Whether you’re designing something that is tangible or experiential, the successful engineer is well-rounded, with knowledge of the key skills and an ability to apply them when needed. This episode explores what’s the key to being able to design across the industrial spectrum.
MEET ERIC FOLSOM
In his day-to-day work, Eric Folsom manages and directs the technical development of the HILOS, an IP patented 3D printed footwear line. Working with creative designers, engineers, and 3rd party experts (orthopedists, etc.) to create a technical pathway for production, troubleshooting, trialing with customers, and scaling its manufacturing approach for mass customization.
There’s a Way To (Mostly) Be Good At Everything. Here’s How…
In order to make things that you enjoy and that meets an array of design requirements, Eric suggests that developing through processes and designing to intent is essential.
According to Eric, developing your thought processes through using an approach called 360 degree thinking can help you understand the “foundational learnings” that will set your efforts up for success.
What is 360 Degree Thinking?
360-degree thinking means considering all aspects of decision making. It incorporates information such as goals, steps, related parties, priorities, challenges, cost, consequences, and solutions. It also combines the past and present experiences.
During the podcast, Eric shares that the key to understanding the foundational piece of a task is considering the make up, the function, and the opportunity of the decisions that you’re making. This requires understanding what you’re working with (materials and constraints), knowing the function of what you’re tasked with achieving (purpose and requirements), and considering the opportunity (exploring the reality and possibilities).
…A chronic case with a lot of startups is they actually forget the fact that they need the foundational pieces. You need the foundation in order to be able to stand on and move to that next level because if you don’t have that foundation learning set up from the beginning, when you start running fast, you have to go back to re-engineer what it is you started out with.
-Eric Folsom
It’s always easy to make a fast, quick response, however with 360 degree thinking, the response time is different. It makes decisions very well thought out. During the episode, Eric shared his formula for using 360 degree thinking for decision-making and clarity on knowing when to move forward.
Connect With Eric
- Feel free to contact Eric about your experiences with 3D printing and your approaches to your product development workflow
- Reach Eric on LinkedIn
- Visit the HILOS website
- Download Eric’s formula for using 360 degree thinking to make good decisions
(About HILOS)
By combining the traditional insole, midsole, and outsole into a single 3D printed platform, HILOS surpasses the performance and durability of traditional manufacturing while allowing for complete recyclability. This
3D printing not only allows them to make an on-demand just in time product, but it provides an opportunity to offer a wider range of sizes without the risk of overproducing or running out of stock.
The average pair of shoes uses at least 2000 gallons of water to make, helping to explain why the fashion retail industry is responsible for 20% of global water pollution. HILOS’ digital manufacturing process reduces this by over 85%, helping save more than 1700 gallons of water per pair.
