Pg.No: 26
Graphic Dynamics
Mind-blowing Design Trends in the Modern Industry
Pg.No: 34
Sustainability Relevance
The Importance of Sustainable Architecture in Today's World
Global Expert in Providing Sustainable Product Design and Innova on
CInnovationisthelifebloodofprogress,andindustrial designcompaniesareattheforefrontofdrivingthis transformativeforce.Withtheirexpertisein combiningaesthetics,functionality,andusercentereddesign,thesecompaniesplayavitalrolein shapingtheproductsandexperiencesweencounterinour dailylives.Fromconsumerelectronicstoautomotive design,theyareinstrumentalinpushingtheboundariesof creativity,efficiencyandsustainability.
Oneofthekeycontributionsofindustrialdesignersistheir abilitytoidentifyunmetneedsanddesignsolutionsthat enhanceuserexperiences.Throughmeticulousresearch, marketanalysis,andanempatheticunderstandingofuser behaviors,theyuncoverinsightsthatdriveinnovation.By translatingtheseinsightsintointuitiveandvisually appealingproducts,theyrevolutionizeindustriesandcreate newmarketopportunities.
Theimportanceofminimizingenvironmentalimpactis dedicatedtodevelopingproductsandsolutionsthatare environmentallyfriendly.Byincorporatingsustainable materials,energy-efficientdesigns,andcirculareconomy principles,theydrivepositivechangeandsetnewstandards forresponsiblemanufacturing.
Collaborationisanotherkeydriverofinnovationinthe realmofindustrialdesign.Thesecompaniesworkclosely withclients,engineers,andotherstakeholderstoensurethat
thefinalproductalignswiththedesiredvisionandmeets theneedsofend-users.Througheffectivecollaboration, theyharnesscollectiveexpertiseandperspectives,resulting inbreakthroughdesignsthatpushtheboundariesofwhatis possible.
Inrecentyears,industrialdesigncompanieshavealso embracedthepoweroftechnologyindrivinginnovation. Theyleverageadvancementssuchas3Dmodeling,virtual reality,andrapidprototypingtoiteratedesignsquicklyand efficiently Thesetoolsenablethemtotestconcepts,gather feedback,andrefinedesignsbeforeproduction,reducing timetomarketandincreasingthelikelihoodofsuccess.
InsightsSuccesstakesprideininculcatingtheleaders throughitslatestedition–The10MostPromising IndustrialDesignCompaniestoWatch,highlighting promisingdesigncompaniesandhowtheyhavea significantimpactonbrandingandcustomerloyaltyby creatingmemorableandengagingexperiences. -PrashikD.Bombarde
Lauren Smith
Sherin Rodricks Business Development Manager
Development
Technical
Head Chris Darcy Assistant Technical Head
Technical Consultants Logan Harper, Julie Davis
Digital
Helena
APRIL 2023
Smith
Wilson
Company
Featuring Brief Company
Featuring Brief Company
Featuring
Brief
Bang Crea ons Limited bangcrea ons.co.uk
Stefan Knox & Kirs n Knox Founder & Director
Bang Crea ons are a cer fied B Corp industrial engineering product design agency. Its passion is helping businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs take their products and ideas from concept to customer
Beyond Design
beyonddesign.com
Beyond Design, Inc. is a strategic design consultancy specializing in New Product Development (NPD). Beyond creates design solu ons that help drive innova on for clients to connect with end-users for marketplace success.
Black+Blum black-blum.com
Dan Black Director
With rigorous a en on to detail and a focus on sustainability, Black+Blum designs original products that inspire a sense of wellbeing.
Evo Design evodesign.com
Aaron Szymanski President
Evo Design has a team of product designers and engineers passionate about collabora ng with clients to develop and commercialize products users love.
RKS Design rksdesign.com
Ravi Sawhney CEO
RKS has been on the cu ng edge of design and innova on since their beginnings in 1980. They use human-centered designthinking methodology, Psycho-Aesthe cs to build emo onally resonant and empathe c user experiences.
ForwardX Robo cs forwardx.com
Nicolas Chee Founder & CEO
At ForwardX, with true intelligence, mobile robo cs can become en rely flexible to circumstances while delivering output levels to rival tradi onal automa on systems.
Shark Design sharkdesign.com
Oliver Evans CEO
Shark Design is a full service product development company in Hong Kong and the USA with a manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, China.
Karten Design kartendesign.com
Eric Olson Vice President
Karten Design is an awardwinning product design and innova on consultancy passionate about crea ng extraordinary experiences between people and products.
Tungsten Collabora ve tungstencollabora ve.com
Bill Dicke President
Tungsten Collabora ve prides on suppor ng its clients along the en re product development journey. Helping with every stage of product development, from concept to prototype, manufacturing to branding, and packaging to launch.
Parkland County parklandcounty.com
Robert Fernandez Director of Economic Diversifica on
Parkland County is a collec ve of local departments working together to promote Parkland County, Alberta.
Michael Prince FounderWe are constantly testing our offering through feedback loops and ensuring continual improvement in our process and approach.
Stefan Knox Founder, Kirs n Knox Director, Bang Crea ons Limited
Inthemodernworld,creatingaworkable,commercial productfromanidearequirescreativeideationand preciseexpertiseinproductdesign.Itentails developinginnovativeproductsanddevelopingexisting designstoenhancetheirappeal,performance,and effectiveness.Additionally,itimpliesreviewingthedesign, offeringresolutions,andcommencingplanstocreatea qualityproductfortheglobalatmosphere.
ProvidingsuchexclusiveresourcesisBangCreations-An industrialdesignandengineeringstudiowithheadquarters intheUK.Itcollaborateswithbusinessesthatshareits valuesofcreatingcutting-edgeproductsthatbenefitboth peopleandtheenvironment.Itsobjectiveistoestablish sustainabilityasthestandardwhenitcomestocreating technologicallyandfinanciallysuccessfulgoodsfor businessesthathaveamarketentrystrategyandrequirean inventiveandethicaldesignpartner.
StefanKnoxfoundedthebusinessmorethan20yearsago afterworkingforthetoymanufacturerHasbrowherehe wasluckytohavethemeanstohirevariousdesignstudios tocarryouthisdesignideas.
WhilstatHasbro,Stefanstudiedbusinessandmarketingat nightschool,learningwhichaffordedhimpromotionto drivefutureR&Ddevelopmentwithinternationalcreative teamswithinthebusiness.
Here,hewitnessedthatmanycreativeconceptscouldnot becommercializedastheywereeithertooexpensiveortoo difficulttomarket.Hesawaneedinthemarketforadesign companythatwasnotjustimaginativeandcreativebutalso consciousofitsbusinessmodel.Thestudiosawsignificant expansionandassistednumerousclientsinidentifyingthe mostviableideatopursueswiftly
Theorganizationtransformeditsbusinessmodelin2012to becomeastudioprioritizingsustainablesolutions.Inthe process,enrichingtheinclusivestandardsandparametersof thein-housestructure,theorganizationuplifteditsclientele in2018.Providingdedicatedofferingstooldandnew clientstoaddsustainablesolutionsaspartoftheirlineup. Subsequently,ithasingrainedsustainabilityaspartofits culture,anditbecameBCorpcertifiedin2021.
How could one incorporate such zeal?
Let's head in to find out!
Earlyinthe1990s,StefanandKristinKnoxbothearned degreesinengineeringasproductdesignersfromthesame
LondonUniversity.PriortoworkingforHasbro,Kristin inventedasolutionforclearinglitterfromcanalswhichshe soldtoBritishWaterWayswheresheworkedtooverseeits integration.Stefanworkedasadesignerinlightingand furnitureforaLondonbusiness,andasadesignengineer forElectroluxdesigningvacuumcleaners.Beforejoining herhusbandatBangCreations(andafterleavingHasbro), Kristinheldagency-sidepositionswithLondondesign firmsandthehandheldPDAmanufacturerPsion.
WhenStefanandKirstinreconnectedatHasbro,hewas designingtoysforboysundertheNerf,Tonka,andAction Man,andlicensingdealsfromDisneyandWarner,while Kirstinwasworkingongirls'toysundertheMyLittlePony, CareBears,andSindybrands.
OnreturningfromabusinesstripintheUS,Stefan developedabusinessplanforstartinghisownagency Withinthreemonths,hequit,gotmarriedtoKirstin, purchasedahouse,andopenedanoffice.Lateron,Kirstin joinedStefanintheBangCreationStudio.Bangiscurrently anindustrialdesignstudiowith8employeesworkingon numerousprojectsatvariousphasesofdevelopment,from earlyconcepttocollaboratingwithmanufacturerson productionorderqualitycontrol.
Withmorethan20yearsofexperience,BangCreationsisa topindustrialdesignandengineeringcompany.Itsgoalisto createproductsthatarebothtechnicallyandcommercially practicalwhilealsobeingrecognizedfortheircommitment tosocialresponsibilityandtheenvironment.
BangCreationshasthreeproductsthatitusestotakean ideafromconceptiontoproduction.
• Innovationevaluationtool "The Who, What, Why,When, and the Four Hows" (shortened by its design team as "How the Hell...?") isaframeworkthat seeksouttheanswerstoabriefthathelpthe designerconceiveofproductsthatareboth marketableandresponsible.
• The"Bangdevelopmentprocess"involvestaking aconceptthroughdevelopmentandmanufacture andthenontoaproductionlinewithinbudget, ontime,andtoagreed-uponqualitylevels.The teamhasengineeredthisprocesstoensureit focusesoninnovationandsocialand environmentalresponsibilityateverystageof development.
THE BANG CREATIONS TEAM HAS YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TAKING CONCEPTS AND TRANSLATING THEM INTO DESIGNS THAT ARE PRACTICAL, MARKETABLE, AND REALISTIC.
Theapproach.BangCreationshasamulti-stageprocess thatde-risksdevelopmentandsearchesoutfeedbackearly on.Stefansays, "We lean on a wide, talented network that we engage with early on in every project to further de-risk development."
TheBangCreationsteamhasyearsofexperiencetaking conceptsandtranslatingthemintodesignsthatare practical,marketable,andrealistic.Viewinganideafrom severalanglesisoneofthecrucialstepsinthenewproduct designprocess.Theteammustensurethateverypossible executionhasbeentakenintoaccount,orelsethewrong idearisksbeingpursuedfurtheralongthedevelopment route.Todothis,theteamgeneratesasmanyoriginal alternativesolutionsastheycanbeforeexaminingeach fromtheperspectiveofthecustomer
BangCreationsispleasedtolearnthatitsclientsbelievein itsvalue,whichincludes:
• Thecompanyishonestandopen.Itisenthusiastic aboutitsworkandbringsover30yearsofexperience toitsprojects.
• Itstaysuntiltheend.Developmentischallenging,but itdeliverswhatitsignsuptodeliver
• Ithasbeeninitsclients'shoes.Ithasbroughtitsown productstomarket.Stefansays,"Weknowwhatthey willgothrough."
• Thecompanyhasintegratedarobust,sustainable programmeateverystageofitsdevelopmentjourney; itisnotafootnote.
• BangCreationshasatriedandtestedprocessthatcan showworks.
"Bang brings creativity, integrity, and responsibility to the design process. It has been a pleasure to progress our products using them, as they constantly aim to ensure they are an investment and not a cost burden to our business. They listen and truly immerse themselves in the client's needs. Not just a veneer, but their honesty and desire to deliver are skin deep." –AlanWard,CEOEvaclite–dynamicemergencyexitsignagethatsaveslives.
Theorganizationenlistsdesigningproductsthatare sociallyandenvironmentallyresponsibleasakeyvalue ofitsbusinessandhasbeenforthelast10years.Victor Papaenk,theAustriandesignerfromthe1960s,is quotedassaying, "There are professions more dangerous than industrial design, but only a few"
THE BANG DEVELOPMENT PROCESS INVOLVES TAKING A CONCEPT THROUGH DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURE.
(1971).Stefanunderstandshowimportantourroleis-Bang Creationsiscurrentlyworkingonadiverserangeof projects.Theserangefromelectro-mechanicalproductsthat helptheelderly,arangeofcloud-connecteddevicesthat helphomeownerstosaveenergy,toelectronicproductsthat helpstudentswithlearningdifficulties,allthewhile ensuringthattheyaredesignedforobsolescenceanduse theleastamountofrawmaterialandenergyintheir manufactureaspossible.
BangCreationsworkswithitsclientstoensurethatwhat theyclaimtheywilldeliverisaccurateandachievable.This bringsontwoinitiatives:
• Asustainabledevelopmentreviewfortherisingstage ofexpansion.
• Atarget-drivendataandmetricsindicationonthe projectevaluationtool.
BangCreationslookstoseehowinnovativeitsproduct solutionisandaimsforittodelighttheenduser Toachieve this,BangCreationsreallyobservesthetargetmarketand understandswhattheythink,feel,say,andthendoabout theproblemitissolving.Thecompanytakesthese customer-facingproblemsandturnsthemintodesign challenges.Themorediverseandopen-mindedtheteam, themorecreativethesolutionswillbe.Thisapproachis understoodbyBangCreations'clientsandoftenwins projectsnotnormallygiventodesignersoutsideofthe client'sindustry.Despitenothavingdoneamotorbike before,itsclientsunderstoodandbelievedinitsapproach anditsprocess,andBangCreationsdesignedandhelped engineerforthemanaward-winning,market-disrupting product.
BangCreationsunderstandsthatthereisacost-of-living crisisandglobalpoliticaluncertainty,whicharestifling innovationatatimewhenitneedsitmost.Itsinnovation evaluationmodelhelpsitsclientsteaseoutpotential solutionstothesechallenges.
Themostimportantnewtechnologies,inStefan'sopinion, thatmakeBangCreations'customersstandoutinthe market,arethoserelatedtomaterialscienceandtheir variousmanufacturingprocedures.
AccordingtoStefan,oneofthemostfascinatingpartsofhis jobislearningaboutnewmaterialsandfiguringouthowthe companycanusethemtoimproveaproduct.Althoughit hasacommercialbarrier,itisoptimisticthatcostswill decreaseasefficiencyincreases,anditwantstobeatthe forefrontofincorporatingthemintoproducts.
InglisJones,co-founderofMaevingBikes
"If it weren't for Bang's agile way of working and lean structure, we would never have gotten the project off the ground." Seb
AccordingtoStefan,thebiggestissueinthedesign professionisdecidingwhereandfromwhatmaterialsto produceitems.ProductionforBangCreationshasmoved fromtheUSandEuropetoHongKong,thentomainland China,andiscurrentlymovingback.Manufacturing efficiencyhasreachedaplateau,whichhasfueledthe searchforever-cheaperlabortoprovidethesamevalue.He states, "The key challenge now is how do we design and make products that people need that are designed for obsolescence and have a minimal negative impact on
Stefanfeelsfortunatetobegiventheopportunitytositat thesametablewithsomeofBangCreations'clientele. Accordingtohisobservations,successfulbusinesses surroundthemselveswithseasonedmultidisciplinaryteams andpayattention.Hethinksittakesalotofworktoreally haveaproductonehascreatedrolloffaproductionline, andthecompanythinksclientsarebestservedbydesign teamsthathaveactuallydoneitratherthanjustbeingable totalkaboutit.Hestates, "The more projects you can do, the more valuable you are as a product designer. Learn the whole process and appreciate the product's life journey
WE LEAN ON A WIDE, TALENTED NETWORK THAT WE ENGAGE WITH EARLY ON IN EVERY PROJECT TO FURTHER DE-RISK DEVELOPMENT.
from the cradle to the grave and do as many varied projects as you can.”
Listening,evaluating,andimplementing—thesearethe valuesofBangCreations.Itisworkingevencloserwithits partnerstoseehowitsservicecanhelpitachievethefirm's mission.Thecompanyisengagingwithitsclientsto understandtheirbusinessneedsandlearnhowitcanalign itsdevelopmentplanstohelpthemmeetthoseneedsandbe asflexibleforchangeaspossible.Stefanstates, "We are constantly testing our offering through feedback loops and ensuring continual improvement in our process and approach."
BangCreationswantstodrawinadditionalbusinessesthat shareitsprinciplesandneedsapartnertohelppromote cutting-edgesustainableproductsolutions.Throughits expansion,ithopestoestablishafoundationthatwill expanditspresentassistanceprogrammeforhelpingnew
businessesandinstitutionslearnandapplythebestdesign practices.Mostimportantly,BangCreationswantsto continuetobeagoodinvestmentforitscustomers.
"Bang Creations are 'Real World' not stereotypical 'Designers.' Stefan is enthusiastic and innovative but approaches design from our business perspective, not his creative ego. But it's often unexpected events that demonstrate the true spirit of an organization, and Bang introduced us to an opportunity with no motive other than to support our business. We look forward to working with Bang as a management team long into the future."
DavidRedfern,Director,HarlequinComposites
Plasticpollutionhasbecomeacrisisthatplaguesour planet,suffocatingouroceansandcontaminatingour landfills.Thesheeramountofsingle-useplasticwaste thatweproduceeveryyearisstaggering,andit’stakinga tollonourenvironmentinwaysthatwemaynotevenfully comprehendyet.However,thereareleadersouttherewho aredeterminedtomakeadifference,andDanBlackisone ofthem.
Dan,thefounderanddesignmastermindbehind Black+Blum,hasmadeithislife’sworktotacklethe problemofsingle-useplasticbottlesandtakeaway containers.Forover20years,hehasledhisteamof designerstocreateproductsthatarenotonlyaesthetically pleasingbutalsofunctional,innovative,andmost importantly,madetolast.
Dan’spassionforsustainabledesignwassparkedwhenhe realizedtheextentofplasticwastepollutingouroceansand harmingwildlife.Heknewhehadtotakeaction,andthat’s howBlack+Blumcameintoexistence.Withaclearmission inmind,Danandhisteamsetouttocreatearangeofecofriendlyproductsthatwouldhelppeopleleadmore sustainableliveswithoutcompromisingonstyleor convenience.
AtthecoreofBlack+Blum’sphilosophyistheideaof longevity.Ratherthancreatingproductsthataredisposable, Danandhisteamdesignproductsthatarebuilttolast.This notonlyhelpstoreducewastebutalsosavescustomers moneyinthelongrun.Fromreusablewaterbottlesto insulatedfoodcontainers,everyproductthatBlack+Blum createsiscarefullydesignedtobeasfunctionalandefficient aspossiblewhilealsobeingstylishandappealing.
Inaworldwheredisposablecultureisthenorm,DanBlack andBlack+Blumareleadingthechargeforamore sustainablefuture-bycreatingproductsthatarenotonly beautifulbutalsodurableandeco-friendly Whilehelping tochangethewaywethinkaboutthethingsweuseevery day Withhisvisionanddetermination,heisprovingthat sustainabilityandstylecangohandinhandandthatsmall changescanmakeabigdifferenceinthefightagainst plasticpollution.
Join us as we explore the story of Black+Blum and Dan Black and how he is changing the world, one product at a time!
PleasegiveusabriefdescriptionofBlack+Blum,its objectives,andthemostimportantfactorscontributing toitssuccess.
Black+Blumdesignsuniquelifestyleandhomeware productstohelppeoplelivemoresustainably Therange includeshigh-qualitylunchboxes,waterbottles,and thermoses;forthehome,theoffice,andthetrail.Asproud 1%forthePlanetmembers,everythingisbuilttolastusing premiummaterials,andeverydetailisconsideredfor lifelongandeverydayuseandreuse.
Follow your passions, whatever they are.
If you enjoy what you are doing and genuinely care about the products you are crea ng, then this will shine through, and people will see it, value it, and they will do well.
Ourrangeofproducts,whichallaimtofacilitatethe transportationoffoodanddrinkwhileonthego,hasgrown significantlysincethelaunchofourfirstlunchboxin2010. WewereinspiredbyJapaneseBentoBoxes,aswenoticed thatwhilechildrenhadfunlunchboxes,adultswerestuck withdullfoodcontainers.Wewerethefirsttotruly innovateandhavesinceinfluencedandinspiredthemarket. Unlikeothercompaniesinoursector,wedesignour productsfromscratchandonlyreleaseanewdesignwhen webelieveitofferssomethingbetterthanwhatisalready available.Ourdesignshaveamodernretroutilitarian aestheticthatistimeless,andwepurposelykeepthecolor minimaltohighlightthenaturalmaterialsandform.Weuse high-qualitymaterialsthatarebuilttolastandcanbeeasily replacedorrepairedifnecessary Asmembersof1%forthe Planet,wedonate1%ofourannualsalestosustainable charitiesinsupportofourcommitmenttoenvironmental responsibility
Kindlybriefusaboutyourselfandyourmotivational journeyuntilyourcurrentdesignationatBlack+Blum.
SinceIwasyoung,I’vebeencaptivatedbycreativityand innovation,oftencraftingmodelsandtinkeringwith gadgetsoutofcuriosity.Myfather’sbusiness,whichhe
managedwithmyuncle,fueledthisinterest,asIwas fascinatedwiththeprocessofcreatingshoesandbags.With encouragementfrommyfamily,Ipursuedindustrialdesign atNorthumbriaUniversity,whichhasareputationfor producingimpressivegraduateslikeJonyIve,akeyfigure inApple’ssuccess.Duringmytimethere,Iwasfortunate enoughtointernatdesignstudiosinLondonandCalifornia.
Myfatherinstilledinmetheimportanceof entrepreneurship,whichledmetoco-foundBlack+Blum withafellowNorthumbriaalum,MartinBlum.Initially,we servedasadesignconsultancy,creatingdesignsforother businesses.Soonafter,weexpandedintolightingproducts, whichquicklygainedpopularity We’vesincegrownour collectionandcontinuetoproducenewdesigns,aprocess thatstillbringsmeimmensesatisfaction25yearsafterour establishmentin1998.
Whatisthespecialtyofyourlatestofferings,andhow doesitcontributetomaintainingthecompany’s excellentpositionintheindustry?
Wehavejustlaunchedournewmicrowave-safestainless steelMulti-Functionrangeoffoodcontainers.Asidefrom theinnovationofbeingabletoputstainlesssteelinthe microwave,italsofeedsintothegrowingtrendofmeal-
prepping,wherepeoplepreparetheirmealsatthestartof theweekandbatchcook.Thiscanhelpusersfollowa specificdiet,reducefoodwaste,savemoney,andeven reducesingle-usepackagingiftheytakeitwiththem insteadofbuyingconveniencetake-outfood.Thefeatures andfunctionalityofthedesignareagoodexampleofhow, asabrand,weareattheforefrontofunique,innovative solutions.
Howhasthecompanyevolvedoverthepast20years, andhowdoyouensurethatBlack+Blumproductsare madetolast?
Ourestablishmenthasalonghistorydatingbackto1998, whichmeanswehavebeenintheindustryforan impressive25yearssinceourinception.Initially,wewerea designconsultancy,butlateron,wetransitionedtocreating andsellingourproducts.Inourfirst17years,welackeda clearfocusorrecognizableaesthetic,despiteoffering functionalproducts.Therewasnocommonthreadlinking ourdiverserangeofproducts,whichincludedrubberdoor stopsresemblingaman,rubber-bladedsilentrunningfans, artisticcandelabras,architecturallyinspireddishracks, barbecuesdisguisedasplantpots,andindustrial-looking tapedispensers.
Since2017,oursolefocushasbeenoncreatingproducts forthefoodanddrinkon-the-gocategory.Wehaveworked tirelesslytoestablishamoreiconicandconsistentbrand identity Asourproductrangecontinuestoexpand,more peopleappreciatethetime,energy,andpassionweinvestin eachdesign,andwearegraduallybecomingarecognized brand.Thisisevidentinthegrowingnumberofrenowned brandsseekingtoco-brandwithus.Weprioritizedurability andfunctionalityinourproductdesigns,aswebelievethat productsbuilttolastarecriticaltopromotingsustainable living.
Whatprocessesdoyouhaveinplacetoensureyour productsaredesignedtobereusedandsustainable,and howdoyouensureeco-friendlymaterialsareusedin yourproducts?
Thecategoryoffoodanddrinkonthegohasanobvious follow-throughtothesustainablebenefitsofreducingfood wasteandsingle-usepackaging.Ourengineeringexpertise andexperiencehaveimprovedoverthepast25years,our internaltestingprocedureshavebeenfine-tuned,andthe trustedrelationshipwe’vebuiltwithourskilled manufacturingpartnersovermanyyearsallgotogetherto ensureourdesignsarebuilttolastandbereusedforyears. Intermsofmaterials,wealwaysusethebestqualitythatis mostsuitedtotheapplication.Ilovethesaying,‘I’mnot richenoughtobuycheapproducts’or‘Buyonce,buywell. Ourdesignswon’tbethecheapest,buttheyaren’t expensiveeither,andtheyaregoodvaluebasedonbeing builttolastwithhigh-qualitymaterials.
Howhaveyouseentheworld’sattitudetowards single-useplasticbottlesandtakeawaycontainers changesinceyoustarted?
Thepaceofattitudechangeandunderstandingof environmentalissueshasgreatlychangedinthelastfive yearsandcontinuestogrow Thereisgenerallyagreater understandingofwhywedowhatwedo.
WhatmakesBlack+Blumstandoutamongother designcompanies?
Mostdesigncompaniesonlydesignforothercompanies, whothenmarketandselltheproducts.Wehaveabetter understandingofthemarketbecausewehandle everythingfromdesigntoproductionandsale.Thisdoes, though,alsohighlightthechallenge,asitisnoteasyto havealltheseskillsetsinasmallcompany.
Asaninventiveleader,whatsuggestionswouldyou liketopassontoaspiringentrepreneurs?
Followyourpassions,whatevertheyare.Ifyouenjoy whatyouaredoingandgenuinelycareabouttheproducts youarecreating,thenthiswillshinethrough,andpeople willseeit,valueit,andtheywilldowell.Havepatience andperseverance,andbesuretoenjoythejourney.Put yourselftoworkdoingthethingthatyoudobest.
Howdoyouenvisionscalingyourorganization’s servicesandoperationsin2023andbeyond?
Ourmarketwillcontinuetoexperiencerevolutionary advancementsaswehaveanexceptionallyfascinating productpipelineinthenext2-3years.Ourfocusonthis nichesegmentwillleadtoincreasedbrandrecognition, admiration,andrevenue.Thiswillempowerustopursue morecaptivatingandchallengingendeavors.
Pleasegiveusafewtestimonialsfromyourclientsand awardsorrecognitionthataccuratelyhighlightyour achievementsinthissector.
Partneringwithamazingaspirationalbrandssuchas Prada,Rapha,andFinisterre,tonamejustafew,isa testamentthatwearebeingrecognizedinourcategory
Graphicdesignisanever-evolvingfield, constantlyinfluencedbytechnological advancements,culturalshifts,and emergingtrends.Intoday'smodern industry,severalmind-blowingdesign trendsareshapinghowweperceiveandinteract withvisualcontent.Thesetrendsreflectthe currentdesignlandscapeandpushtheboundaries ofcreativityandinnovation.
Let's explore some of the most captivating design trends in the modern industry and how they are transforming the world of graphic dynamics!
Lessismore,andminimalismembodiesthis principle.Minimalistdesignfocusesonsimplicity, cleanlines,amplewhitespace,andalimitedcolor palette.Thistrendallowsthecoremessageor visualelementstotakecenterstage,creatinga visuallyimpactfulandfocuseddesign.
Typographyhasbecomeaprominentdesign elementinrecentyears.Boldandexpressive typographyisbeingusedtocreatepowerfulvisual statementsandenhancebrandidentities.Creative typographychoices,suchascustomfonts,handlettering,andexperimentallayouts,add personalityanduniquenesstodesigns.
Gonearethedaysofmutedcolorschemes.Bold andvibrantcolorsaremakingacomeback,adding energyandexcitementtodesigns.Additionally, gradientsarebeingusedtocreatedepth, dimension,andvisualinterest,addingadynamic andmoderntouchtographiccompositions.
Abstractandgeometricshapesarebeingusedto createvisuallycaptivatingdesigns.Theseshapes addasenseofmodernity,complexity,and playfulnesstocompositions.Theycanbeusedas backgrounds,overlays,oraspartofthemain designelements.
Withadvancementsintechnology,3Ddesignand illustrationshavebecomemoreaccessible.Threedimensionalelementsarebeingintegratedintographic designstoadddepth,realism,andinteractivity These designscreateanimmersiveandvisuallyengaging experiencefortheaudience.
Motiongraphicsandanimationarebecomingincreasingly popularinthemodernindustry Theybringstaticdesignsto life,addingmovement,storytelling,andinteractivity.From subtleanimationstocomplexvisualnarratives,motion graphicsenhanceuserexperienceandcaptivateviewers' attention.
Inclusivityandrepresentationhavebecomeintegralaspects ofmoderndesign.Brandsembracediversityanduse authenticvisualsthatreflectdifferentcultures,backgrounds, andexperiences.Thistrendaimstocreateconnectionand inclusivity,resonatingwithabroaderaudience.
Mixingdifferentmedia,suchasphotography,illustration, andtextures,createsuniqueandvisuallystriking compositions.Collage-styledesignsblendvariouselements toformcohesiveandeclecticvisualsthatevokecreativity andimagination.
Nostalgiaisapowerfulemotion,andretroandvintage aestheticsevokeasenseofnostalgiaandfamiliarity
Designersincorporatevintage-inspiredelements,color schemes,typography,andtexturestocreatevisually appealingdesignswithatouchofnostalgia.
Assustainabilitybecomesaglobalconcern,eco-friendly designpracticesaregainingmomentum.Designersare incorporatingsustainablematerials,usingeco-conscious printingtechniques,andcreatingdesignsthatpromote environmentalawareness.Thistrendreflectsthegrowing importanceofsustainabilityinthedesignindustry
ARandVRarerevolutionizingthewayweexperience design.Thesetechnologiesallowuserstoimmerse themselvesininteractiveandvirtualenvironments,blurring thelinebetweentherealanddigitalworlds.Designers incorporateARandVRelementstocreateengagingand interactiveexperiencesthatcaptivateandentertainusers.
Withtheincreasingamountofdataavailable,designersare taskedwithpresentingcomplexinformationinavisually compellingandeasilyunderstandableway.Data visualizationtechniqueshelptosimplifydataandtransform itintovisuallyappealingcharts,infographics,and interactivevisualizations.Thistrendenablesviewersto graspinformationquicklyandeffectively.
Designerspushboundariesandexplorenewterritoriesby embracingexperimentalandavant-gardeapproaches.These designschallengetraditionalnormsandexpectations, creatingvisuallystrikingandthought-provokingcreations. Experimentaldesignsofteninvolveuniquevisualstyles, unconventionallayouts,andunexpectedcombinationsof elements.
Theuser-centereddesignfocusesoncreatingdesignsthat prioritizetheneedsandexperiencesoftheusers.Interactive elementssuchasscroll-triggeredanimations,hovereffects, andmicro-interactionsenhanceuserengagementand provideamoredynamicandpersonalizeduserexperience. Thistrendaimstocreatedesignsthatareintuitive, accessible,andenjoyablefortheaudience.
Thefuturehasalwaysbeenasourceofinspirationfor designers.Futuristicandsci-fi-inspireddesignsincorporate elementsthatconveyasenseofadvancedtechnology,space exploration,andfuturisticaesthetics.Thesedesignsoften featuresleek,streamlinedshapes,metallictextures,neon colors,andfuturistictypography.
Incontrasttothedigitalworld,hand-drawnandorganic illustrationsbringasenseofwarmth,personality,and authenticitytodesigns.Theseillustrationsaddahuman touchandevokeemotions,makingthemidealfor conveyingnarrativesandstorytelling.Hand-drawn elementscanbeintegratedintodigitaldesigns,providinga uniqueandpersonaltouch.
Withtheincreasinguseofmobiledevices,responsiveand mobile-friendlydesignhasbecomeanecessity.Designsthat adaptseamlesslytodifferentscreensizesandorientations ensureoptimaluserexperienceacrossvariousdevices.This trendemphasizestheimportanceofdesigningmobile platformstoreachawideraudience.
Typographyisnotonlyaboutconveyinginformationbut alsoplaysacrucialroleindesignaesthetics.Designersare pushingtheboundariesoftypographybyexperimenting withuniquefontcombinations,customlettering,and typographicart.Typographyisusedasavisualelementto createhierarchy,evokeemotions,andenhanceoverall designaesthetics.
Authenticandcandidphotographyisgainingpopularity overstagedandstockimages.Brandsareoptingforreallifeimagesthatcapturegenuineemotions,experiences,and diversity Thistrendhelpstocreateasenseofrelatability andauthenticity,resonatingwiththeaudienceonadeeper level.
Designersareusingtheirskillstoadvocateforsocialand environmentalcauses.Theyraiseawareness,promote positivechange,andinspireactionthroughimpactful designs.Thistrendreflectsthegrowingimportanceof designasatoolforactivismanditsabilitytodrivesocial andenvironmentalprogress.
Thesemind-blowingdesigntrendsinthemodernindustry pushtheboundariesofcreativityandtransformhowwe perceiveandengagewithvisualcontent.Fromminimalism toboldtypography,vibrantcolorsto3Ddesign,these trendsreflectaudiences'evolvingneedsandpreferencesina rapidlychangingworld.Astechnologycontinuesto advanceandsocietyevolves,wecanexpectgraphic dynamicstogrowfurther,leadingtoevenmoreexciting andinnovativedesigntrendsinthefuture.
Aboutadecadeago,Ibegannoticinganewkindof
movementinourindustry.
Apartfromseeingtheusualtouristsandbusinesstravelers, Istartedtowitnesspeopleroamingfromcitytocityin searchofnewexperiencesandfasterWi-Fi,takingtheir workwiththemwherevertheywent.Thesewereearly remoteworkers,andfrommyfirstconversationswiththem, IknewIhadtounderstandwhattheyforeshadowedforthe futureofwork.
So,Iputmyselfintheirshoes.IvisitedBali,BuenosAires, andWashingtonD.C.,learningfirst-handwhatitwasliketo workandliveineachcityforanextendedperiodoftime.I embracedtheslowerpacethatremotework/traveloffered, immersedmyselfinlocalcultures,andinvestigatedthepain pointsthatwereinvolvedinmytravels.Inotherwords,I experiencedwhatitwasliketo“workfromanywhere.”
Iwassurprisedtofindthatthehardestpartoflivingthis lifestylewasn’tthelanguagebarrier,theneedtoadaptto newcultures,orbeingunfamiliarwithhowtobestnavigate anewcity,butratherthefeelingoflonelinessthatoccurred whenfinishingahardday’sworkalone.Thisdiscoveryled metocarefullyconsiderthehumanexperienceofremote work.TakingthisintoaccountwhenconceptualizingZoku, togetherwithmyco-founderMarcJongeriusandour foundingteam,werecognizedthatthenextgenerationof workerswouldbecomemoremobile,collaborateboth virtuallyandin-person,andenjoygreaterflexibilityintheir
work.Sowhenwefirstopenedourdoorsin2016,we incorporatedhybridsolutionstoproactivelyaccountforthis inourdesignandmodel.
Therewereofcourse,downsidestothisdiscovery We anticipatedthatfutureemployeeswouldbecomemore isolatedanddisconnectedfromtheirteamsthanever before.Sowe’reproudtosaythatourmissionatZokufeels morerelevantnowthanever:
“Toprovidespaceswherehumanconnectionisseamless, funandmeaningful.”
Fastforwardto2021,andmostofusworkremotelyforat leastsomeperiodoftime.And,whathavewenoticed?That manyofushaveexpressedthatwe’vegreatlymissedinpersonhumanconnectionsduringtheCOVID-19 pandemic.Thesameissueoflonelinessfromoveradecade agoisnowimpactingevenmorepeopleonaglobalscale.
Manycompanieshavebeenprofoundlydisruptedbythis suddentransitiontoremotework,whilebusinessleaders simultaneouslystruggletokeeppacewiththeirteams’ evolvingdemandsandlearnhowtobestbalanceoffice versusremoteworkeffectively.Theeventsofthepandemic havecalledintoquestionjustabouteveryassumptionthe worldpreviouslyheld,andtheseconsequenceswillimpact thewaywework,live,andconnectfordecadestocome. Whiletherearestillmanylessonstobelearned,twothings
Hans Meyer
hadquicklybecomeapparentwhentheworldsuddenly switchedtoworkingremotely:
1. Productivitycanhappenanywhere.
2. Notallspacesareequallyproductive.
Whetherworkingfromhomemeansworkingataself-made homeofficeorattheedgeofaclutteredkitchentable, everybodyhasgainedanewperspectiveonhowtheir surroundingspaceimpactstheirproductivity.Morepeople reportfeelingmoreproductiveoverallandfewpeople missedthedrudgeryofthemorningcommute.
Thepandemichasalsohighlightedtheshortcomingsof remotework.Employeesreporthigherratesofburnout,that teamcohesionissuffering,andpeoplearefeelingmore alienatedanddisconnectedthaneverbefore.Despitethese downsides,however,ithasbecomeclearthatmanyworkers wouldsoonerchangejobsthanreturntotheofficefull-time, aswaspreviouslythenorm.Thequestionofworkspace locationhasbecomeakeytopicindiscussionsofthefuture ofwork.
Officesarebeingdownsized,repurposedorabandoned altogether.Strikingtherightbalanceofhybridworkisn't justamatterofmaximizingoperationalefficiency–it's criticaltosustainingpositivecompanycultureand attractingandretainingtheworld'stoptalenttoo.
Ascompanieslookahead,they’readaptinglessonsthey learnedfromremoteworkintoexistingpractices,with varyingdegreesofdifficulty.Eachcompanyhasitsown uniquerequirementstoconsider,but...
“Webelievethemostsuccessfulcompaniesduringthis transitionwillbethosethatdesignhowtheyoperate aroundhumanconnection.”
It'sfromclose,meaningfulrelationshipsthatwedrawour bestinspirationandmostinnovativework.
HereatZoku,ourpriorityistocontinuedeliveringonour missiontofacilitatehumanconnectionaswerolloutour conceptinternationally.Citybycity,weremaindedicatedto bringingpeopletogetherinspacesthatinspire understanding,fostercreativity,andbuildmoreproductive relationships.
InourlatestwhitePaper,“TheFutureofWorkNeeds HumanConnection”,I’mproudtoshareZoku’s accumulatedresearchandlearningsaboutremoteand hybridwork,humanconnection,andthefutureof workspaces.Ihopeourinsightscanhelpcompanies discoverthebestwaytostrengthenconnectionsandcreate aneffectiveworkenvironmentfortheirteams.
Astheworldgrappleswiththechallengesofclimatechange, resourcedepletion,andenvironmentaldegradation,the conceptofsustainabilityhasbecomeincreasingly significantinvarioussectors,includingarchitecture. Sustainablearchitecture,alsoknownasgreenorecofriendlyarchitecture,focusesondesigningand constructingbuildingsthatminimizenegativeenvironmental impactswhilemaximizingenergyefficiencyandresource conservation.Intoday'sworld,theimportanceofsustainable architecturecannotbeoverstated,asitplaysacrucialrolein mitigatingtheenvironmentalcrisiswefaceandcreatingamore sustainablefuture.
Oneofthekeyaspectsofsustainablearchitectureisenergy efficiency.Buildingsaccountforasignificantportionofglobal energyconsumptionandgreenhousegasemissions.By incorporatingenergy-efficientdesignprinciples,suchasusing renewableenergysources,optimizinginsulation,andemploying energy-efficientlightingandHVACsystems,sustainable architecturehelpsreducethecarbonfootprintofbuildings.This notonlyhelpscombatclimatechangebutalsoreducesenergy costsforbuildingownersandoccupants,makingitawin-win situationforboththeenvironmentandtheeconomy
Anotherimportantelementofsustainablearchitectureisresource conservation.Traditionalconstructionmethodsoftenrelyon materialsandresourcesthatarenon-renewableandhavea significantenvironmentalimpact.Sustainablearchitecture promotestheuseofeco-friendlyandlocallysourcedmaterials,as wellasinnovativeconstructiontechniquesthatminimizewaste generation.Additionally,sustainablebuildingsaredesignedto optimizewaterusageandincorporatesystemsforrainwater harvesting,greywaterrecycling,andefficientplumbingfixtures, therebyconservingthispreciousresource.
Theconceptofsustainabilityinarchitecturegoesbeyond justtheenvironmentalaspects.Italsoencompassessocial andeconomicconsiderations.Sustainablebuildingsare designedwithafocusonoccupanthealthandwell-being. Theyprioritizenaturallighting,properventilation,and indoorairqualitytocreatehealthyandcomfortableliving andworkingenvironments.Additionally,sustainable architecturepromotestheuseofnon-toxicandlowemissionmaterials,contributingtoimprovedindoorair qualityandreducingtheriskofhealthissuescausedby chemicalexposure.
Fromaneconomicperspective,sustainablearchitecture offerslong-termbenefits.Whiletheinitialcostsof incorporatingsustainablefeaturesmaybehigher,the investmentpaysoffintheformofreducedenergyand waterbills,lowermaintenanceandoperationalcosts,and increasedpropertyvalue.Greenbuildingsarealso increasinglyindemandasbusinessesandindividuals recognizethevalueofsustainablepractices.Therefore, sustainablearchitecturepresentsanopportunityfor economicgrowth,jobcreation,andmarket competitiveness.
Sustainablearchitecturealsoplaysasignificantrolein urbanplanninganddevelopment.Ascitiescontinueto expandandpopulationsgrow,theneedforsustainable urbanenvironmentsbecomescritical.Sustainablebuildings andcommunitiespromotecompactandmixed-use developments,efficienttransportationsystems,andthe preservationofgreenspaces.Thesefactorscontributeto creatinglivable,resilient,andvibrantcitiesthatfoster socialcohesionandenhancethequalityoflifeforresidents. Sustainablearchitecturenotonlyaddressesthepressing environmentalissueswefacebutalsofostersadeeper connectionbetweenhumansandthenaturalworld.By incorporatingbiophilicdesignprinciples,whichaimto integratenatureintothebuiltenvironment,sustainable architecturecreatesspacesthatpromotewell-beinganda senseofharmonywiththesurroundingecosystem.
Biophilicdesignelements,suchastheincorporationof naturallight,viewsofgreenspaces,andtheuseofnatural materials,havebeenshowntoenhanceproductivity,reduce
stresslevels,andimproveoverallmentalandphysical health.Thesebenefitsareparticularlyrelevantinurban environmentswhereaccesstonatureisoftenlimited. Sustainablearchitectureprovidesanopportunityto reconnectpeoplewithnature,fosteringasenseof environmentalstewardshipandencouragingamore sustainablelifestyle.
Sustainablearchitectureservesasacatalystforinnovation andtechnologicaladvancements.Architectsanddesigners areconstantlyexploringnewmaterials,technologies,and designstrategiestopushtheboundariesofsustainable design.Fromsolarpanelsandgreenroofstopassivedesign techniquesandsmartbuildingsystems,sustainable architectureencouragestheadoptionofcutting-edge solutionsthatcanbereplicatedandappliedonalarger scale.Thisnotonlydrivessustainabledevelopmentbutalso createsopportunitiesforresearch,development,and entrepreneurshipinthefieldofsustainabledesign.
Theimportanceofsustainablearchitectureintoday'sworld cannotbeemphasizedenough.Itoffersaholisticapproach tobuildingdesignandconstructionthatconsiders environmental,social,andeconomicfactors.Sustainable architecturepromotesenergyefficiency,resource conservation,occupanthealth,andeconomicbenefits.It contributestocombatingclimatechange,reducing environmentalimpact,andcreatingresilientandlivable cities.Moreover,sustainablearchitecturestimulates innovationandtechnologicaladvancements,driving progresstowardamoresustainableandequitablefuture.As wefacetheurgentneedtoaddressglobalsustainability challenges,sustainablearchitecturestandsasacrucialtool inshapingabetterworldforcurrentandfuturegenerations. Byembracingsustainablearchitecture,wehavethe opportunitytotransformthewaywelive,work,and interactwiththebuiltenvironment,ultimatelycreatinga moresustainableandresilientfutureforall.
-P.D.Bombarde
Whenyouheartheword robotics,youinstantly thinkofrobotsand artificialintelligence.Roboticsdeals withmakinguseofmachinesby designingandconstructingthemto functionwithsimilarabilitiesofa humanbeing.
Roboticsisextensivelybeingused overmanydifferentindustriestoday Thesemayvaryfromautomobile manufacturingtoconsumergoods manufacturingindustries.Roboticsis usedtoaidintheworkhumansdo,be itmusclepowerorwhereworkthe neededtobedonemaybeharmfulto humans.
Arobotisdesignedinsuchawaythat itcananalyse,move,work,react,and respondinawaynotdissimilarto humans.Roboticshasmadeiteasier forpeopletoperformandgettasks doneinasimpler,efficient,and effectiveway.
Particularlyintimeslikethesewiththe coronaviruspandemicenteringthe worldintoastateofcrisis,roboticshas proventobequiteusefulandofgreat importance.Beitafasterwayto deliveressentialmedicalsuppliesor moreefficientlydonerecycling, companiesarenowgoingaboveand beyondtomakeroboticsmore innovativethanbefore.
Whileintensivelytakingonthetopic foroureditiontitled,World's10Most InnovativeRoboticsCompanies,2021,
wedidanexclusivewithForwardX Robotics,aleadingdeveloperof flexibleautomationheadquarteredin Beijing,China.
Inthefollowinginterview,Nicolas Chee,FounderandCEOofthe company,shareswithusindetailabout thecompany'sjourneyinthe AutomationandRoboticsIndustryand hisopinionsaboutthemarketthatthe companycaterstoalongwithhis insightsaboutthegrowthofthe industry.
Belowarethehighlightsofthe interview:
Briefusabouttheoveralloperations ofyourcompany.
ForwardXRoboticsisaleading developerofflexibleautomation designedtoempowerindustrial facilitiesthroughreplacingcost-heavy materialhandlingsystems.Throughits autonomousmobilerobotsandfleet managementsoftware,ForwardXhelps productionandlogisticsoperations automatetediousphysicaltasks,such asorderfulfillmentandlineside delivery.
ForwardXseparatesitselffromother roboticsprovidersthroughitsuseof ArtificialIntelligence(AI),specifically machinelearning,asitsrobotsare equippedwithperceptionand processingcapabilitiestomatcha humanworker.Usingcomputervision algorithmstosegment,detect,
recognize,andtrackobjectswithinits environment,aForwardXmobilerobot canmapandlocalizeitselfwith pinpointaccuracybeforemakinghighlevelnavigationdecisions.
BasedoutofBeijing,ForwardX Roboticshasaglobalpresencewith operationsinAPACandNorth America.Foundedin2016,ForwardX hasgrownfromadozendedicated scientistsworkingonaprototype,toa teamofover300,andhalfadozen officesscatteredacrosstheglobe.
Howdidyourcompanycomeinto existence?Whatwastheideabehind itsgenesis?
Foundedin2016,ForwardXRobotics wasstartedbyNicolasChee,aformer VPatOracleChinaandprevious championatABU'sRobocon.Itwas createdwithavisionofchangingthe waypeopleliveandwork.
Nicolassawtheworldasitisnow; millionsofblue-collarworkers spendingtheirvaluabletime completingtediousandsometimes dangerouslyphysicaltasks,people spendingtimeeverydayonchores insteadofenjoyingtimewithfamily Hewantedtochangetheworldby removingthosetasksandwhatbetter waytoremovethemthanbyapplying
Nicolas Chee Founder and CEO
thelatestandgreatesttechnologiesto automatingthem.
Kindlyelaborateonyourcompany's uniqueproductsorservices.
ForwardXdevelopsaflexible automationplatform,consistingof autonomousmobilerobots(AMRs) andintelligentfleetmanagement software,forindustrialsupplychain facilities.
Asthenextgenerationofmaterial handling,ForwardX'splatformcanbe usedtoautomatelabor-intensive workflowsinthesupplychainwhich helpscompaniesreducecostsand increaseefficiency
ForwardX stands out as a company dedicated to technical excellence and providing value for its current and future customers
After graduating, Nicolas moved directly into a project management and business consulting position at SAP, a giant in enterprise software, where he quickly learned the ins and outs of enterprise operations and applied his technical expertise to realworld cases.
Picking up multiple corporate accolades at SAP, Nicolas chose to start a new chapter at Oracle China, where he headed up its regional software-as-aservice (SaaS) products. Spending 6 years at Oracle, Nicolas stood out as a high achiever as he won a slew of accolades, such as Global Top 100 Performer, China Top 10 Talent, and Global President Club Member.
Nicolas Chee: With a bachelor's and master's education in integrated circuits from Beihang University, Nicolas has an eye for engineering and robotics which is made evident with his win at ABU's Robocon 2003, an international robotics competition for university students. At this point, Nicolas began a new journey, founding ForwardX Robotics in April 2016. Outside of work, Nicolas lives an active lifestyle with a love for outdoors, adventure, and sport.
Unlikeotherautomationsolutionson themarket,ForwardXproductsrequire verylittleset-upandinfrastructurein ordertogettoworkandthat'swhat makesForwardXtheflexible alternative.Usingthelatestperception technology,ForwardXroboticsadapt instantlytochangesintheenvironment andprovidestheguaranteesofsafety thatmakethemsuitablefor collaborativework.
Whatmakesyourcompanystand outfromtherestofitscompetition?
ForwardXstandsoutasacompany dedicatedtotechnicalexcellenceand providingvalueforitscurrentand futurecustomers.
Astheonlymobileroboticsdeveloper withavision-firstapproach,ForwardX providesthemostreliableandaccurate performanceintheindustry.Using computervisionalgorithmstoenhance mapping,positioning,andlocalization, ForwardXrobotsprovidebest-in-class uptimeavailability,whichcontributes toahigherdegreeofautonomy
Furthermore,ForwardXprovidesthe largestrangeofautonomousmobile robotsintheindustry Withover20 modelstofitawiderangeof applicationsandindustries, ForwardX'sFlex,Max,andApex rangesofAMRsprovidea comprehensivecollectionofsolutions inmultiplestylestofitthefragmented andvariednatureofmanufacturingand logistics.
Whatkindofchallengeshasyour companyfacedinitsinitialdaysof establishmentandwhatarethe strugglesitisgoingthroughnow?
Asaproviderofnextgeneration technology,themostsignificant strugglewehavefacediswide acceptanceandadoptionfromthe industry.Likemanyotherhigh-tech products,ForwardXoperatesinan industrywhereitistransforminghow thingsarebeingdone.However,with thishugemissioncomesthetaskof winningovertheheartsandmindsof supplychainleaders.
Inthisindustry,theearlyadoptershave helpedtoprovetheefficacyofflexible automationsolutions.Now,weareat aninflectionpointwherethe mainstreamsarebeginningtoexpand theiruseoftechnologytomoreoftheir operationsglobally.
Whatadvicewouldyouliketogive theyoungentrepreneursandstartupsthatarewillingtoenterinthe roboticsindustry?
Ouradvicetoyoungentrepreneursand start-upswouldbe:
Thinkbig:Theroboticsindustryisn'ta smallone.Thereareaplethoraof companiesofferingallkindsof solutionsineverystyleor configurationyoucanthinkof,forboth short-termandlong-termproblems.
Whenidentifyingyourmarketand designingyoursolution,ithelpsto thinkbig,thatis,tothinkofthefuture youwanttoseeandthefutureyou believetheworldisheadingtowards. Withthatasyourcompass,connect yourvisiontowhatyoucandotoday tomakeitareality
Buildanecosystem:Asaproviderof transformativetechnology,robotics companiesshouldavoid commoditizingtheirproducts.What tendstohappenisroboticscompanies
thinktoosmallandprovideonlyatiny pieceofthepuzzle,forcingbuyers (companies)togetinvolved themselvesanddeveloptheexpertise andsystemsthataroboticcompany shouldbeproviding.
However,bydedicatingyourselftothe biggerpicture,youcanbuildbotha productecosystemandabusiness ecosystemthatprovidebuyerswithan invaluableexperiencethatthey couldn'thopetoreplicate.
Whatdoesthefutureholdforyour companyintermsofgrowth?
ForwardXhasseenastoundinggrowth overthelast2years.Goingfromthe officialcommerciallaunchofourfirst AMRproduct,toamassiverangeof solutions.Furthermore,we've continuallyraisedmoreandmore venturecapitaltohelpusexpandour technologyandourmarket.
Webelievethatthenext2yearswill holdexpansionacrossallcontinents, withexpansioninAPACbeingour currentpriorityandexpansionin Europeournext.
Among our current customers, we are honored to serve leading companies, such as SF Supply Chain China, TCL Electronics, and ITOCHU Logistics China.
Nestled20kilometerswestoftheCityofEdmonton,
ParklandCountyisamunicipaldistrictincentral Alberta,Canada.Withanidyllicsetting,thisrural communityoffersadistinctivelyvibrantatmospherewith anassortmentofcountryresidentialacreages,farming properties,andadiverserangeofsmall-andlarge-scale businesses.MostimportantlyParklandCountyoffersan environmentthatisconduciveforbusinesssuccessand growth.
OneofthemostappealingaspectsofthiswesternCanadian localeisexcellenttransportation/logisticsinfrastructureand networksthatoffercompanieseasyaccesstobothdomestic andinternationalmarkets.Transportationadvantages includequickconnectionsviaair,rail,andmajortrucking routeswhichsupportincomingandoutgoingdistributionof Alberta’sresourceindustriesandsupplychains.Such transportationconnectivityisreadilyembracedtodayby mostoftheleadinglargelogisticsande-commerce providerssuchasFedex,GreggDistributors,Syscoand severalotherlocallogisticscompanies,Anumberof transportationcompaniessuchasOverlandContainer TransportationServices(OCTS),BushellTransport, ManatoulinTransport,RoseneauTransportarealsopresent thatsupportthelargelogisticsandtransportationoperators.
LocatedadjacenttothecountyisEdmontonInternational Airport(EIA),thelargestairportinCanadabysize,which runs24/7operating365daysoftheyear.Ithassixcargo handlingterminalsrightonsitewith40stateborderand
customsbrokers.Also,theflightdistancesbetween EdmontonandmainAsianmarketsaresignificantlyshorter thanotherlogisticsportsinNorthAmericaduetothepolar flightroute.
Moreover,thecountyhaslotsofavailableland,hasshort approvaltimelineswhenitcomestotheprocessingof permitsandthecounty’sfeesandtaxesaresomeofthe lowestinallofAlberta.
“WeareallequallyaffectedbyCOVIDbutnotequally impactedbyit,”saysRobertFernandez,Directorof EconomicDiversificationatParklandCounty
“BeinglocatedoutsideamaincitycoregivesParkland Countythebenefitofalargeemploymentbasenearby.That said,sincewedonothavethesamepopulationdensitythat otherjurisdictionsandregionshave,thecountyhas thankfullybeenlessimpactedbyCOVID,”headds.
AccordingtoRobert,thelogisticsindustryinCanadais thriving.Itcertainlyhaschallengessuchasfindingqualified staffandlongdrivinghoursasCanadaisaverybigcountry Butwithallofthosechallengesalsocomeopportunities throughtechnologicaladvancements.Technological developmentssuchasself-drivingtechnologieswillhelp abatedrivingdistancesandaddressdriverfatigue.Nearby inEdmontonisthefirstconnectedvehicletestsitein Canada,wheretestsarebeingundertakenforthe developmentofself-drivingvehicletechnologiesin
interconnectedways.Somecompaniesarereallytaking advantageofthetestingopportunitiesthereandlookingat howtechnologyinnovationscantransformthelogistics industry.
“Thelogisticsindustryasawholeandlogisticsbusinesses locatedinParklandCounty’sindustrialparks,hasbeen hugelyimpactedinapositivewaybythepandemic,”says Robert.“E-commercetransactions,onlineshopping,and demandfortraditionalseasonalgoods,daytodaystaples, foodandsupplieshavebeengrowingexponentially.”
TheeconomicdiversificationofParklandCountyisledby RobertFernandez.HejoinedParklandCountyinthe summerof2019andbringswithhimextensiveexperience inboththepublicandprivatesectors.Duringthecourseof his20+yearcareer,hehashadtheopportunitytodevelop multifacetedgovernmentprograms,leadmunicipaland provincialeconomicstrategies,facilitateprivate-sectorjob growth,andassistdozensofcompaniesintheirrelocation andexpansionpursuits.
ParklandCountytraditionallyhashadaverystrong industrialbasesupportedformanydecadesbythe proximityofenergyproduction,notablycoal;thisinturn hassupportedthelocaleconomyandtaxationbase.With coalnowbeingphasedoutandthemultiplecoalplantsno longerinoperation,theneedtoattractalternativeindustries toleverageexistingworkforceandtalenthasbecomea majorstrategicobjectiveforthecounty TheroleofRobert andhisteamistooverseethecreationandexecutionof strategiestoattractnewcorporateinvestmentstothe county
ParklandCountyisworkingwithdeveloperstofurther growitsindustrialandcommercialbase.Giventhe exponentialincreaseofe-commercetransactionsandonline shoppinggreatattentionisbeinggiventothe transportation/distributionsectorandRobertandhisteam areactivelypursuinglogisticscompanies,ofallsizes.With currentlotszonedforindustrialdevelopmentexpectedto selloutoverthenextfivetosevenyearsthecountyisalso activelyworkingatexpandingtheexistingfootprintof industrialparksandestablishingnewones.
From industrial start-ups and expansion from home-based businesses, Parkland County offers some of the best assets for business growth and new economic development opportunities.
