Interviews with Satoshi Umeno

I think my parents have a big influence on me.

I chose to become a designer.

We design products with a focus on products. I like the design of furniture and lighting.

In order to train your ability to discern things, you need to acquire the ability to see through not only the form but also the essence.

A good designer can see through the essence.

I think good design is one that stimulates the senses.

Good design can be enjoyed in three ways: seeing it, using it, and feeling it.

When I have time, I cook for my family. You can eat what you designed.

I want to create a space that combines a cafe, hotel, and shop.

To be successful, you need a design that makes both the creator and the user happy.

Not in particular.

Nothing in particular.

I can't choose, I think they are all equally good designs.

It's about listening to people. Designers must understand and provide the best answers.

I think design is a tool. You need the right designer.

My client and my wife. They support me not only with the design, but also with me.

I think my experience abroad was useful. I have participated in many international exhibitions.

Staff education

The designer should create a design that accurately conveys his or her intentions.

There are many, but we have carefully designed them to address the issues at hand.

I would like to not only design, but also manufacture and sell.

We are looking forward to new designs that incorporate the designers' sensibilities without being bound by things.

Good design can enrich your life and your soul. I think design is a wonderful tool for society to bring about change in our daily lives.

We are working on designs that create delicious food and drinks.

It's difficult to choose. Each of them was a great project.

I would like them to consider environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing methods.

I think I will go into the field of virtual space and anti-aging.

It will take about 3 months to 1 year.

Think from a concept and sketch repeatedly.

They assess things, act as a filter for society, and produce good things.

Trends often determine design.

Technology is evolving to get closer to the ideal design.

Illustrator, 3D printer, CAD, etc.

Each has a role, but all have an important role to play.

I would like to hear about the design process.

Think about how your design differs.

You are responsible for your own design. No collaborative partner required.

I would like to interact with young designers. About the future.

I don't read many books. I often look at photos.

I worked hard to cultivate the ability to see things and see through the essence of things.

I would like to talk with designers of my generation from all over the world.

I'm glad that you appreciate it. But becoming famous is difficult.

I like gold, the sea, summer, and fish.

I happened to stop by a store and saw someone buying a product that I had designed.

Looking at the works in the atelier inspires you to take on the next challenge.

I didn't think so at all.

I don't think there will be any humans on Earth in 1000 years.

My designs are born from questioning and respecting things. I would be happy if I could convey this to someone who can relate.

We design a variety of products, graphics, textiles, etc.

A tool that makes your life richer and more comfortable.

Functional design that takes advantage of materials and technology

The designs I like are functional and organic.

sofa, lighting

magma ceramic

When I was able to solve a client's problem through design

Usability, cost, and beauty

Think about the other person like you do when cooking.

I'm glad you shared this feeling.

own experience and consideration for others

Ease of use, demand, newness

Designers must make society more convenient, achieve a higher quality of life, and solve environmental problems.

The realm of design is limitless. It can have an impact not only on things, but also on the spirit that will be passed on to the future.

It is June 2024. The next exhibition will be in June 2025.

Identify the strengths of materials and technologies and replace them where there is demand.

Unisex design that comfortably stimulates the senses.

I live in Japan. Influenced by Japanese-style beauty of straight lines, simple beauty, and products born from functionality and technology.

We have a contract for manufacturing and sales.

We make proposals that bring out the strengths of your company. Companies and designers create products on an equal footing.

Design to bring out the company's strengths and create a concept that consumers can relate to.

sofa, chair, table, bed, stool

can't explain

It is important to not think about it in your head, but to touch it or see it with your own eyes.

The good thing is that you can embody the design. The bad thing is that when things don't sell, you end up creating more garbage.

Appearance and presence that makes you want to hold it in your hands

communication, hearing

pen and paper. Illustrator, CAD, etc.

I try to generate ideas for up to three hours a day.

About 3 months to 1 year

how did you come up with the idea

When someone you don't know uses a product you designed

Mainly manufacturers and retailers.

Products in demand as gifts. Because it makes everyone smile.

I want to open a store and create a space where people can enjoy products, food, art, and music.

I'm designing it myself

Nothing in particular

Nothing in particular

It was a hassle to use a stirrer when mixing liqueur with water, juice, etc. Sometimes I mix it with my fingers, but it's not hygienic. So I thought it would be convenient to have a glass that doesn't require mixing. After repeated research, we found the best structure.

The advantage is that it can be stored in a small size not only at home but also in restaurants. The stacking structure of both glasses and coasters makes them easier to use and more cost-effective in terms of logistics.

In addition to mixing, we conducted numerous tests to find out how to introduce air, how to foam beer, and how to bring out the aroma. We pursued the pouring speed, height, and average value, and as a result, we selected the volume, angle, and size of the glass.

If you use resin or metal in this work, the taste will change. Therefore, it must be glass. Craftsmanship is required to achieve this with glass. The craftsmen were impressed by the designer's policies and succeeded in creating a difficult structure.

It is difficult to harden whitebait, so we asked for help from foundry and other industries. It was a manufacturing method that the craftsmen had never experienced before, but it has now been improved so that even people with disabilities can make it, and it is also contributing to society. Based on the recipe, Shirasu collected data on various results such as water absorption rate and strength, and researched the best combination.

Concave and convex surfaces must be properly connected to each other for this to work. First, we will join the coaster and glass, then the glasses, and then the coasters. This started with a model, and the design was finalized through repeated prototyping and lowering the defective rate. But don't disturb convection. The current design was created after a series of mind-boggling experiments.

In Asia, which is hot and humid, the proliferation of bacteria due to humidity becomes a dietary issue. Also, if the dishes get smelly, the food won't taste as good. In order to solve these two issues, we focused on magma ceramic (shirasu).

The problem was my own experience and the fact that many people don't use muddlers. Some people mix with chopsticks, some use their fingers, and some don't. None of this is a solution. If you don't have to mix it up, it's the best solution.

Made from 100% natural materials, Outotsu is a renewable product. It is very important that it does not have a negative impact on the earth. Additionally, functional products contribute to improving the quality of life. I think this will have a huge impact on the design industry in the future.