1: [ACS 01] - ”the table that almost wasn’t” with Ajay Shah

In this new season, I am introducing a new format called “Audiogyan case studies” where I will be diving deep in just one product, case study, service, campaign or a design solution. Starting of with the first one with Ajay Shah today… Ajay is a furniture designer, an alumnus of NID, Ahmedabad, and has practised design in India for 20 years plus. He is the founder ASDS Ajay Shah Design Studio and also started Rubberband. Ajay comes from the school of thought, where he believes design thinking can be applied to product, spaces and graphics. Although he specialized in furniture design, he finds himself applying design principles to all areas of design. And today we are here discuss a case study of Rubberband product - the table that almost wasn't. Topic Audiogyan Case Study [ACS 01] - "the table that almost wasn’t" with Ajay Shah Background ‘The Table That Almost Wasn’t’ is the first in the series of a new collection of furniture by Rubberband. The table is made in aluminium and is a result of stamping and folding of sheet metal. There are three main components which come together with the help of connector plates and brackets. The design is an expression of a new found form resulting from a material and construction language. The colour application on the flat metal surfaces removes the association of metal and simply allows it to exist as an object. Questions 1\. What is Rubberband and why did you start it? 2\. People can shop, stationary, bags, furniture and more… Although all products are great in quality, lets discuss more about your tables. You have around 7 to 8 types of tables. Why tables? 3\. What is the story behind “the table that almost wasn’t”? Where did the inspiration come from? 4\. What is your take on products which have too many joints? Importance of single body or die cut? 5\. What made you choose aluminium over other material? 6\. What were the learnings while making this product? 7\. Did you guys do any user research before thinking about such a product? 8\. When and how did you realise that the table was ready to go into manufacturing? 9\. If you were to evolve it further, what would be the progression like? 10\. Do you worry about people stealing your design and replicating a cheaper version of it? How do you deal with it?