Introduction
Welcome to the Design Machine website. The Design Machine gives an insight into the wonderful world of product design. Where designers usually work in top secret behind closed doors, we give full access into the design practice during live design events. The Design Machine is initiated by WAACS design & consultancy and organized together with Raw Shaping Technology and Frontwise Digital Innovators. We work on a high-speed assembly line to find solutions for everyday problems, requests and challenges.
The first edition was organized in honor of the 20-year anniversary of WAACS. This live design event was held in the centre of Rotterdam (on the Lijnbaan) as part of ZigZagCity festival.
Robey | Relax slipper
Making Cool Comfortable tennis sportswear for modern players is Robey's core business. A quintessential no-nonsense dutch company with a reputation for quality with a personal touch. Founded in 1947 by entrepreneur Pieter Bey, this authentic brand dominated the sports scene in the Netherlands during the 1970s and 1980s
As with many great companies, Robey had humble beginnings. Tennis shoes were made in a workshop in Riel and clothing was made in Bey's house in Rotterdam. A single bicycle courier delivered them to the then elite tennis clubs.
It wasn't until the eighties that Robey's trademark character 'R' logo was evolved. Internally this 'R' was known as the R of 'Racket'. The introduction of the Robey-piping, consisting of four vertical lines, further strengthened the brand's visual identity.
Briefing: design a slipper for tennis brand Robey to relax your feet after an intense (sporting) day.
Pameijer Stichting & Rotterdams Handmerk | Felted Wool Products
Appealing and sustainable products, that's the work made by Rotterdams Handmerk. At the Pameijer Foundation special, unique or limited edition products are made for their own Rotterdams Handmerk Brand. Like the other activities of the Pameijer Foundation, the artisanal production of the Rotterdams Handmerk handiwork underlines their mission to support children, teenagers, adults and elderly with an intellectual restriction as well as adults and elderly with psychiatric problems in various ways. Rotterdams Handmerk sells among other bread, chocolate, tables, stools, toys, art, vases & potholders … Authentic Rotterdam. To get an idea what is made by the Pameijer foundation, see their webshop.
Briefing: Which new products can be made with 100% wool as raw material? There are already handmade scarves made by a specific felting process but we would like to add more products to the existing range.
LIVIT orthopedics | Repositioning helmet
Livit Orthopedics is number one in the Netherlands in producing orthopedic aids and providing orthopedic care. For over a century the company has made tailor made shoes, braces, bandages as well as products for children.
Sometimes young children hold themselves in a preferred position, possibly causing the skull to flatten. In order to ensure that the skull develops neatly around, Livit has developed the Repositioning helmet. This unique, patented helmet is available in various designs. Livit works with the latest technologies and requested Waacs' consultancy for the look and feel of this product.
Briefing: transform the appearance of the Repositioning helmet making the product ready to enter the market.