I am a product and furniture designer at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, now in my senior year. So many times, I have been disappointed by the experience of using certain things. From awkward installations to narrow hardware access and poor build quality, so many things fall short of their potential. My practice is focused on prototyping solutions for these real-world opportunities. Observation and research are followed by 2D and 3D models, both digital and physical, in the creation of full-scale prototypes. More specifically, I am interested in creating objects to last as long as possible and remain functional, rewarding, and pleasant while doing so.
Research is always the starting point in my process, and that takes many forms. Thoroughly investigating the current landscape is important, but I also frequently look to past precedents for inspiration and for a greater understanding of the crux of the problem. After I have nailed down the project with research-derived parameters, I can hone in on the essential formal elements through explorative iteration techniques – namely, traditional sketching, CAD, 3D printing, and casting. This is also the stage where manufacturing methods and material selection are considered. I reduce objects to what is structurally necessary and materially honest.
Everyday objects can create moments of reflection, and that concept is essential to my work. In both mass-manufacturing and studio settings, I seek to design objects and systems that do not compete for attention but instead offer steadiness—personal, usable, and worth keeping. Simply put, my ultimate goal is to design manufacturable objects that people can cherish and maintain.
Moving into the professional world, I am excited about the opportunity to tangibly influence our material world and to continue deepening my understanding of the field. I want my work to result in objects that people rely on for years without questioning their presence.
Ryan Smith
