What do specifiers want from product manufacturers?
Part of Clerkenwell Design Week 2024, the Design Meets talks programme saw industry bodies, associations and brands take to the stage for three days of talks and workshops.
On behalf of client Havwoods, Edify Content Studio founder Eva Woode hosted three talks that explored topics relevant to workspace, hospitality and residential projects with a stellar speaker line-up.
The discussions were rich and varied, including hints and tips for product manufacturers which we just had to share with you.
Material palettes for today's workspaces
We set leading workspace designers Lydia Randall of BDG architecture + design and Mollie Atkins of Perkins&Will the task of sharing a selection of interesting materials that they have either used already in projects, or are keen to explore in the future.
Regenerative choices
Sustainability continues to be an important factor in material specification with all of Lydia and Mollie’s chosen materials faring well in terms of environmental impact. Whether it’s re-using the materials that are already there, specifying materials that make use of recycled content, or choosing regenerative materials, there’s a clear desire from designers to use environmentally-sound materials where possible.
What does this mean for product manufacturers?
Communicate in an honest and transparent way where you are on your own sustainability journey. Specifiers will quickly realise if you can’t substantiate your claims. Can you work with your Technical or Product Development teams to reduce the environmental impact of your products? And do you have Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to back up your claims?
Hospitality design to spark imagination
Designers Alessio Nardi of A-nrd Studio and Ed Plumb of Studio Found discussed the importance of immersive and experience-led design when creating hospitality spaces.
Make guests the priority
Successful hospitality design is about putting the guest experience first, as well as making it easy for staff to thrive and be efficient. This will allow them to deliver exceptional service, improving the overall experience for guests. Example projects were shared that highlighted the importance of material selection and how the tactility of materials helps to create a multi-sensory experience.
What does this mean for product manufacturers?
Focus on communicating the benefits of your products to specifiers rather than just the features. Perhaps they make life easier for users, or contribute to improving wellbeing in some way. If your products can help guests to create amazing memories, then you’re on the right track.
Designing homes for health and happiness
Writer, TV presenter and former editor of ELLE Decoration UK, Michelle Ogundehin shared her mission of making sure that homes are places that sustain and support residents to become their best selves.
Take the long view
When it comes to designing homes, Michelle advocates for a lifelong approach. As humans, we’re constantly evolving and changing, so our homes should too. With the world around us becoming increasingly fast-paced and instant, Michelle encourages a slower approach where the homeowner can take their time to discover what they like and don’t like. They start and finish every day in their home so it has to work for them.
She sees the role of the designer as helping clients to find out what they like, to keep showing them options and ultimately helping them be themselves.
What does this mean for product manufacturers?
Share the story behind your products and make it easy for designers to share, discuss and thoroughly consider your products with their clients. High-quality images and easily accessible samples are a must.