Way back in April last year, Michael Laut created a cool concept named Radia Cellphone and in Feb this year, again the designer surfaced with his new and most rocking concept Chute smartphone, which almost captivated all of us. Hence we thought of having him here with us.

However, before moving directly to the interview, lets take a glimpse as to how, his career into designing unfolded. Since the time he had started working with his father on his 1973 Ford Bronco, he developed unwavering interest in industrial design. “My appreciation for the way a product can appeal to the senses is what motivates me in this field”, said he. In order to acquire theoretical knowledge regarding styling and design, he got himself enrolled in North Carolina State’s college of Design. His understanding of mechanical function coupled with his passion for artistic statement drove his career in industrial design.

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1. How did you come up with an idea like the Chute, an epitome of semblance of nature? And what actually does the name signifies?

Michael: The idea is based on the presumption that the consumer already owns so many products that are quite the opposite: modern products made of cold, unfriendly, synthetic materials as so many things are nowadays. Chute is simply a reference to the bamboo chutes the phone is made of.

2. From your concept design, may we assume that biodegradable electronics are peeping at the horizon? Don’t you think that making gadgets out of wood is not that feasible to mass production especially with respect to plastic?

Michael: I don’t necessarily think wood is the answer in all arenas, but I do think it’s an interesting medium to work with, and a prime example of a readily available resource. We already understand so much about woodworking. It isn’t something we need advanced research and development into to be able to utilize. On the downside, wood is a very unpredictable material. Imperfections, although sometimes beautiful, can pose a serious problem for standard operations like milling and molding. I am not trying to convince anyone of the feasibility of the manufacturing process for wood over plastics. I believe the inclusion of a sustainable material could be a great thing, and the statement it makes could help spark others to think along the same lines. After all, it is a concept. I wanted to show that there are alternatives out there.

3. How far do you think, conceptual design of the Radia Cell Phone is ergonomic?

Michael: No guarantee there. That phone is an example of an out-of-the-box idea and development process. The thought of a completely round device intrigued me, and I though it was worth expanding on. I don’t think it would necessarily be uncomfortable to use, but I understand any objections to its design. It was never meant to be anything but an interesting idea, and I think the amount of attention it has attracted is evidence of the industry’s appreciation for originality, which is great to see. It’s why I love what I do.

4. Do the product designers focus on more features and benefits than looks and style, I mean, how do you delineate the present market?

Michael: A great professor at NC State once told me “Whenever you hear cursing, there is money to be made”. Any good way of improving a product so the consumer can enjoy it more is a worthwhile venture. Since people are no longer satisfied with bland looks, it just makes the designer include that as well. Designers do so much more than make things flashy. We have to consider so many variables: user experience, market, trends, style, safety, ergonomics, manufacturing, point of purchase, durability, sustainability, just to name a few.

5. How do you start typically with your design process? And what is your design philosophy?

Michael: Market research and design references are key. I am a firm believer that it’s impossible to design for the future if you don’t understand today. It’s another reason product design is such a great field to be in. You’re pretty much working all the time whether you realize it or not. Understanding people and their habits, tastes, and motivations is just as much a part of designing as drawing or 3D modeling. There are so many good designers out there, it only makes sense to emulate and synthesize.

6. Who or what has influenced your work? Which designers do you admire?

Michael: My father, Daniel Laut.
All of the great designers at NC State’s ID program, Professors Bryan Laffitte, Pat Fitzgerald, Lee Cherry, Bong-Il Jin.
Other influences definitely include Bill Peet, Carroll Shelby, Walt Disney.
Designers I admire: Jonathan Ive, Henrik Fisker, Carl Liu, J Mays, Syd Mead, Raymond Loewy, Buckminster Fuller, Feng Zhu.

7. Do you have a signature style? If yes, what are the hallmarks of the style?

Michael: I would guess no, not yet. It would be easier for you to answer that question. It’s hard to detach myself and evaluate the sum of my work since each product has its own characteristics and associations. I think better designers have a style of their own. I hope to be able to say I do one day.

8. Where do you find yourself in the array of upcoming designers?

Michael: Humbled. It is fantastic that good design has become a necessity to the consumer and there are SO many great designers out there. I go to school with lots of them at NC State every day. I think it’s important to remember that there is always someone pushing the envelope farther. It’s what makes the field advance and it keeps us learning from each other constantly.

9. May we have the honor of knowing your future plans with respect to your designs? And presently, what are the interesting things that have hooked your attention?

Michael: I have a few job offers on the east coast and right now I am weighing my options between those or continuing to work independently.

Quick bits:

Michael: There again, hard for me to say when I can’t get an outsider’s perspective on either one.

Websites you must visit per day?

Michael: Core77, Yanko Design, Engadget, Google Image Search, Lifehacker and Dozens of product design sites fed to my RSS reader.

Your favorite design magazine would be:
Architektur & Wohnen (Germany), Axis (Japan), Blueprint (UK), Domus (Italy) or Intramuros (France).

Michael: Domus

Thank you Michael for sparing out time in doing an interview with us, it is really appreciated and all the best for your future endeavors too.