Three questions about design development of the Kern 3200 to Guido Vazau, Albatros Design GmbH

How did the "Kern 3200" project start for you?

The project began for us in summer 2020 with an email from Wolfgang Freyer, Head of Development at Kern AG: "We would like to realise another new inserting system and would like your support: Kern 3200 - a mixture of Kern 3600 and Kern 1600". Shortly afterwards, a meeting was held with the constructors involved. The status of the project was presented to us, the "sticking points" were pointed out, solutions were discussed and our mission was formulated. Based on this kick-off meeting, we drew up a proposal for the procedure and the work involved, which was immediately acknowledged with the go-ahead. We enjoy a great deal of trust from many years of co-operation.

How do you see your role as a designer?

On the one hand, our role as designers is to develop an overall design concept and not to lose sight of this goal throughout the entire development phase of the project. On the other hand, it is also important to maintain and further develop Kern AG's design language and to keep it at a high level despite increasing price pressure. In such projects, we work directly and closely with the responsible constructors. They know the requirements and can assess our ideas. Compromises are often required. Haggling is not uncommon. When it comes to details that are essential for the planned overall appearance, we mobilise all our powers of persuasion. We then work together to find a solution that does justice to both the design and the technical feasibility. In less important areas, the engineers clearly take the lead.

What do you think of the visual appearance of the Kern 3200 and what characterises the new design?

The visual appearance of the Kern 3200 follows the design language of the Kern 1600, when the reduction of formwork costs was at the top of the agenda. This was achieved by replacing curved covers with simple, cubic elements. We also used this straightforward, fresh design language for the Kern 3200 in the area of the inserting and gluing module. In combination with the classic profile of the main channel with the curved covers, which stems from the tradition of the Kern 3600, and together with the striking colour combination of red, silver-grey and black, the Kern 3200 is the latest member of the Kern product family and continues the company's unmistakable DNA in a fresh way.

Albatros Design GmbH develops product experiences that inspire people, offer high practical value and convey the brand values to the outside world. Albatros Design GmbH offers services ranging from strategic design development to implementation and supports its clients in product communication and visual product presentation. The company was founded in Zurich in 2011 and has been working with Kern AG for many years. Guido Vazau is one of three designers and partner.

www.albatros.swiss