Interview with Dr. Lüder Mosler and Justin Smith

red dot online interviewed Dr. Lüder Mosler, the designer of the first Trias models and owner of patents, and the developer and designer Justin Smith, who was instrumental in the further development of the product.

What inspired you to create this particular product and what was the intention behind it?

Dr. Lüder Mosler: After the development of technically intricate prosthetic foot, I was tempted to transfer the acquired knowledge into a simpler concept without sacrificing user-benefit.

Justin Smith: My inspiration was driven by the need to strike a balance between form and function. A foot prosthesis is subjected to very demanding situations and must perform flawlessly during its lifetime. Designing an artificial foot that is elegant yet robust enough to handle the day to day challenges of the wearer was very challenging. 

What does being awarded with the “red dot: best of the best” mean to you?

Dr. Lüder Mosler: The proof that technical elegance can convince aesthetically.

Justin Smith: It’s a great honor to be selected from among such a wide field of well designed products. 

What particular challenges do you think designers have to face these days?

Dr. Lüder Mosler: The challenge will always remain the same: Create products with a design language that stands the test of time.

Justin Smith: For me the biggest challenge is choosing the optimal blend of materials which best satisfies the design application. Product designers need to incorporate materials that minimize the impact on the environment use renewable resources. 

As a designer, what would you still like to accomplish in the future?

Dr. Lüder Mosler: Create products that are appealing and that help people.

Justin Smith: For me it’s the same – to create products that improve the quality of life for people.

What do you think is the economic significance of design?

Dr. Lüder Mosler: Design is an important part of communication with the customer. If the product properties are congruent with the design this will bolster the economic impact of the product.

Justin Smith: While I’m not completely aware of the economic impact the design has had, but one thing is for sure: in times of end-user emancipation the design is a key buying factor. 

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