While we work out complex calculations that involve office jobs, social lives or a little extravagance for home beautification, there is Paul Sandip. He is a Product Designer who prefers the moniker ‘Industrial Sculptor ‘instead. He belongs to a select group that sits working out simple design ideas to make our utility objects less mundane, more beautiful and more ergonomically functional.

It was a sultry afternoon about 18 years ago, that he lay in bed feeling some respite from the ceiling fan, “ I thanked the unknown, who had devised that machine. Thereafter I started wondering how everyday products came into being and wished; someday I would be a creator of products too.” So unlike some who just wish and then head straight to the purchase counter, Sandip went and got himself initiated.

“After graduating as an electrical engineer I have worked as a journalist, and then a socio-cartoonist, designed sets for food festivals until I (naturally, in the course of my work), donned the ‘Industrial Sculptor’ avatar!”

In 2005, he began his self-initiated project called Useful Art – desirable everyday objects! “Most of what you see as part of my Useful Art Collection is about manifesting my thoughts.” This led to the creation of a slew of extremely innovative and intuitive products that include a Disposable toilet mug, a Clothesline Clip, Stationery, Chairs, some of which are prestigious International Red Dot Award winners.  He has won this award twice and his work is being featured, exhibited and sold internationally, over the last 7 years.

Focus on Featured Designs:

SPOO: SPOO re-thinks the ergonomics of a feeding spoon, safe for tender gums of the 3+ month olds.

“Peeling down to the heart of the sub-conscious human behavior helped me reveal the magic of effortlessness with design. This helped me create a comprehensible, delightful and character-full product.” What is extremely heartwarming of the SPOO is that it is perfect for both left and right-handed parents, and it’s ergonomically twisted grip keeps wrists from turning awkwardly and prevents spilling food or hurting your baby.

The SPOO Baby Spoon Image Courtesy - Paul Sandip

CLOTHESLINE CLIP:  CLIP re-defines a mundane object by breathing in fresh thoughts for mass manufacturing. This evokes ecological awareness and accountability. “People talk about eco-sensitivity, but consumption of plastic house-wares is still quite large, enough to deplete our natural resources. One way to reduce consumption is to facilitate prolonged life of the same product.” Hence improved longevity of the neglected yet necessary CLIP confronts the challenges of waste reduction.

The CLIP Image Courtesy - PAUL Sandip

ATE:  ATE is a double bladed stainless steel sharpener. It sharpens small and large pencils to a sharp point and has a stainless steel satin finish; rubberized end rims and is seamless in its design and attractive in its appeal.

Preferred Materials:

“All kinds. From neon gas-infused glass to thermosetting polymers. I am yet to work with precious metals. The form and function of the designed object demands a specific material to be chosen. I feel the cost of a product lies at the tip of a pencil; because form-function and material selection go hand in hand and goes all the way up to making the designed object desirable as well as feasible.”

The ATE Sharpener Image Courtesy - PAUL Sandip

Personal Favorites:

When asked if he has any favorites from the design industry per se, he emphasized,

“I really do not feel that I belong to any specific industry. I see design in a more holistic way where creativity is the only prerequisite. Hence, I have my favorites across categories from architecture to furniture, from toys to home appliances, or for that matter “living electronics”, the domain that I shall be exploring again from Jan’12 onwards.”

Most Exciting Project:

“I think before it exists, that’s the best part of my profession!” He has, over the last 7 years handled many projects in various domains and says he loves them all. To pick a favourite, “My favorite is PLAY, the bulb holder set designed for GM Modular, way back in 2004. It has been their best seller ever since and now has become a standard in the electrical industry,” he says with a hint of smugness.

Mentors/ Inspiration: 

He looks toward Charles and Ray Eames, Verner Panton and Philippe Stark for inspiration.

Paul goes on to say that he finds opportunities in everyday life and a key takeaway is to be a good observer. “I look more than that I see.” Minutely studying details on existing products, he aims to achieve timelessness in his designs. “The Eames collection of chairs and the Braun products by Dieter Rams are to me, timeless. These objects say, “Strip no more”, I love the voluntary simplicity in them.”

Also, cross-pollinating people’s choices with objects of desire, one can come up with outstanding compositions of Useful Art.

Global Trends Adaptable into India:

“I feel, it’s the other way around. The world is going gaga over being eco-friendly and sustainable, while Indians have been practicing them for ages now.”

Indian Design Aesthetics over Time:

Bold to Subtle, Vivid to Subliminal.

Looking Ahead:

“I love to change the market stereotypes and want to create “Iconic Best Sellers” in the trade.”