Locus Research Wins Sustainable 60
December 3 2009
Locus Research, a design company headquartered in Tauranga with offices in Mount Maunganui and Ponsonby, Auckland has won the overall exemplar for small business in the Price Waterhouse Coopers and Fairfax Media Sustainable 60.
Founder, Timothy Allan outlines "'We set out to develop an integrated design company that operates across the spheres of product and service, brand, sustainability and business. This award recognises a great deal of work operationally and in the public domain over the last seven years. To be awarded within a business domain is particularly pleasing as it illustrates that we are an integral part of our clients businesses".
This award tops off a great year for Locus Research and their clients: they were awarded the Sustainable Design and Innovation award in the Central Region for the Cortex cladding system and being a Semi-Finalist in the Focus on Health initiative for the Encircle Medical Devices and were awarded silver and bronze at the Best Design Awards.
In addition leader of our design team Blythe Rees-Jones was awarded the Biella Merino Ambassadorship and travelled to Italy and was a finalist in the young professional of year in Tauranga.
Blythe Rees-Jones also notes "'As our work is always very collaborative any success we achieve is often down to collaborating and working with great companies"
Locus Research has integrated sustainable design practice and life cycle thinking into product development since its inception in 2002. This has led to research and presentations both nationally and internationally on the subject and the development of educational material for New Zealand companies and designers.
"Sustainability and life cycle thinking have always been important to us but they can only work effectively if they are operationally integrated and supported from the top". Timothy states that within Locus Research it is an integrated part of how Research and Development projects are delivered "Whilst we can provide specialised management services for environmental issues it is better if it is part of a wider programme of activity".
The company has also developed material to help companies and other designers better understand how to undertake sustainable design and life cycle thinking in product development. "lifting New Zealand’s capability and capacity in sustainable design is going to be essential to our ability to deliver innovation in the future for exporting companies".
Locus Research a Finalist in the Sustainable 60
October 29 2009
Locus Research has been selected from 110 individual companies to be a finalist in the Sustainable 60 Series Awards.
The Fairfax Media and Price Waterhouse Coopers Sustainable 60 series 'will assist companies in understanding what sustainability means in business and how it affects the bottom line. Fairfax Media Business Group and PricewaterhouseCoopers believe that robust, resilient and future-focused companies are essential for New Zealand's economy'.
Locus Research elected to enter all five categories:
- Strategy & Governance - we selected our internal strategy project called 'Evolve';
- Workplace - The Continuous Professional Development (CPD) scheme developed for our staff;
- Marketplace - The successful Transform Initiative in the textile industry;
- Environment - The Life Cycle Thinking workshop series executed in 2008 and developed into a resource for 2009;
- Community - Our engagement and support for the development of the Sustainable Design Group of New Zealand.
This process has been an interesting retrospective of our work and projects and is a great chance for internal projects and staff to be recognised externally.
Locus is a finalist in the 'Overall Exemplar' category and the Community section. For more information on the sustainable 60 please see http://sustainable60.co.nz/
Encircle Advances on Focus on Health
September 29 2009
Encircle was selected at one of 20 out of 104 entrants to advance to the semi-finals of New Zealand Focus on Health. This recognises the huge potential in the R&D project, the business opportunity and the great team that have been bought together to deliver. Levana and its parent company TMC are excited by the potential to create value in the medical textile sector.
See Blythe Rees-Jones's pitch to the judging panel
The product and business opportunity were put forward in a compelling entry into the New Zealand Focus on Health initiative.
'It offers the opportunity to fast track the commercialization process of New Zealand health solutions into the United States. Developed by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, The Challenge offers the chance to win a share of over $800,000 of in-kind and cash prizes, and access to mentoring, local and international partnership opportunities, and a world-class network of useful contacts.'
The Encircle Project has been under development since late 2007 at Locus Research has crystallised into a fully developed product offer and business. Locus Research has delivered this as an integrated programme from research to market entry. This has included the research, development, project management and direction, brand development and commercialisation.
To read about the whole project please visit www.encirclemedicaldevices.com
September 26 2009
Several projects have been selected as finalists for this years Best Awards. This recognises the work of the development team and the companies themselves. Both of these development projects have been full programme developments with Locus executing the research, product, brand and directly assisted with commercialisation and intellectual property.
Pacific Wood Products Cortex exterior cladding system was a finalist in both the Non-Consumer Category and the Sustainable Product Category. It received a Silver in the Non-Consumer category and narrowly missed out on the Sustainable Product Design awardto the excellent Be Chair from Formway.
Drybase Internationals new Drybase product system was also a finalist in the Non-Consumer category and was awarded a bronze.
Locus Research would like to congratulate its clients Pacific Wood Products and Drybase International for their success at the 2009 Best Awards.
Cortex Wins Hotly Contested Sustainable Design & Innovation Award
September 26 2009
Instructions
Detail -1
Detail - 2
Joining
Design Targets
Life Cycle Process Plan
Product Environmental Map
Supply System
Eco-System
The Cortex cladding system by PWP has just won the Sustainable Design and Innovation Award for the SBN Central and Southern Regional Awards. This award recognises both the company's overall commitment to sustainability and the innovative approach to life cycle thinking in product development. PWP beat off some strong competition in the finals (Formway Furniture & David Trubridge) to win the award and now progresses to the national finals.
PWP (Pacific Wood Products) is a vertically integrated forestry company, involved in the entire timber value chain. From growing, harvesting, processing, manufacturing. Locus Research has worked with PWP since 2006 to assist them in extending further into the value chain.
Tony Clifford (CEO) of PWP was on hand to accept the award and acknowledged the key role Locus Research played in providing a turnkey product development service.
For more information contact Tony Clifford of PWP or Timothy Allan of Locus Research.
Life Cycle Management Centre Opening
August 19 2009
Timothy Allan will be presenting at the new Life Cycle Management Centre Workshop at Massey in Palmerston North on the 25th of August. Timothy will introduce the audience to the sustainable design activity, The SD Group, the Life Cycle Thinking workshops and some other important areas.
This new position and department has been funded by MAF and finally brings Life Cycle Thinking formally into the New Zealand tertiary curriculum. The Life Cycle Professorial candidates will also be present to talk about themselves. This is an important step forward for New Zealand to build on our capability and capacity in this area. It follows on from previous work such as the Life Cycle Thinking - Role of Inventory report undertaken for MRST and MED in 2008.
The LCM centre is supported by the key Crown Research Institutes and interest groups, and whilst having an initial focus on Primary sector will grow over time to encompass other areas.
Life Cycle Management Programme
June 26 2009
Locus Research has been chosen to work on the Design for Environment part of the innovative Landcare Research 'Life Cycle Management Programme'. 6 companies have been selected to take part in this programme including:
- David Trubridge - Furniture/Object/Lighting
- Mastip - Hot Runners/Injection moulding
- AHI roofing - Steel Roofing
- Verda - Outdoor Living/Timber Products
- ACMA - Polyurethane Products/Healthcare
- Comvita - Natural Health/Functional Foods
These companies are all innovators in their categories and we are excited to be able to contribute to such an important programme. Each company has to contribute 45 days for each of the first two years of the five year programme. So they should be applauded for committing to this undertaking in the present climate, it demonstrates real leadership.
Locus will be working with Jake McLaren to review the company's existing approach to product development and how life cycle thinking (sustainability) is included into the development process.
This will be analysed and a range of recommendations and ideas put forward through a report and workshop developed specifically for the participants.
The life cycle management programme is unique in its holistic approach. It covers environmental management, strategy, product development and design and economic factors. Importantly it is targeted at increasing capability and capacity within the participating companies.
The life cycle management programme was developed at Landcare Research and is supported by Landcare Research, MED, Business New Zealand, and MFE.
Radio New Zealand National Interviews Zephyr Technology
June 23 2009
Zephyr Technology Ltd is an Auckland electronic design company. Their flagship Bio-Harness chest strap, the result of the development of textile based technology, was profiled on National Radio's Morning Report. The interview can be listened to below.
Zephyr Technology was one of the companies who was successful in its application for funding from Textiles NZ's Transform Initiative in 2006 implemented for Textiles NZ by Locus Research. Locus Research develoloped the process that enable companies to create a robust project assessment and R&D structure.There were six companies who received funding. The Ministry of Economic Development provided the research investment to fund the projects. The Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST) has administered the funds and and the allocation of funds. The T&DL at AUT was also involved with Zephyr Technology Ltd during the development of the project.
Coast New Zealand at Urbis Design Day
April 20 2009
Off THe Hook Easel
Off THe Hook Easel: Detail
Off THe Hook Deckchair
Coast Showroom
Coast Showroom
Coast Showroom Visitors
It was sun, sand and tropical cocktails for the launch of the Coast 'Off The Hook' range at Urbis Design Day on the 28th of March. The event, which blends fashion and design in showrooms across Auckland, showcased a varied mix of styles with some fashion designers choosing to add to the showrooms and product, others to flagrantly ignore or challenge their setting. Those who went for content-appropriate installations included Crane Brothers' tailor's area in Apartmento and Huffer's cheeky fish motifs in Poggenpohl. More incongruous was Lonely Heart's 80's-motorcross hay area in Design Denmark, and Jaeha's gothic mannequins in Inovo bath store.
Coast's approach to the theme was probably the most subtle of the day. Coast's Victoria Park showroom was transformed by Emma Kate Bamford into an island paradise with a distinct 'kiwi bach' feel. The new 'Off The Hook' range took pride of place in the show, with the large crowd of attendees making full use of the Cayo furniture and 42 Below supplied 'Coast Island Cocktails'.
'Off The Hook' is the result of several months' collaboration with Locus Research and includes a deckchair, throw cushion and foldable mat which are designed to hang on the freestanding easel. The products have been designed to fill the niche between Coast's current soft and hard furniture ranges, creating a compact and user friendly collection with the specific notion of defining space for the individual user. The existing Cayo collection has also been given attention by Locus Research, enhancing product durability, ease of assembly, and streamlining the range for production. The revamped Cayo premiered in the VIP Lounge of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series and both ranges are to be exhibited at Melbourne's DesignEx expo at the beginning of May.
New Additions to the Locus Team
16 February 2009
There are changes afoot this month as we both greet and farewell new members of the Locus team. In late February we will farewell Mark Buntzen as he completes his internship with us. Mark has brought his own brand of wit and creativity to the team and we wish him all the best as he returns to finish his studies at Unitec in Auckland.
Our interior fit out of the VIP lounge for the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in January saw Vicky Teinaki join the team, working remotely from our satellite office in Auckland. Vicky previously worked with Locus on last year's Life Cycle Thinking Series as a member of the Hothouse.
Fresh out of a Master of Design from Unitec, Vicky brings to the team a passion for technology and usability and is looking forward to the opportunity to practice interaction design in a design research context. A self-proclaimed Mac evangelist and RSS addict with an interest in psychology and philosophy, Vicky can be found in her spare time blogging on the online interaction design magazine Johnny Holland.
Joining us in the Mt Maunganui office as a senior designer this month is Rogier Simons. Eight years of travel following his graduation with a Bachelor of Industrial Design has seen Rogier gain valuable experience in fields such as custom glass systems, sporting equipment, whiteware, packaging, POS, furniture design, plastic product design and interior fit outs.
Rogier left Lexicon Systems in Jan 2009 where he managed the design team and was involved with design strategies, project management, value engineering and the creation of rapid smart solutions. He has now joined Locus Research to contribute and further his skills in the area of sustainable and research focused design.
Rogier is a Dutch born Kiwi with a strong passion for the outdoors; spending most of his weekends missioning around the coast and mountains surfing, mountain biking and snowboarding.
Merino and Design a winning combination
12 December 2008
Designer Blythe Rees-Jones of Locus Research Ltd has been selected to represent the New Zealand Merino industry on the international stage. He has been confirmed as one of two recipients of the 2009 Biella Merino Ambassador scholarship.
The award provides a chance of looking at the broad application of merino fibre in new design and value-added applications. As part of the scholarship, Blythe and co-recipient Richard Gloag will be travelling to Italy and other areas over a three week period to study the merino supply chain. The scholarship is funded by both Meat & Wool New Zealand and Merino Inc and is organised by Merino Inc and The New Zealand Merino Company. Blythe states that "this exciting opportunity will further my understanding of the supply chain involved in the production of value added Merino products". He anticipates that the opportunity will offer a unique insight into the lifecycle of merino products. He hopes that the knowledge gained from the industry will also help to better position himself as an Industrial Designer that can participate in influencing the role that merino might play in existing and new export markets in the future.
Blythe works for Locus Research Ltd in Mt Maunganui, a product development company with a unique research driven approach. Blythe's selection follows on from development projects he has been undertaking within the broader textiles sector. In 2006-07 he helped to formulate and run the Transform Initiative for Textiles New Zealand; a project established to provide a robust framework to support and enhance the development of innovative export oriented products for the carpet, footwear, textile and apparel sectors within New Zealand. Currently he is working to develop new non-invasive medical and sporting based product technologies for a range of textile and apparel companies and their collaborative partners. Merino fibre offers many technical and therapeutic benefits in these applications, and the projects represent exciting opportunities to introduce a natural fibre into markets that predominately have a synthetic focus.
Blythe will be writing about his experiences over the course of the study trip and on his return online at http://blog.locusresearch.com
Contact: Timothy Allan - Principal Ph: 07 5715007 ext 702, 027 240 5781
Littl' Juey Kicks Grass at NZ Awards
12 December 2008
It's been a fruitful year for Jafsco with the Littl' Juey range picking up two national awards. In October this year, the Littl' Juey Electric was awarded bronze in the Consumer Product Category at the Designer's Institute of New Zealand (DINZ) Best Design Awards. Up against a range of high quality entries, the Littl' Juey Electric made a solid showing and was well rewarded. Littl' Juey's entry can be seen on the Best Awards website.
In addition, Littl' Juey has just been declared the Best DIY Product at the Consumer NZ Best Product Awards. Consumer NZ, formally the NZ Consumers Institute, run the Consumer Product Awards each year to determine the best and worst in category for a range of consumer products. The awards are judged by Consumer NZ members and staff involved with the independent testing of products and services.
Sue Chetwin, CEO of Consumer NZ said the Littl' Juey was awarded the Best DIY Product honour because it is easy to use and takes the hassle out of line replacement.
"Changing spools in weedwackers is a fiddly job and Littl' Juey is a relatively cheap product that does things really quickly. This is a kiwi invention and we love it"
Award winners were broadcast on Campbell Live and can be viewed at the following link: Campbell Live Consumer NZ Best & Worst Product Awards
New Additions to the Locus Fold
14 November 2008
Exciting times with the Locus team increasing by two members this month. Our graphic designer Ailie has delivered William Duncan MacGregor Poole, who arrived with a bang on November 5th. We'll be watching William's progress over the next few months and will no doubt have him working on Illustrator alongside Mum as soon as he is able.
Joining us as an intern for the summer will be Mark Buntzen. A second year Product Design student at Unitec, Mark is excited to have joined Locus for a three month internship where he will be undertaking research and product development under the watchful eyes of Tim and Blythe, and fitting in a bit of the outdoor recreation that Mt Maunganui is known for.
Mark has prior qualifications in science and work experience in geology, geographic information systems, and management consulting. His interests include environmentally-benign life-enhancing design, lighting, sculpture, mountainbiking and petanque.
Timothy Allan: Excursion to Europe
31 October 2008
Locus principal, Timothy Allan, is heading off today on a 3 week tour focused on life cycle thinking and sustainable product development in the UK, Europe, and the USA. Tim will be checking in as he travels, updating the Locus blog with reports and accounts of his journey. Click here to read the latest from Tim's travels.
The first stop is Ireland where Tim will be working with a group of 4th year students
at Limerick University on Life Cycle Thinking. From here he travels to Carlow to
be a keynote speaker for Reform 08 as part of the national Design Week. He will
be presenting our approach to product development and in particular the application
of life cycle thinking for designers and students at Limerick University and the
Carlow Institute of Technology. Click
here for more information on Reform 08 or see:-
http://designweekcork.com/talks-lectures/
http://www.idi-design.ie/calendar/reform08.htm
Design office, The Yard, in Glasgow will be next on the agenda, where Tim will catch up with former colleagues at ElementZeroSix and forward the latest news from the Scottish design scene back to us here in New Zealand. He will then be meeting up with Neil Tierney of Onzo in London and fitting in a bit of sightseeing amongst more visits to design companies in the city.
Tim will head back to Europe to Milan to spend some time visiting Thomas Sutton at Frog design, and Politecnico de Milano - a well renowned design school, before flying to Amsterdam for an appointment at Delft Technical University to discuss the potential for collaboration between New Zealand designers and staff and students at the university. This will be followed by his attendance at day two of the Nutec Conference in Frankfurt then a stopover in San Francisco on the way home to visit Bernard Kerr at Yahoo and to have a look through the local IDEO office with senior designer Jo Oliver.
The blog will be updated regularly during November, detailing the latest and greatest from Tim's wanderings, so be sure to drop by and find out about design on the other side of the globe.
09 October 2008
Littl' Juey Electric was included in a feature on the best NZ product design in the lead up to the 2008 DINZ Best Awards. Frank Walker's electric line trimmer featured alongside other NZ designs by Fisher & Paykel, David Trubridge, Formway and Formworks.
BOP Sustainable Business Awards
04 September 2008
Locus Research sponsored the 2008 Sustainable Design and Innovation Award with Scion.
Timothy Allan (Locus Research) and Campbell Yule (Design Mobel) judged the award
this year. The award was given to Lockwood for their innovative 'ecosmart' home.
The entries were of a high standard and illustrated the development of new approaches
within the Bay of Plenty.
Winner: Lockwood - Eco-Smart Home
Lockwood have taken their successful building system and through a rigorous development process created a building that is designed to operate in the 21st century. It leverages the latest ideas in building innovation and design to create a balanced product that is performs with a high degree of efficiency.
The judges selected the Lockwood entry as a result of the in depth development and testing of the new home system, and the effort clearly exhibited through the eco-smart home to make a more sustainable building difference.
The finalists are also worthy of a mention they are listed here with their judges comments.
Finalist: Devan Plastics - Urban Slim line wastewater and Eco-Friendly waste water system
Devan have a range of products that could have a real impact on waste water management in New Zealand. The new urban products represent an exciting step forward to improved water use and management in a town and city context, promoting more effective use of storm water and minimising detrimental runoff.
The judges felt the Devan entry was an exciting step toward a more 'individual' approach to responsible water usage.
Finalist: Oasis Engineering - Oasis Valve
Oasis is a leader in the development and commercialisation of valves used in a range of gaseous uses.
The judges felt Oasis valves low serviceability and reduction in onsite maintenance through their products would be highly effective in reducing the impact, in addition to their products use in 'transition' vehicles (moving from liquid to gaseous fuels)
Finalist: FIL Industries - New site building
The building and manufacturing facility at FIL create a low footprint, safe and effective environment for staff.
The judges felt that FIL went well beyond normal operations in the design and construction of this new site. It creates a healthy workplace for staff and sets an example for all visitors about what can be achieved in a manufacturing site.
Littl' Juey - Best Awards Finalist
01 September 2008
The Littl' Juey Electric line trimmer has been selected as a finalist in the DINZ Best Awards in the Consumer Product category. The awards are to be held in Auckland in October. The Littl' Juey Electric is the latest in the range which also includes the Littl' Juey cutting head and line reloads. It is a line trimmer that has been designed for home use, utilising a powerful belt driven motor and Littl' Juey cutting technology.
Locus Research have been involved in the branding and marketing of the machine, including all extraneous production material and compliance for the output of the line trimmer into the market. The finalist selection is a first for owner and inventor Frank Walker, who is currently in the process of marketing the range in the US. It is hoped that these awards will provide further exposure and open up the possibility for more nominations in the future.
Sustainable Design & Innovation Award
17 July 2008
Locus Research and SCION are co-sponsoring the Sustainable Design & Innovation Award at the Sustainable Business Network's BoP Regional Awards. Timothy Allan is also a member of the judging panel for this award.
The award recognizes sustainable design and innovation (including building) that is having proven economic, environmental and/or social benefits, contributing to sustainable development. The winning business will have started, or has the potential, to influence their sector with this innovation. The winning innovation will have been recognised as a robust building project, product, or service, and the market is responding with enthusiasm.
21 February 2008
Locus Research is helping to inject life cycle thinking into the Hothouse programme. The Hothouse is an open innovation programme that was developed by Dr. Cris deGroot. This Tertiary Education Commission funded programme sets out to create a fluid interaction with industry and allow SME's to have the benefit of blue sky thinking without having to have an in house team.
In its second year of operation this programme is now moving to incorporate life cycle thinking, life cycle management and life cycle assessment into its broad framework.
10 February 2008
The Curve Surf travel system was selected as a finalist at this years 'Brand New' awards at ISPO fair in Munich. The Curve travel system keeps on going from strength to strength under the eye of founder Simon Winter. ISPO is probably the largest and most influential gathering of the sporting community with a range of seminars, awards and commercial product launches.
For those interested, this is where Blokart made its international breakthrough. So Curve follows in the line of other successful New Zealand products.
01 December 2007
Simple Vision is the ongoing internal project at Locus Research. Our staff love working on the release of new product each year and this years release was another big step up. A breath of fresh air through the existing brand and product and new product releases have given us plenty to work on.
Simple Vision - Ingredients, sees the introduction of fabric into the range. This has minimised the packaging and created something which can be used after purchase by each customer.
We hope to see Simple Vision available through an extended network of stores in New Zealand in the next 6 months and then we head off to Australia for the next big step.
31 October 2007
After over 12 months of hard work the Transform initiative was successfully completed for Textiles New Zealand. 6 Companies were awarded a total of $810,000 in research and development grants to be administered by the Foundation of Research Science and Technology (FRST).
With some exciting projects in the pipeline it will be an interesting 24 months as projects emerge into the commercial domain.
20 September 2007
Locus Research was a finalist in three categories of the Design Institute 'Best Awards' this year. After awards night we walked away with a winner and two bronzes which was a great achievement.
Curve Surf was awarded a Silver tieing for first place in the consumer category. The Taapa wall developed for Legacy timber received a Bronze in the furniture category and graduate Kylie Baker's student project 'Telecom5up' was awarded a bronze as well.