IHA speaks with Sergio Anna, head of product, at UK-based Thumbs Up, which will present its novelty home and gift items at the 2017 International Home + Housewares Show in Discover Design.

Thumbs Up brings fun, quality and value to the technology, home and lifestyle marketplace. An award-winning product development company with innovation running through its DNA – Thumbs Up has been bringing quirky products to retailers large and small since 2004. Thumbs Up joins the Show as a new exhibitor in 2017.

Sergio, where do you find inspiration when designing new products?
Our inspiration comes from everywhere and everything. We find it while watching a movie, playing with our children or simply walking the dog. I used to go around with a notebook to remember product ideas or highlight inspiration. Nowadays it’s as simple as creating a memo on a smartphone.

Are there any specific designers, places or eras that influence you?
We have a huge list of blogs and websites we visit on a daily basis. We also find that markets and quirky shops are really useful – in the summer flea markets can be a great source.

How do you choose which idea to take to the next step — to product development?
We have regular internal meetings where new product ideas are presented. These can be in the form of 3D drawings, handmade samples or video presentations. We don’t specifically launch products at certain times of the year so it enables us to be very flexible and adapt to the ever-changing trends that emerge.

How do you identify the key user audience for your products?
We have extensive industry experience and great relationships with key retailers who are able to feedback on market trends. We’re always on the lookout for the next big thing.

Is there an approach or look that joins the functionality, form or emotional appeal of your product line?
Sometimes, the common characteristic for the products we do is that they need to be cool. This can be because of their design, function or both. Our motto is “Anything but Ordinary” and we strive to build some of that ethos into the lines we create. We want to bring smiles to our customer’s faces.

How do new technologies influence your product design?  Do you use 3-D printing, Kickstarter or other platforms to develop or launch products?  How do you use social media?
We’re lucky enough to have 3D printers in house. This allows us to create product mock-ups regularly to test feedback before development. We find social media a source of inspiration whilst also using it to help promote our ever-growing brand list and connect with our consumers.

Where are your products manufactured?
The majority of our items are produced in China, we have an office in Shenzhen which allows us to be at the forefront of development and interact with our factories much quicker.

How do you see design’s importance in our industry as it moves forward?
Design in our industry is vital, the most important part. Aesthetics, more often than not, are the driving force of a buying decision.

Can you give us a preview of what you will be showing in your booth in Discover Design?
2017 marks an exciting time for us. With a new strategy we’re releasing a number of new key brands into the market. Our favourites are “Fantasy Life” – a range of fantasy football gifts and homewares under a license from Matthew Berry, the ESPN football pundit and “Ride With” – a fun take on a car sticker which gives the impression of a famous face being chauffeur driven in your vehicle.

Thank you, Sergio, for telling us about your inspiration and methods. We look forward to seeing your playful new products in your booth N8340 in your first appearance with us in Discover Design.

Learn more about the wide range of smile-inducing Thumbs Up products at www.thumbsupusa.com.

Discover Design is the premier destination at the International Home + Housewares Show for trend spotters who make design their priority. Retailers looking for the unique will find early 200 design leaders at Discover Design located at the front of the North Building.

Anchored by renowned brands such as Alessi, Blomus and Charles Viancin, Discover Design welcomes new exhibitors, such as notNeutral, Luckies of London, and S’well Bottle, and introduces 10 emerging companies at the Design Debut incubator. Additional fresh offerings from veteran design-focused exhibitors such as Kikkerland, Zoku and Magisso will also inspire your choices for the coming year. Find more information on Discover Design exhibitors online.