I recently had the opportunity to meet Erik Askin ’10, while he was on campus for the IDSA NED conference. During his time back at RISD he gave a great sketch demo to the sophomore Design Principles class. Askin is currently working as an industrial designer at Key Tech, a design consultancy based in Baltimore, Maryland.
What did you do upon first graduating RISD?
The day after graduation two of my good friends and I boarded a plane to London. The three of us, Eric Peloquin ’10, Brian Mitchell ’10, and myself had been given the opportunity to present our senior project at the Made in Brunel show at Brunel University. It was a great way to end our RISD careers as well as represent the school on an international level. After returning home, I took some time to travel and visit friends, and at the beginning of August started as a junior designer at a product development firm in Baltimore MD named Key Tech.
What did you design or build at RISD that you are most proud of?
Definitely my senior thesis the Bend. Working on the bike really was an amazing way to finish off my experience at RISD, and it was great to work along side two good friends Brian and Eric. One day we were sitting outside of Nice Slice when a guy (Henry Freel ’13) pulled up on a 1980 Puch Magnum. Mopeds, which are powered by a 50cc 2 stroke motors and have pedals, were popular during the 70′s and 80′s during the oil crisis. As a crowd formed around the bike we realized that the moped’s appeal still resonated today.
With the Bend we looked to revitalize the moped with an a modern electric drivetrain and materials, while still evoking the style and emotion of the past. Utilizing a rear electric hub from and ebike and lithium ion battery, we created a vehicle that was both fun and efficient. We also took the opportunity to introduce innovative features such as the top mounted storage bin and one piece bent lamination seat. With the design complete, and in true RISD fashion, the three of us lived in studio for two weeks to create the rolling prototype utilizing the metal, plastics, and wood shop. A truly great way to end our RISD careers, and a project that we were all very proud of.
What have you designed since graduation that you are most proud of?
Since graduating, I have primarily been working on medical projects ranging from large testing equipment to small hand held devices. The project I am probably most proud of is a DNA analysis kit. This emerging market is becoming very important in that it provides doctors with information about a patient’s potential health risks and compatibility with prescriptions. The challenge with DNA analysis is that as designers, we must work with the engineers to take this micro-technology and make it accessible for people to use. I have also enjoyed working on projects with local clients such as Under Armor, as well as with several med-tech start-ups.
What does a typical day at Key Tech look like?
It really depends on the project. One day i may be sketching out concepts, the next I may be building models in solid works, and another I may be rigging up mockups or ergo studies in the shop. Being a consultancy I also sit through quite a few client meetings as well as internal brainstorm sessions with team members. The benefit of a company such as Key Tech is the variety of jobs and projects I get to work on so I never end up doing the same thing for too long.
What part of what you do do you find most satisfying?
I really enjoy working on a multidisciplinary team to achieve common goals. Working along side Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineers has taught me a lot about the product development cycle, and has really shown me first hand all the hard work that goes into bringing a concept to reality. It’s also great learning about each person’s own expertise and through experience being able to realize and incorporate some of these aspects when I am designing.
Challenging?
As one of only a handful of designers at Key Tech, it can often be hard to prove why the decisions you make are correct. Design can often be subjective, so it is import to be very concise and accurate in how I explain concepts especially when dealing with engineers who can often be very quantitative. While working with a multidisciplinary team I have found that it is very important to learn to speak the technical language of those who you are working with, and understand what they might see as positives and negatives of a design solution.
How did your education at RISD prepare you for your current endeavors?
While I never use a bridgeport or lathe at work, the skills I learned in the shops have definitely given me a unique perspective and really help with my design process. Whether it’s using Solidworks or talking to a manufacturer about machining a part, these hands-on skills are very relevant. RISD also taught me how to work in both large and small groups, as well as with different designers which has been very useful in the professional environment.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
While I really enjoy what I am doing right now, I hope to someday be a partner in my own design firm or company. I enjoy the consultancy life, but would love to pursue several personal projects…
What was your favorite machine in the ID building?
I always loved working on the South Bend Lathe. While the Bridgeport was perhaps more versatile, the lathe had such a simplistic soothing quality to it. The lathes were also by the windows so you got great light in the afternoon.
What is one thing you wish you knew before graduating RISD?
Awareness. I really wish I was more aware of the design community as a whole while I was at RISD. Now that I have graduated, I see how beneficial certain outlets like IDSA and online design forums can be. I think it’s very easy to get stuck in the RISD bubble while your in school and I would really urge students to try and become aware of the design community around them. Be aware of the companies, the trends, and the other schools out there. See what students at other programs are up to and what makes their curriculum unique. After all these are the people you will be working with in the future.
What advice would you give to any students?
Make the most of your time at school because it goes by very quick. Work hard, hang out with your friends, explore Providence, and take full advantage of the shops! After you graduate you most likely will be working for a client or project manager so make the most of the freedom you have in school. If you have an idea, make it happen.
Posted by Isaac Blankensmith | Date Posted: 16 April, 2011