Since the very beginning in 1985, Voksi has been dedicated to keeping children protected, comfortable, and warm in the Scandinavian climate. To constantly develop, the design team continuously explore new materials and test new products. All of this to ensure that our products are the best options for your little ones. So, how does the design team work when developing a product?
Hello! Who are you, and what do you do here at Voksi?
Hi! My name is Lina Aker, and I've been working here at Voksi for 3 years. I have a degree in industrial design and an extensive experience with children's products and other equipment in the outdoor industry. Here at Voksi, I utilize much of my previous experience in design and product development to design and test new materials and products.
How many people are working with product development here at Voksi?
There are three of us working in the design team. Voksi has a fairly small design department, which means that everyone has a lot of influence over decisions, and that is very fun.
Where do you get your inspiration when developing new products?
A lot of our inspiration comes from the everyday challenges that people face. We observe the users of our products to see if they have changed their behaviors or if there is a need for something new. Another area we draw inspiration from is new technology. We get inspired by other industries and how they for example use new and more sustainable materials. We also look at the market of toddler and baby products to see which actors in the market are doing well, and we try to understand why that is.
What are the most important qualities for you when selecting materials for a Voksi product?
The answer to that is threefold. Technical requirements, the child's comfort and sustainability. These are three important topics where we won't allow compromises. The technical requirements include criterias such as durability and waterproofness. The fabrics must also feel good to the touch, so the child is comfortable in our products. Regarding sustainability, we use pure materials, that aren't mixed with too many different marterials. This is important to facilitate recycling. We also have strict requirements regarding chemical use. Much of what we do as designers is choosing the right materials for the right purpose. Figuring out weather the weight of the product is important, or if there are other characteristics required. During these considerations, I use my experience and the team around me to come to a decision.
What is the most fun part of working with product development here at Voksi?
We use our hands! We create our own tests and prototypes here in our office in Sandvika, Norway, and the path from an idea to a test with children is never far away. I think that's the most fun part.
