In a world popularized by the growing 4th industrial revolution, the industrial design industry is moving towards the creation of products that, both physical and digital, shape our way of living, today and in the future. future. At the forefront are innovative pioneers like Benjamin Hubert, who are leading the pack in transforming what is usually style-driven design into people-centered ingenuity. Where energies were primarily spent on tangible, visually pleasing products, Hubert's minimalist approach, and more towards smart technologies, is focused on functionality, sustainability and awareness of the carbon footprint. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on 'Why violent video games should not be banned'?Get the original essay English industrial designer Benjamin Hubert, 32, graduated from Loughborough University in 2006 and opened his eponymous studio . The award-winning designer specialized in furniture and lighting for which he was named Designer of the Year (2009), Young Home and Garden Designer of the Year (2010) and IF Awards 2012, not to mention cite only a few distinctions. However, in 2015, Hubert renamed his studio and it is now called Layer. Layer, “a strategic industrial design agency,” is the transition from Hubert’s initial love of furniture design (hardware) to more functional technologies (like smart wearable devices) and software (apps). Hubert shares his views on this shift in an interview: “Software has a much lower carbon footprint than producing more stuff that has to go somewhere and then has to be resold, remade, reused, recycled. While software is removed and replaced. » The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) describes industrial design as “the professional practice of designing products used every day by millions of people around the world.” So, Hubert and Layer emphasize the people-centered experience - but their strategy is no longer about "the next best chair", but about how to improve the everyday accessory. Namely, Layer has taken the basic structure of a wheelchair and transformed it into a stylish, personalized piece for each user, not to mention that it is 3D printed. Part of Layer's repositioning is LayerLAB, a research division that studies and tests technologies and applications that improve everyday life. This includes the 3D-printed GO wheelchair that is customized based on “the customer’s body shape, weight and disability to reduce injuries and increase comfort, flexibility and support.” The accompanying GO app allows users to participate in the design process by specifying optional options. elements, patterns and colors, and to place orders. The addition of this division, using forward-looking technologies, is the epitome of people-centered ingenuity, while being mindful of eco-friendly materials and manufacturing. But how important is this expertise? From designing user-friendly products and apps, to digital product color and font choices, and tangible product shapes and colors that influence user psychology, the skills above are all people-oriented. And how do you know what works and what doesn't? Ethnographic research. According to spotless.co.uk, “ethnographic research is a qualitative method by whichResearchers observe and/or interact with study participants in their real-world environment. This means that a researcher will live or interact with a target market group for a year or more, in order to learn about the group's needs, their lifestyle, and whether or not a particular product designed for that particular community presents of value to them. This also allows designers to identify, modify and improve any features to improve the product - ensuring that it is tailor-made to perform optimally to satisfy the user's needs. For example, in designing the GO wheelchair, Layer understood the need for gloves for wheelchair users. The studio therefore created the GO glove system, designed to fit into the edges of the chair. So instead of the friction against the hand or a normal glove, these are designed to adapt to the wheelchair and improve the mobility of the person. This is a first of its kind. I personally appreciate Hubert's human-centered approach to design, because having grown up in a middle-class home with the constant presence of visitors, every piece of furniture and appliance can be pleasing to the eye, but most importantly everything, it has to be functional. Our house may not be as technologically advanced as some of Hubert's designs, but I find his work inspiring. I'm also fascinated by its minimalist aesthetic. I grew up constantly surrounded by bright, vibrant colors and bold designs of doors and tables, for example. Therefore, the disruption of my norm by his different style is welcomed and respected. Whether it's his modest choice of colors, primarily whites, grays and pastels, or his subtly beautiful designs, Hubert's aesthetic is very relevant to the ever-growing minimalist population. This community, focused on owning as few material objects as possible while living an experienced life (that is sustainable and environmentally friendly), has become incredibly popular over the past few years. Popular minimalist YouTubers include Jenny Mustard, Sadia Badiei of Pick Up Limes. and The Minimalists. They share tips and tricks on minimalism that also include diet and environmental awareness. Mustard and Badiei, in particular, are vegans who share a major concern about environmental health and carbon footprint. Mustard is also known for its minimalist fashion and interior aesthetic, inspired by simplistic Scandinavian charm. I believe Hubert designs particularly for these clients. Not just how its products look, but also how they work. For example, Worldbeing, an elegant bracelet, accompanied by an application, which tracks its carbon contribution daily. The device is particularly useful for people who are looking to change their lifestyle and want to become more carbon conscious. Therefore, not only is the device inspired by people and their lifestyle, but it is also forward-thinking in its design and in its aim to encourage sustainability. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized paper now from our expert writers. Get a customization essay In conclusion, Hubert and Layer's attitude towards designing products with lasting longevity is commendable. Her natural sense of style while caring more about each client's needs as well as preserving the environment is a skill that impresses me. It is a symbol of the possibilities available to all of us, ways to improve our lives and the lives of others in this world 25 2018)