AARON PROBYN
The British designer has collaborated with a spectrum of brands, including Habitat, Ikea and Tom Dixon, and has recently launched his first eponymous collection
How would you describe your approach? My designs have a strong emphasis on functionality, proportion and engaging with one’s senses. It’s important to me how a product feels in the hand and in the space it occupies, and how materials and forms come together.
Is there an object that you like designing more than others? Although I’ve designed many types of products, I have predominantly been a tableware designer. That said, I like to give myself new challenges, especially when it comes to working with new processes and materials. I’m currently working on a digital alarm clock for Ikea, which is my first true electrical product outside of lighting and there are so many more elements to consider as a result. Not only am I working on the visual skin of the product, I’m designing an object that has to be intuitive to use, especially as it will be sold worldwide and with that a variety of cultural norms need to be considered.
What does good design mean to you? Pieces that bring something positive to people’s lives for many years. We have a finite amount of raw materials that we can use, so it’s important that the designer, manufacturer and retailer takes responsibility for the products being made and that they have longevity. What are you working on next? I launched my first own-brand c ol l e c t i on a t t he e nd of 2020 and will be adding new designs over the coming months. I also collaborated on a sofa and dining chair withAnotherCountry, which I really enjoyed working on. Plus, I have two sofas coming out with ABC Carpet & Home in New York later this year.