Ergomonkey

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When Richard met Stephen

Stephen bayley is a British design critic, cultural commentator and author. His opinions resonate around the world of design like no other.
This week, I had an unmissable opportunity to speak with him over lunch in Manchester's fashionable Trof bar, in the uber- trendy Northern Quarter.

Richard: So, Stephen, you're a cool guy with strong opinions on most things; how do you rate my turtle neck sweater?

Stephen: Well, under the circumstances I would consider it a statement of intent...

Richard: I suppose that may be true, in so far as I intend to capture the essence of 70's chic, whilst remaining true to my methodist upbringing.

Stephen: I don't even know what that means (laughs)!

Richard: Anyway, last October I attended the Orgatec office furniture and design exhibition in Cologne. There were thousands of new, innovative products vying for attention. What do you think defines good design?

Stephen: In my opinion, good design is defined by those products that are designed from the outset without the constraints or compromise of aesthetics. In other words, those that are designed to fulfill a specific purpose, with functionality at their core.

Richard: So, considering this, can you think of examples of good design within the world of ergonomic furniture?

Stephen: Yes, yes I can; Hans J. Wegner respected the Klint approach, but struck out a path for himself. Like several other furniture designers at the time, Wegner trained as a cabinet maker and combined extraordinary craftsmanship with a unique sense of form, resulting in a series of chairs which many regard as unsurpassable. To this day, his influence is unmistakable; chairs like the Wishbone chair, the Peacock chair, the Sawbench chair. They really are timeless.

Richard: What is the 'Klint approach'?

Stephen: The Klint approach refers to the Danish architect and designer, Kaare Klint. His designs were really simple and elegant. Indeed they capture the very essence of form following function.Scandinavian design at its zenith.

Richard: Is there a designer or manufacturer within the office furniture industry today that you admire?

Stephen: I think there are a lot of 'me too' products out there, but it is fair to say that there are a select few that have produced some outstanding products, particularly in task seating; I love the work that Niels Diffrient has done with Humanscale, especially the Liberty chair. I like some of the Rbm seating. I also love the work of Mario Ruiz.

Richard: What advice would you offer ergomonkey as a business when considering our product portfolio?

Stephen: I actually downloaded the new brochure from the ergomonkey homepage last week, and think you offer a great range of products, and I respect the way you have decided to concentrate your focus on design- led stuff without going for some of the 'default choice' Aeron, RH4 etc.

Richard: Stephen, it has been a real pleasure to meet with you, and on behalf of the ergomonkey team; thank you very much.

Stephen: It's a pleasure. You did pay, by the way... for lunch?

'When Richard met Stephen'- an ergomonkey interview by Richard Howell

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When Richard met Niels

Niels Diffrient (born 1928) is an American industrial designer. Diffrient focuses mainly on ergonomic seating, and his most recent and well known designs are the Freedom and Liberty chairs, manufactured by Humanscale. His latest offering is the seminal 'Diffrient' chair, due for launch in summer 2009.

This 'interview' is a verbatim account of events that took place outside a Gents Toilets at Orgatec 2008. To my knowledge, both parties had washed their hands thoroughly when handshakes were exchanged, and no animals were harmed during the conversation.

Niels wears very shiny black laced 'pumps', those baggy corduroy slacks that older gents seem to like, a blazer, a v-neck sweater, and glasses like Woody Allen.

Richard: Excuse me... excuse me Sir!

Niels: Yes? (smiles)

Richard: Are you Niels Diffrient?

Niels: Yes, I am. And who are you?

Richard: I'm Richard Howell, from ergomonkey

Niels: Ergo WHAT?

Richard: Monkey. Ergomonkey, Mr Diffrient

Niels: Ergomonkey... couldn't you have chosen something with more onomatopoeia?

Richard: Pardon?

Niels: Do you know what onomatopoeia is?

Richard: Yes. It means a word that describes the sound of an action.

Niels: Yes it does... yes it does (laughs in a fatherly way). What does ergomonkey do?

Richard: We sell your chairs!

Niels: Oh... oh... well that's great! Well I won't forget that name in a hurry. Ergomonkey...

Richard: I had a test drive of the new chair ealier... the Diffrient chair. I think that it will be a big success. People will love the fact that it's 100% recyclable.

Niels: Yes; it's been very well received at the show.

Richard: Are you happy with it?

Niels: There are a few details that I need to change; it's a prototype, so I'll be making a few revisions along the way. But that's what this show is all about!

Richard: Well it's been a pleasure to meet you

Niels: You too. Keep selling Humanscale (punches the air in a restrained fashion)!

Richard: Don't go in the second cubicle, by the way... someones' made a right mess in there.

Niels: Oh, right. Thank you (waves).

'When Richard met Niels'- an ergomonkey interview by Richard Howell

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