Turning A New leaf

Manfred Becker, R&D Manager of A. & H. Meyer, spoke about the inspiration behind the new NETBOX Leaf, a detachable surface-mounted power and data unit in aluminium finish.

The NETBOX Leaf is a surface-mounted unit designed to optimise space and adapt to desksharing arrangements thanks to its compact footprint and design. A simple unit to set up and use, it is securely mounted by means of Powerstrips or a table clamp and provides durable and efficient access to power and communication outlets. This desktop unit can be configured with 250 modules to meet any requirements and comes hardwired with a built-in starter or connector cable of customisable length.

Emblematic of an organic modern aesthetic, the NETBOX Leaf features fluid lines and dynamic curves with end-caps that mimic the shape of a leaf. Consumers can choose from a facia color of either black or signal white. Manfred Becker, R&D Manager of A. & H. Meyer, shared his thoughts on this new creation and the inspiration behind its refreshing design.

Q: What was the design inspiration behind the NETBOX Leaf?

A: We were looking to deviate from the typically straightlined and right-angled NETBOX units and taking the cue from nature seems like the ideal approach.

Q: What were the challenges you encountered throughout the design process, and how did you overcome them?

A: For starters, there was the challenge of bringing together the separate components of the NETBOX Leaf to achieve a cohesive organic design, where each part of the design relates to the whole. Then there was the need to achieve a design that doesn’t appear obtrusive and bigger than is really necessary. This was accomplished by employing a pair of lines which begins from an end point and fans out toward the facia and eventually converging at a point directly opposite from where it originates, hence endowing the NETBOX Leaf with an expressive and tri-dimensional aspect. The finished product resembles leaves which snugly enfold the internal parts to form a unified whole.

Q: Why do you think that product design is important and influential?

A: Product design isn’t simply about aesthetics. In fact, it can also be a reflection of a company’s corporate culture and philosophy. For me, good product design should demonstrate quality in every detail, including the hidden elements, such as a commitment toward caring for the environment through the responsible use of resources. By all accounts, new materials, new technologies and new findings must always be taken into consideration when designing new products as product design may also be seen as expressing current trends or appealing to a specific taste.

Q: What do you turn to when you are in need of inspiration?

A: Inspiration is all around us. It doesn’t matter if it’s created by people or by nature itself. You just have to keep your eyes open to the plethora of opportunities that lay in wait, right in front of us to craft unique products that reveal their inspiration while retaining the designer’s distinct vision.

Q: How do you stay ahead of current design trends?

A: I have always been driven by a genuine quest to create the most appealing and technically-driven solutions to address specific design challenges.

Q: How would you describe your design aesthetic in just one sentence?

A: A clean, minimalist aesthetic that reflects the interplay between the interior of the product and its exterior. Manfred Becker was appointed as R&D Manager in 2016 to develop new products locally and to update the current product range. Having completed a bachelor in industrial design at one of Germany’s leading design schools, Manfred is equipped with a working knowledge of both design and production. His own past experience in the office furniture industry serves as a crucial bridge between R&D, production and the sales team.