INDESIGN 11/2009:  Interview mit Stefan Brodbeck über menschliche Bedürfnisse, verständliche Nutzung und klare Designsprache (engl.)

Stefan Brodbeck designs with such deep consideration to people's needs that his products act as an extension of their owners, with the two working seamlessly and in perfect harmony.

Maintaining an emphasis on previously unrecognised functionality, Brodbeck constantly strives to produce designs which respond sincerely to those they serve. ln a recent visit to Sydney, it became evident that his unwavering belief in a 'design based on people' ensures that his pieces retain their relevance long into the future.

After studying product design and architecture at university, Brodbeck began working with multi-disciplinary studio frog design. then, in 1994,set up his own studio in Munich, upholding practicality as its central tenet.

Brodbeck Design incorporates open discussions, workshops and demographic investigations to truly connect with the people who will use the product. Brodbeck attributes much of his designs' success to this system of inviting the public into his studio and identifying with their needs. He maintains, "How we work on design is not based on research, not based on insight, but we get it from these observations.

In 1997, Brodbeck approached Werndl, now Steelcase, with a concept that would transform the office, a 'revolution at work '. His proposal was the 'Frisco' desk system, a merger of freestanding and mobile elements which adapt to suit a range of needs. The globally-renowned office furniture company believed in his approach and entered a partnership with Brodbeck to produce pieces like 'Frisco' which could support individuals in their daily lives and operate as if tailor-made for them. The 'Frisco' system went on to be celebrated as furniture of the future workplace and acted as a physical reference to Brodbeck and Steelcase's common aim.

From this shared goal grew an alliance which would see some of the most innovative and celebrated designs come into existence. Our slogan is a 'design based on people', "says Brodbeck, That meshes very well with the Steelcase brand that is also user-centred.

Together with Steelcase, Brodbeck also introduced 'Freewall', an office system which would update the way workplaces operate worldwide. Consisting of a wall unit and desk, the latter can be separated to host group meetings. Based on Brodbeck's concept of 'my space', this system provides office workers with the freedom to manipulate their work environment, whether to suit private work or facilitate group collaboration.

Freewall's sleek aesthetics merged with Brodbeek's decision to endow every part with multiple purposes, In this combination lies proof that Brodbeck's philosophy remains focused on the people: "Style alone is often the primary consideration. However, it is also about human needs and expectations.

Continuing to pay tribute to Brodbeck and Steelcase's shared vision is a new all-in-one workstation called 'Kalidro'. Designed to intuitively adapt to workers' needs, this system features height adjustment and smart cable management beneath a sleek exterior.

As Brodbeck's designs are embraced globally and continue to maintain relevance years after their introduction, credit must be given to the untiring empathy and honesty of his work, which elevates products to the level of their owners and allows them to identify with people across all borders.