Interview with Robert Henshaw IDSA, Russell Kroll IDSA, Phillip Palermo IDSA

Partners - Formation Design Group

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

Robert Henshaw: As with all of Crown’s development programs, the intent was to develop a vehicle that truly embodied “best in class“ ergonomics, design and performance. 

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

Robert Henshaw: I have always held the red dot award in the highest regard, to have contributed to the design of a product that received the “red dot: best of the best” distinction is a great honor. 

Phil Palermo: I’m thrilled – this is one of the most prestigious and most difficult awards to attain. I feel as if I have reached one of my design goals. 

Russell Kroll: Receiving a red dot award is an incredible honor; but a “red dot: best of the best” award carries an additional level of satisfaction. This comes from knowing your design was selected from a field of the world’s best design work. 

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

Robert Henshaw: Good design is a minimum expectation, the bar is constantly rising. This coupled with the goal of developing products in a sustainable manor and under increasingly short development timelines are the primary challenges we face. 

Phil Palermo: Designers have extraordinary challenges in front of them. I think it is fair to say that good design is now a minimum. Consumers are more educated and fickle then ever. Competitors catch up fast. Designers must strive to reach far beyond what currently exists if they hope to have real success in the market place. 

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

Robert Henshaw: Every day I look forward to tackling new design challenges, honing my thinking and growing my understanding of how the world works. I am particularly passionate about developing a sustainable transportation future. 

What do you think is the economic significance of design?

Phil Palermo: The economic significance of design is at an all time high with what seems to be nothing but an upward trajectory in front of us. As long as we (designers) expend our best efforts in being the conscience“ of product development initiatives this trajectory should continue and benefit all who invest in it.