Interviews with the best designers of the red dot design award 2007: Paul Flowers

Grohe Ondus stands for a perfect balance of design, quality, and technology. The high-end fitting was honoured for its exceptional and avant-guard design with the red dot: best of the best award for the category bathroom, heating, and sanitation. As alive, pure, and refreshing, as nature itself – was the overall consensus of the red dot jury. red dot online spoke with Paul Flowers, Vice President of Design at Grohe. 

Mr Flowers, what inspired you to create this particular product and what was the intention behind it?

The name Ondus is a derivative of the Latin word for wave, from which the aesthetic drew inspiration. Our intention was to evolve the concept of “minimalism” in order to create a fusion of simplicity and emotion. We call this fusion “Sensual Minimalism”. GROHEOndus stands alone as a bold aesthetic statement daring to evolve the geometric boundaries of minimalism. Its advanced curvature gives the design its effortless minimalist appearance. Radiating simplicity and purity, its seductive form creates an instant emotional lure; subtly provoking interaction and creating a unique interface to water. 

What does being awarded with the “red dot: best of the best” mean to you?This is an important accolade for Grohe because it objectively confirms that the GROHEOndus collection is truly a world class design. It is very encouraging that the reputable group of judges who selected this product from a plethora of good designs identified both the aesthetic and philosophical beauty of the collection.

What particular challenges do you think designers have to face these days?In a fast paced society where time is incredibly valuable and competition is abundant, modern designers have the formidable challenge of having to create products which instantly make a connection with a customer or consumer. With increasing globalisation it is imperative that designers gain greater insight into the many countries and cultures they are designing for in order to create meaningful experiences.

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

I believe in a concept called “creative osmosis” where creativity can be spread, having a positive effect not just in ones immediate surroundings but throughout society in general.  My goal is to deliver great design improving the quality of people`s lives both physically and emotionally; to drive and set trends which encourage meaningful design and consider the fragile nature of the planet in which we live.

What do you think is the economic significance of design?

Due to globalisation and fierce competition businesses are increasingly under pressure to create a differentiated offering to their customers.  Design is a key function able to deliver this differentiation which is “relevant” to a targeted segment or consumer, ensuring higher preference and a positive affinity with a brand. “Design” has the ability to create an emotional connection beyond the physical and rational needs of the consumer. This emotional connection has the potential to increase the personal worth of a product or service and thus its economic value.

High tech in bathrooms: the Ondus bathroom series

The future is here for digitised bathroom design. With Grohe Ondus, high tech in bathrooms has reached a new dimension. The fittings have digital displays and are navigated with self-explanatory icons. Users can program the manual or remote switching between shower head and bathtub faucet, or between fixed, side, or hand shower head. Finally, with customizable programs to regulate temperature, water quantity, and flow duration, brushing teeth or washing hands becomes a first-class experience.

With its Ondus fitting series Grohe advanced not only the technology of bathroom fittings but also their design. The exceptionally innovative and functional Ondus design received the red dot: best of the best award from red dot award: product design 2007. Clear and aesthetic, the form exudes confidence and purity. “It is a connection between simplicity and emotion, inspired by nature; a design language that stimulates the senses,” says Ondus designer Paul Flowers about his work.