Alex Little Bio

1. Who are YOU? (Your DES Major Study/Emphasis/Concentration; Interests; etc…)

My name is Alex Little and I am a 23 year old Product Design student at the School of Design at SFSU. I was born in London, and moved to San Francisco in 2000, were I have lived ever since. I am greatly interested in product design from beginning ideations and brainstorming to the final iterations manufactured on a large scale. 3d printing and prototyping is also very interesting, and I think will become much more popular and practical in the coming decades. Art, skateboarding and the urban environment give me inspiration on a daily basis.

2. What Inspires/”WOWs” YOU? (provide and “inspirational” Quote)

               Beautiful products that do not sacrifice too much function for form are always an inspiration to me. Finding the right balance between form and function is something that needs to be done during the development of any product, and is found through the process of iterations, redesign, and testing.

“People want toast, not toasters.” – Brian Burns. This quote summarizes the balance of form and function for me and reminds me not to forget the purpose of a product, no matter how beautiful it may be. Also I love toast so this quote resounds a lot with me.

3) Who, or What are your influences?

               My influences range from popular and trending designs in products, fashion, culture, architecture and more, to skateboarding and everything else I find joy in. People, especially friends and family give me a lot of inspiration and encouragement through their support and feedback on my work. My biggest influence my Mum, who is an amazingly talented printmaking artist who has always encourage my creative side, and whose work and artistic style have influenced me more than anyone else.

              

4) What is your Vision or HOPE in your life(time)? (academically; professionally; and/or socially)

              My hope is to start a career in product design, specifically model making and prototyping using 3D printing and other emerging technologies. Using these technologies to make products more sustainable and environmentally friendly is also something i would like to get into.

5) Post 3-6 Image(s) that Best represents YOU and/or Your Vision(s)­­­­­­

San Francisco, the city I grew up in, and the place that shaped the person I am today. The contrast between rich and poor, and the have and have nots, mixed with the leading companies in technology and design in the world made this a very special place to grow up in.

 

Me, executing a maneuver on my skateboard a few years back.

My Prusa MK3 3d printer which I bought a few months ago. This machine has taught me a massive amount about FDM printing through assembling it and figuring out how to overcome problems, and has also helped find decide on what I want to do with my career.

This Alessi Juicer has always been one of my favorite pieces of product design. Although its not the most practical or functional, its beautiful and simplistic form gives it a perfect balance of form and function.

Nature, baby.

6) Provide Six 3-6 “Key Words” that best describe YOU

Creative

Artistic

Practical

Ambitious

Smart