What role does design play in the construction of truckmounted cranes or what functions does design fulfil?
Products are becoming increasingly intelligent. In matters of automation, convenience, ergonomics and intelligent control technologies, the requirements made on the truck-mounted crane are becoming ever more demanding.
The crane is undergoing a period of change and is evolving all the time from a simple industrial good into a high-tech product with image.
Electronics are coming more and more to the forefront, becoming progressively dominant and taking over control. Of course, all this impacts the crane's external appearance.
First and foremost, good design must fulfil its purpose, i.e. that of being functional. Furthermore, it must be simple, visually attractive and capable of being implemented cost-effectively. The skill is in combining functionality with individuality – by using new materials, shapes, colours and detail solutions.
Design means added value for the customer. In addition to the functional benefit, it is possible with a visually high-quality product to achieve an invaluable image and advertising effect. What's more, a high-quality visual appearance also points to safety and quality thus inspiring added confidence.
How would you define your tasks as a "crane designer"?
Basically, I see myself as a middle-man between the crane operator and the manufacturer. This is why the direct contact with dealers and crane operators is very important to me. Starting from this basic contact, the creative process takes place from "the inside out" in collaboration with design engineers, product management and marketing.
What are the highs and lows of an industrial designer?
Industrial design is exciting and challenging because it includes a series of restrictions which limit creative freedom. As a result, sometimes one has to leave the certainty of what is standard in favour of the uncertainty of one's feelings so that new ideas can be developed. This means, it's
better to listen to your heart than your head!
What is special about working with PALFINGER?
At PALFINGER there is the freedom that makes it possible to escape from the norm. At PALFINGER there is courage to experiment and confidence in that which has been tried and tested. That is a perfect mixture.
At PALFINGER, design happens in the manner of evolution: innovation and continuous development form a constant, flowing, informal process. The seizing of new ideas and the enhancement of established concepts are carried out as teamwork, in two-way communication between customers, dealers, product management, research and design, customer service and maintenance. The result is customer-oriented and highlytargeted solutions.
How precise were PALFINGER's specifications for the development of the High Performance
crane series?
As I just mentioned, PALFINGER allows me a huge amount of creative freedom. The basic specifications were to streamline the crane's visual appearance, to standardise parts, harmonise interfaces and provide new highlights in respect of ergonomics and convenience.
The focus of the interest was and always remains the crane operator! Quite honestly, this is totally resultoriented. He appreciates convenient and safe operation, i.e. it must be possible to operate work machines in exactly this manner.
In matters of automation, convenience, ergonomics and intelligent control technologies, the requirements made on the truck-mounted crane are becoming ever more demanding. Everything which serves to increase comfort and convenience is successful.
The skill lies in reduction. The maxim is to communicate as much information as necessary rather than as much as possible.
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