Nikolaus Potapow
Design, far beyond
the single object.
Products are always woven into a complex framework of social, ecologic and economic layers and should never be seen as an isolated object.
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Aiming for truly sustainable solutions, they all play their equivalently important parts and even transform the role of industrial design itself.
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From this systemic approach onwards, objects need to be designed and developed from the inside out: from a socio-economic mindset, to technically enabling features, to a shape that speaks to the users and communicates the full depth of the design process.
Let us explore
the wonderful complexity
of things.
Multilayer, empathic exploration
A broad discovery phase sets the foundation for the design process. Nikolaus searches for user needs and product contexts and delves deep into the wonderful complexity of things.
‣ User research, market research
‣ Product context analyses, customer journey mapping
‣ Research reports, data visualization
Measurably sustainable innovation
Central to the process is designing within systems and assessing product life cycles and value chains. This approach plays a key role in demonstrating the potential of circular strategies and transforming sustainable innovations into tangible products and services.
‣ Innovation workshops
‣ Circular business models
‣ Life cycle design assessments
Pragmatic, production-oriented implementation
Prototypes and feedback loops accompany a user-centric decision making process. The genuine passion for materials and production sturns technological possibilities into key design elements rather than limitations. This transparent approach ensures efficient, resource-saving manufacturing and honest products, while providing measurable foundations for sustainability communication and marketing.
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‣ Physical product design, prototyping, user testing
‣ 3D CAD design, visualization
‣ Print & production support ​
Exhibitions
2023 Repair Revolution!
Museum für Gestaltung, Zurich
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2022 Green Product Award
@ Dutch Design Week, Eindhoven
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2022 Industrial Design Exhibition
FH Joanneum Graz
Designforum Wien, Vienna
Awards
2023 James Dyson Award
Austrian National Winner
International Top 20, UK
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2022 Green Concept Award
Best of category, Berlin/ Munich
2022 GIA Global Innovation Award
The Inspired Home Show, Chicago
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2021 BraunPrize 2021
Shortlist, Kronberg/ Taunus