone can design, just think of something that you need help with.

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