I really enjoyed this story run on PSB Monday March 5th 2010.  Hotchkiss proves that it’s possible and viable to produce quality, functional products with a small scale manufacturing model.  Additionally, he’s producing repairable and modifiable products that are likely to be in use for at least a lifetime.  According to the NPR story, 50k chairs have been purchased by NGO’s and distributed world wide.

Here is a link to the PBS video.  The Hotchkiss story begins at the 30 minute mark.
http://video.pbs.org/video/1441941479

Here is a link to Whirlwind Wheelchair International’s website.
http://www.whirlwindwheelchair.org/about.htm

Well, there are some facts and opinions here, and some politically charged.  But, for the most part I agree that we buy too much crap.  Crap we don’t actually need.  Crap that wont last.  Crap we end up discarding shortly after purchase.  We must consider where our products come from and how long we actually keep them.  My products don’t quickly, or ever, end up as land fill.  Why?  Because they are well made.  Yep, I’m tooting my own horn.

I certainly enjoyed exploring the NYIGF at Javit’s last week.  For a designer working feverishly to get my design and influence into the mainstream market, the vastness of products was humbling.  The key is to keep pushing forward by understanding the marketplace, consumers, economy, competition and how to be relevant.  A challenge to say the least.

I’m nearly finished with updating eXoticforms. I’m looking forward to using this blog area to post tidbits about art, design, and innovation.