Radi Design » Design

Long Term Brand Identity supersedes “Color of the Year.”

robert — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:52:07 +0000

By Robert Radi with the contribution of Vicki Lederman

It is that time of the year again. The time when in strategy meetings the “let’s do it in the color of the year” quote inexorably surfaces at some point. And in 2009 when the mood of the consumer seems to be hovering between charcoals gray and black, the color of the year is a cheerful and sunny yellow. The Pantone Mimosa 14-0848TCX to be exact.

So what is the “color of the year” and how reliable is its prediction and subsequent impact on the consumer?

Color trends are predicted 1-2 years in advance and are basically self-fulfilling prophesies. There are many color and trend predicting/tracking services. Some are individuals, some are professional companies like Pantone, and the Color Marketing Group is made up of representatives from several consumer product groups (auto, paint, textile, furniture, etc) that reach consensus. The large retailers have their own trend forecasting people. Everyone tracks everyone else, manufacturers and retailers buy forecasting services and plan their product lines 6 months – 2 years in advance, and no one wants to get left behind and not have the hot color or trend. So things are pretty much set far in advance, once colors are forecast it takes time to translate that into product design and into production and get the stuff to the retailers.

Generally trends are “spotted” at the high end, specialty small producer market, and filter down to the higher volume and mass markets. The timeframe for this movement is getting much shorter, thanks to these same trend forecasting services that distribute the information.

There are slight differences for different product types, though they also track each other. Other forecasts for 2009 have called for soft purples and grays, greens, blues, reds.

So let’s do it in the color of the year?

Unless the product item or brand in question belongs in the Fashion Industry or industries where the design is seasonal and with a short life cycle, we need to ask ourselves: “What are the long term goals for the brand?”

Color is a fundamental factor in a product, a logo identity, an advertising campaign, a web site and even something simple as a business card. In our experience brands that stick to their principle of identity even when the color choice is not the most exciting at that very given time, do better in the long term than brands that chase the hot trend and find themselves unable to establish a unique brand identity. It is a well documented and undisputed fact that colors have a significant impact on people’s emotional state. Colors do form and jog memories of brands in the long term. So if the so called “color of the year” fits within the long term strategy, the brand should certainly make it part of its identity. Furthermore the brand should consider where to apply the color in question. For example if the color is used as an accent on collaterals such as business cards, websites etc. the commitment to the color in question is minimal and it will play a supportive role and can be easily replaced without interfering with the long term identity.

However if a color is to be applied on a product and/or a logo identity it is a clear commitment to the long term strategy of the brand. In both cases the color in question will take a primary role in the perception of the brand from the consumer side. When an investment in tooling and molds is made by a brand, the anticipation is a relatively long lifecycle for that product, perhaps as long as 3 to 5 years. The short slightness and lack of long term vision in selecting the colors for that product could surely affect its expected lifecycle.

So how much Mimosa yellow the consumer will see depends on how many manufacturers and retailers bought into Pantone’s prediction when they originally made it.

Approach to Design

robert — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:05:09 +0000

Robert Radi is a designer for today’s demanding marketplace. He combines the sense of a true artist, dedicated to providing product designs that achieve incredible and unique aesthetic functionality, with the sensitivities of an experienced engineer, focused on creating designs that meet the manufacturing, ergonomic, and technical requirements necessary for high functionality of the end product.

In today’s world of “high tech” manufacturing, the possibilities for achieving the lofty goals of product developers have increased dramatically. However, this places great demands on today’s product designers. Robert Radi has taken the time and effort required to continually increase his awareness and understanding of the ever-changing needs of product developers in order to remain on the forefront of product design, style, and technological trends.

Robert Radi creates a synergy between style and function, across core industries and product categories which is rare in today’s world of either highly designed product that places look and feel over function or overly functionally designed product that is unapproachable by the average consumer. Radi designs meet the need for functionality while remaining true to the substance of the product and the identity that the product is meant to achieve for the end user and/or customer.

From the very beginning Mr. Radi business approach was to maintain a highly effective and manageable operation, as his wish was to be a designer and not a manager, thus creating a structure suitable to design products for Clients of any size.

“….a synergy between style and function, across core industries and product categories….”

History of the Radi Brand

robert — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:57:02 +0000

Radi in Italy is not an anonymous last name. It is a brand name that since 1926, first under steady leadership of its founder Serafino Radi and then under the strong management of his son Mario, has meant quality and innovation. Today, it is still a brand that the Merloni Group S.p.A. owns with pride, after having purchased it from RHEEM back in the mid-eighties. Many generations of workers found employment at Radi Industries, and for years after the Great War, Radi Industries was the protagonist of the first industrial boom in Italy. It was Serafino, Roberto’s grandfather, who invented and then established a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. In 1926, Serafino designed and produced small space heaters and neon lamps. By 1933, his manufacturing plant churned out 1000 water-heaters per month. It was a different era, a time in which our society moved from artisan production to mass industrial manufacturing. Above all, it was the beginning of the era of consumer products. Serafino Radi intuitively understood the market trend and developed production of a product that was heretofore only a dream to most Italian families: the home water-heater. Willing to take a chance, following a hunch backed by his knowledge of engineering, Serafino struck gold.

Robert Radi, Serafino’s grandson, looks to establish himself, in his own right, as innovator for the new Millenium. This innovation is manifested in Radi’s Styling & Design.

And if “genetics” had a role in all this, we believe, after meeting him, that it’s also a matter of style, character, will power and intelligence for Robert. His simplicity, modesty, and ability to acknowledge his origins without negating his past, are certainly attributes that make Robert Radi a serious professional and a brilliant interpreter of talent and creativity.

Radi in the 50's and 70's

What We Do

robert — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:07:54 +0000

In the consumer product industry, those who will retain direct access

to the consumer will control the “dialogue” in the industry-at-large.

We have been building first lines of communication with consumers for

almost 20 years through cohesive product strategies.

Industry Product Research and Strategy Development.

Conceptual Design and Ideation. 3D Modeling suitable for tooling.

Product Development in Function of Ergonomics, Human Factors and Manufacturing Requirements.

Working Mock-ups and Camera Ready Prototypes.

Electrical & Software Development and Integration of User Interface.

Tooling & Manufacturing Sourcing and Management.

Brand Definition and Corporate Identity.

Packaging Design and Visual Communication.

Ginsu to debut Sport EFK designed by Robert Radi.

Admin — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 18:30:17 +0000

Production samples are here and looking sleek. Ginsu will begin shipping the product to retailers this week. Check back soon for more information, and images of this product.

Contact Us

Admin — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 03:54:08 +0000

radi design, inc.

8484 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 220

Beverly Hills, CA 90211

T. 323.370.6223
F. 323.843.9214

Robert Radi celebrates 15 years of product design and development

Admin — Tue, 13 May 2008 18:28:59 +0000

Robert Radi, an award-winning designer based in Beverly Hills, California, has reached a new career milestone today: 15 years of product design and development done right.

Radi still approaches every new Project with the same enthusiasm and ambition that set him apart fifteen years ago and landed him the first Product Design Account.

“I offer the constant striving to create a product that is best suited to the client, the market, and the consumer” says Radi “In order to do that, we try to understand the entire context for the design, from its place in a company’s brand strategy to its tooling in the factory to its future role in a consumer’s everyday life. By incorporating these elements into the design process, we are able to produce work that is relevant, intelligent, and, of course, aesthetically pleasing.”

Radi is best known for some of his most commercially successful designs-including Personal Microdermabrasion and Consumer Product projects — that have collectively generated more than $200 million in sales. Radi’s entire body of work demonstrates his attention to detail, his unique sense of styling, but also his ability to come up with humorous, original concepts for consumer products.

Radi grew up in Northern Italy, borne into a rich tradition of design and invention within his family lineage. He moved to the United States some 17 years ago and has gone on to achieve considerable acclaim, winning in excess of a dozen design awards in the last four years alone.

Radi has designed products for mass and limited production for companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Guthy-Renker, DermaNew, MeadWestvaco, Snapware, Mattel, Revlon, Apex Digital, Toyota, Neutrogena, Avery Dennison, Aroma Houseware, and Berkshire Hathaway (GINSU Brand) — to name a few.

In 2006 the creativity and design of Robert Radi, has been recognized in an editorial project by Fusion Publishing (Los Angeles – Stuttgart). The beautifully executed book celebrates the inspired work of 61 pioneering designers who represent the new American generation.

In 2005, Robert Radi launched his Limited Edition Eyewear line, still one of his ongoing pride and joy. He is currently working with several of his high-profile clients on products that will be released in 2009.

Portfolio

Admin — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:44:15 +0000

Portfolio Page…

Press Clippings

Admin — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:40:41 +0000

SUPPLIER GLOBAL RESOURCE MAGAZINE – OCT 2006 (USA)

title: Seeing the Future: A Forecast of Upcoming Product Trends ( page 53, 54, 55 )

by Michele Bell, Editor

PLASTIC PACKAGING INNOVATION NEWS – PIRA PUBLISHING – SEP 2006 (UK)

title: Brand Owner Show Interest in New Labeling Concept (page 1 and 2)

title: New ice cream package developed (page 3)

by: Margaret Garn, Senior Editor

Young Designers Americas – Summer 2006 – published by daab, 400-page – color

edited by: Carissa Kowalski Dougherty

Los Angeles Business Journal – May 2006 (USA) – Title: Stuff – Innovation

by: Sarah Filus

COSMETIC & PERSONAL CARE PACKAGING MAGAZINE – MAY2006 (USA) – Title: Editors’ Choice Award

IOnOne LIVE MAGAZINE – JAN 2006 (USA) – Title: The Good Design 2005

IOnOne LIVE MAGAZINE – JAN 2006 (USA) – Title: 1 @ IOnOne

Subject: The list of the Best of 2005.

IVELO – JAN 2006 (FRANCE) – Title: Le designer californien Robert Radi vient de recevoir un Prix pour ces lunettes

DEXIGNER – DEC 05 (EUROPE) Title: Robert Radi Honored with Good Design 2005

by: Levent OZLER – Editor-In-Chief

Eyes Way Webzine – Dec 15 2005 (ITALY) – Title: Robert Radi vince Good Design Award 2005

IOnOne LIVE MAGAZINE – NOV 2005 (USA) – Title: Design, from aesthetic to functionality.

by: IOnOne.com / Subject: Robert Radi, functional active sportswear.

COSMETIC & PERSONAL CARE PACKAGING MAGAZINE – OCT 2005 (USA) – Title: Hidden Value

by: Jennifer Kwok – Managing Editor / Subject: The scroll container.

BUSINESSWEEK online / CORE 77 – OCT 2005 (USA) – Title: Robert Radi – Razorback Sports Eyewear

by Core 77

SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER – OCT 2005 (USA) – Title: Robert Radi expands eyewear line.

by: Staff / Seattlepi.com

IMPACT 210 Online Fashion Magazine – OCT 2005 (NY/USA) – Title: Industry News – Robert Radi Performance Eyewear Line.

by: Staff / Impact 210.com

DESIGN WEEK MAGAZINE – SEP 2005 (UK) – Title: Robert Radi interviewed by Clare Dowdy –

Full page profile by: Clare Dowdy

MARIE CLARE – OCT 2005 (USA) – Featured Pictorial: Neutrogena Microdemabrasion Device (design: Robert Radi)

MORE MAGAZINE – OCT 2005 (USA) – Featured Pictorial: Neutrogena Microdemabrasion Device (design: Robert Radi)

ELLE MAGAZINE – OCT 2005 (USA) - Featured Pictorial: SUPERMARKET STYLE

SELF MAGAZINE – SEP 2005 (USA) – Featured Pictorial: Neutrogena Microdemabrasion Device (design: Robert Radi)

DEXIGNER - JULY 2005 (EUROPE) - Title: Robert Radi nominated for the DesignPreis2006

by: Levent OZLER – Editor-In-Chief

DEFRAG MAGAZINE – JULY 2005 (ITALY) - Title: Robert Radi riceve Nomination per il prestigioso DesignPreis

by: Sara De Deo - Web Editor

BUDGET LIVING MAGAZINE – APR/MAY 2005 (USA) - Title: Mrodermabrasion: Dermatologist’s vs. At-Home System (pg. 30)

by: Tracey Perez – Writer

QUOTIDIANI L’ESPRESSO – TRENTINO (ITALY) - Title: Il nuovo sucesso del designer roveretano

Date: Mar 01, 2005

COSMOPOLITAN MAGAZINE – MAR 2005 (USA) – Title: GO FOR THE GLOW (pg. 231 – product featured)

MARIE CLARE MAGAZINE (USA) – MAR 2005 – Featured Pictorial: Neutrogena Microdemabrasion Device (design: Robert Radi)

OPRAH MAGAZINE (USA) – MAR 2005 – Featured Pictorial: Neutrogena Microdemabrasion Device (design: Robert Radi)

I.D. MAGAZINE - JAN/FEB 2005 (USA) - Title: New & Notable / Razorback Quadra by Robert Radi

by: David Sokol – Managing Editor

ALLURE MAGAZINE – FEB 2005 (USA) - Title: Neutrogena Healthy Beauty News

CBS – KMOV 4 St. Louis, Missouri (USA) - Title: News 4 Health Team: Microdermabrasion

by: Lisa Manzo - date: Jan 26, 2005

BEVERLY HILLS COURIER (USA) - Title: BH Designer Robert Radi Honored Again

date: Jan 21, 2005

ELLE MAGAZINE – MAR 2005 (USA) - Featured Pictorial: Calmar Sonnet (design: Robert Radi)

SKI CANADA (CANADA) - Title: New Razorback Quadra, High Performance Ski Goggle

by: Canadian Ski Council - date: Jan 19, 2005

DEXIGNER - JAN 2005 (EUROPE) – Title: Robert Radi honored with 4 good design awards.

by: Levent OZLER – Editor-In-Chief

ROBB REPORT COLLECTION (WEB) - JAN 2005 (USA) – Title: Razorback Quadra – Imagine Skiing in HDTV Wide Screen Format

OFFICE SOLUTIONS MAGAZINE - NOV/DEC 2004 (USA) - Title: Hottest new office products for 2005: Avery Label Dispenser

by: Scott Cullen – Managing Editor

ADI DESIGN INDEX 2004 (ITALY) - Published Book - Title: MiniVac by Radi

by: Editrice Compositori

ADI DESIGN INDEX 2004 (ITALY) - Published Book - Title: American Angler Knife by Radi

by: Editrice Compositori

FIRST TRACKS!! SKI MAGAZINE- NOV 2004 (USA) – Title: A Clearly Visible Difference

by: Marc Guido – Editor

ALL ABOUT VISION – NOV 2004 (USA) – Title: What’s New in Sunglasses

by: Liz Segre – Editor

LUXIST – OCT 2004 (USA) - Title: Razorback Quadra Winter Goggle

by: Deidre Woollard

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING – OCT 2004 (USA) - Title: NEW GROOMING GIZMOS

CORE77 DESIGN MAGAZINE – OCT 2004 (USA) - Title: Razorback Quadra Launched

by: Allan Chochinov

DEXIGNER – OCT 2004 (EUROPE) - Title: Robert Radi launches the Razorback Quadra

by: Levent OZLER – Editor-In-Chief

RUBBER STAMPER MAGAZINE – SEP 2004 (USA) – Title: Bring Your Own Stamps.

ARCHIMAGAZINE – SEP 2004 (ITALY) - Title: Robert Radi e l’ industrial design

by Giovanna Eghenter – Journalist

QUOTIDIANI L’ESPRESSO – TRENTINO (ITALY) - Title: Radi enters the 2004 “hall” of design

Date: June 22, 2004

CORE77 DESIGN MAGAZINE - MAY 2004 (USA) - Title: Studio Bullitts

by: Allan Chochinov

TRENTINI NEL MONDO - APR 2004 (ITALY) - Title: Altri importanti riconoscimenti a Robert Radi

by: Giovanna Eghenter – Journalist

JUSTINE MAGAZINE – APR 2004 (USA) - Title: Smooth as a baby’s…..

DEXIGNER – APR 2004 (EUROPE) - Title: The Avery Label Dispenser

by: Levent OZLER – Editor

REDBOOK – MAR 2004 (USA) - Title: Smooth Skin for Spring

by: Cheryl Kramer

L’ITALO AMERICANO - MAR 2004 (ITALY) - Title: Altri importanti riconoscimenti a Robert Radi

by: Giovanna Eghenter – Journalist

WOMEN HEALTH & FITNESS – MAR 2004 (USA) - Title: Heads Up!

by: Erika Sumerfield

QUOTIDIANI L’ESPRESSO – TRENTINO (ITALY) - Title: Robert Radi style captivates the USA

by: Bruno Coveli - date: Jan 25, 2004

PAPERKUTS MAGAZINE – JUN/JUL 2003 (USA) - Title: Hot Stuff

TRENTINI NEL MONDO - DEC 2002 (ITALY) - Title: Talento italiano e formazione americana per dare “tridimensionalita’” alle idee.

by: Giovanna Eghenter – Journalist

L’ITALO AMERICANO - NOV 2002 (USA) - Title: Importante riconoscimento al connazionale Robert Radi.

by: Giovanna Eghenter – Journalist

I.D. MAGAZINE - OCT 2002 (USA) – Title: The Last Lion of 20th Century American Industrial Design

by: Robert Radi

L’ITALO AMERICANO - SEP 2000 (USA) Title: From an idea to a 3Dimensional object: Robert Radi and his Design.

by: Giovanna Eghenter – Journalist

ADIGE (ITALY) - Title: L’ambasciatore Perlot e’ trentino dell’anno, Roberto Radi e’ personaggio per il futuro.

Date: May 24, 1998

UCT – Rivista di Arte & Scienza – NOV 1998 (ITALY) - Title: Roberto Radi: un trentino di sucesso a Los Angeles

by: Sergio Bernardi - Editor – In – Chief

UCT – Rivista di Arte & Scienza – MAY 1998 (ITALY) - Title: Il trentino dell’anno edizione 1997

by: Sergio Bernardi - Editor – In – Chief

ESSENCE MAGAZINE – NOV 1997 (USA) - Title: New products, great looks

by: Deborah Gregory

ALTO ADIGE (ITALY) – Title: Ma intuito ed ingegno sono “mali” di famiglia

date: Aug 28, 1997

QUOTIDIANI L’ESPRESSO – TRENTINO (ITALY) – Title: Exporting Robert Radi

by: Bruno Coveli - date: Aug 28, 1997

Press Releases

Admin — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:39:20 +0000

Press Releases Page…