Marc Holliday - Design Director of E3Design
Each month we plan to chat with industry professionals about design and innovation. Want to take part?
Email Becca@e3design.co.uk
For our first Innovation Interview, we’ve bagged five minutes with E3 Design’s very own Design Director, Marc Holliday
What does innovation mean to you?
To me, innovation means finding new and creative ways to solve problems and address any unmet needs. When we approach a problem with creativity and the right mindset, we have the potential to enhance efficiency and add value to both companies and end users.
How do you balance creativity and practicality in your product design process?
You balance that by surrounding yourself with people of different backgrounds and disciplines and learning from each other, as it is the best way to grow. There is no point having a really good looking product if it either doesn't work or it can't be made!
Can you think of any examples of both innovation and functionality currently on the market?
I always appreciate products that remove a 'pain' or a 'step', such as being able to contact family easier or cook better. That's why 'smart devices', such as phones and tablets have done so well as they centralise all communication and knowledge in the palm of your hand.
How important is sustainable design and sustainable products?
Extremely! Designing products is one thing, but ensuring sustainability is another step in itself. It always starts from a point of honesty to ask yourself, 'why is something made like that' and what are the impacts of that material/process. By making small changes to the products we design we can play our part in making the environment cleaner and greener!
How do you stay current with emerging trends and technologies in product design?
The best way is to go out and see what is happening. Trade shows, events, retail stores. Picking something up and interacting with it on a kinaesthetic level is the best learning tool for me to improve my own design output.
What are the challenges you face in your role?
My own drive to be better is always a challenge, but that is why we do what we do on a daily basis... to be better than we were yesterday!
What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Working with our amazing customers and staff is the best thing about what I do. They inspire me and, I hope, I play a part in inspiring them to create better products for everyone to use.
I'm really looking forward to reading future E3Discussions!
This Blog post is part of E3Design's July 2024 Newsletter
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