29.09.2023

Media Information of our clients

Restrained presence - Insight into the design process at TOTO

After extensive research, we were able to write about the design and development process for the first time for the Japanese sanitary company TOTO - one of our long-standing customers. This is a matter of trust - and at the same time the story of a change in a traditional Japanese company.

Research into international design and furnishing trends is extremely relevant for product development at TOTO.
Research into international design and furnishing trends is extremely relevant for product development at TOTO.Photo: TOTO

We have been working for TOTO since 2009 and accompanied the Japanese sanitary company's first appearance at the ISH international trade fair. Even at that time, we realized that the specific Japanese character embodied by TOTO had a great fascination, but that it was not easy to go deeper and find out more. After another 14 years, a lot has changed. After the most recent ISH in spring 2023, the creative minds from the design and development department were also present for the first time and willing to give a deeper insight into their working methods. Of course, this has a lot to do with trust, but also with a change that has been underway in the company itself since around 2015. Following intensive research, we were able to present this development in a media release and are delighted to be able to draw on the full range of content and vivid imagery. We find the philosophy of "restrained presence", which was "born" in the TOTO design department, particularly impressive. Find out more in our press lounge.

According to the Japanese understanding of design, there is no such thing as a perfect design. The needs of users change and the technologies that can be used to meet them are constantly evolving. Designers are permanently challenged to reconcile the two.
According to the Japanese understanding of design, there is no such thing as a perfect design. The needs of users change and the technologies that can be used to meet them are constantly evolving. Designers are permanently challenged to reconcile the two.Photo: TOTO
In the development of new products, TOTO also uses 3D glasses for computer-aided, extended perception.
In the development of new products, TOTO also uses 3D glasses for computer-aided, extended perception.Photo: TOTO
In order to develop innovations, TOTO places particular focus on collaboration between its internal design and engineering teams. It is important that design and engineering experts are in constant communication and discuss, for example, how users will live in the future.
In order to develop innovations, TOTO places particular focus on collaboration between its internal design and engineering teams. It is important that design and engineering experts are in constant communication and discuss, for example, how users will live in the future.Photo: TOTO
The creative minds at TOTO know that round, flowing shapes promote a feeling of safety and well-being during use. This knowledge is incorporated into the design.
The creative minds at TOTO know that round, flowing shapes promote a feeling of safety and well-being during use. This knowledge is incorporated into the design.Photo: TOTO

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