Interview: Jokinen Konu Design
We had the pleasure of collaborating with Jokinen Konu Design. From this partnership, the new product HUT was created and launched at the Habitare fair, where it drew a lot of attention. In this interview, we dive deeper into the backgrounds of designers Jukka Jokinen and Heikki Konu, their design process, and where they draw their inspiration from.
Could you tell us a little about yourselves and how you ended up in furniture design?
We are a two-person design studio and have been working together for five years. Our breakthrough came with the Multi lighting series for Innolux, which gained significant attention. However, our collaboration started earlier in courses at Aalto University. Our backgrounds are in industrial design and interior design, but product and lighting design have been our main focus.
How would you describe your design style or philosophy?
Our design is based on timelessness, versatility, and Nordic clarity. Modularity and classic values are important to us, but empathy for the end user also guides our work. Materials and the atmosphere play a major role. We want to make life more beautiful and everyday living more functional.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Inspiration comes from new materials and everyday situations where we see opportunities for better solutions through design. The designer’s eye and touch are present in everything we do.
How did your collaboration with INTO begin?
We met INTO’s Jari and Hanna at the Stockholm furniture fair last February. The conversations left a good impression, and the idea of collaboration stayed alive until it later became reality. Our personal chemistry matched well. Hanna had liked our Multi lamp, and we, in turn, appreciated the timeless and clear design of INTO’s PODs.
What made you interested in INTO as a partner?
INTO has an open and enthusiastic way of working. We quickly noticed that their product family had space for a solution that would bring more privacy and comfort to work environments.
How would you describe the design process of developing a new product with the INTO team?
The process began with background research, where we studied the customer perspective and the market. The collaboration was based on dialogue, from which we moved step by step from sketches to 3D models and finally to a prototype. Logistics and transportability were also taken into account during the design process.
Could you tell us about the product you designed for INTO?
We designed a modular pergola-like solution for open spaces and work environments, called HUT. It increases privacy while keeping the space open and bright. Wall panels add visual privacy, and thanks to its modular structure, the solution is easy to replicate and adapt to different environments. The product helps to divide large and challenging spaces without the need for permanent stuctures.
What need does the product solve in work environments, and how was the end user considered in the design process?
The product brings peace and privacy to workspaces, which improves concentration and well-being. It is especially suitable for lobbies and tall spaces where protection is also needed from above. The end result creates a hut-like atmosphere that supports a sense of safety. The end user’s perspective was present throughout the entire design process.
How do sustainability and circular economy principles show in the product design?
Sustainability and circular economy were starting points of the design. Materials are sourced locally, the whole product is easy to repair and recycle, and the components are simple, producing minimal waste in manufacturing. Our aim is to design for longevity, ensuring the product has a long lifecycle.
Read more about the new product HUT and book a showroom presentation!