Jim Rokos, a London-based industrial designer, explored various creative areas before discovering his passion for industrial design. Having initially trained as a model-maker in the film and television industry (including notable projects such as The Muppet Treasure Island, Band of Brothers, Tomb Raider, and Victoria and Albert), he later worked as a photographer's assistant and film extra. During this time, he also designed an innovative cat food bowl, which has sold over 50,000 units across Europe. Afterwards, Jim taught at a special needs school in London before pursuing a Master's degree in Industrial Design at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, part of London's University of the Arts. His graduation piece, the 'Blindspot' range, was acquired by the CSM Museum & Study Collection in 2007.
His works often incorporate fantasy and poetic elements, showcasing his passion for exploring the physicality of materials and creating original, visually beautiful, and refined concepts. He thoroughly enjoys every stage of the design process, from research and creative exploration to problem-solving, refinement, and execution. He constantly seeks new creative techniques to generate innovative ideas. Jim's designs are influenced by observing people's behaviour within their local context, and his products often encourage users to reflect. Understanding and engaging with user psychology is a crucial aspect of his work. Jim is interested in applying these techniques to improve people's lives and is a member of the RSA (Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce). He has collaborated with teams at Dyversity Lab and Amazing Dyslexics, and has also presented and interviewed with the Design Council.
"If he egg were any other shape, the life of the hen would be intolerable." — Raymond Loewy, Industrial Designer, 1979 In this session from Jim Rokos, your team will discover the many functions that the egg must carry out, from the beginning of its journey (where it must exit the chicken) to its end (where the chick must exit the egg). While Loewy advises that the egg is the perfect design, its shape is also arrived at by compromising the many jobs it must successfully carry out. Jim will unleash your team's dormant creativity by asking them to imagine that a separate optimal egg shape could exist for each of its different jobs along its journey. They will then design a better egg for each stage. Examples of egg biomimicry (nature-inspired innovation) will be explored.
