Youmeus Design I Industrial design and consumer experience consultants, collaborating with ambitious brands across a diverse industry landscape.
Continuing our ‘Meet the studio holders series’, we managed to steal 10 minutes out of the very busy Chris Christou’s day to find out what makes him tick in the world of design.
Chris is the founder of Youmeus Design and one of GWS’s longest-standing studio holders. Working in an inspirational setting was key to Chris’ decision to move to GWS and he was “influenced by the canal location, building’s architecture, creative culture” and we promise we didn’t put him up to this, the “friendly management team”.
We asked Chris how he got into design and what advice he would give to anyone starting out. Chris’ introduction into product design was in high school. “I followed my passion for the discipline through art college and later university.”
Chris advises those thinking of a career in design to “Stay curious and try to see the world differently. Consider not just what’s out there, but how things in the world affect people’s behaviour. Ask yourself: What problem are we solving? What role does this product play in the user’s daily life? How do they react emotionally and physically to it? People often think that product design is about aesthetics, but it’s much deeper than that. It’s about experience, based on understanding behaviour and intent.”
I wonder if this ‘Design for people’ approach has led to the success of this design consultancy with an enviable client list.
“Human design is our mantra. It reflects the belief that the products we use should support human nature, not go against it. That belief informs everything we do at Youmeus, putting the user at the centre of our design process.
A human-centred approach allows us to design products inspired by a deep understanding of how people live and how they experience things. Understanding the cultural, emotional, symbolic and commercial values and translating these into meaningful products and consumer experiences.”
The Youmeus client base is quite diverse, mainly focusing on consumer market sectors. They work with brands in ‘Consumer Electronics’ such as Haier, HMD/Nokia, LG, Leica, and Panasonic. In ‘Homeware’, they collaborate with Nude, Kenwood, Joseph Joseph, and Doulton. In the FMCG sector, their clients include LVMH/Moët Hennessy, White Claw, and Unilever. Youmeus have also recently started working with clients in the medical space.
Asked about their favourite product design, Chris answers “We don’t really have a ‘favourite child’. However, what drives us is designing something that brings enjoyment and has a positive impact on people’s lives. In that case, it might be the Kenwood kMix Stand Mixer.”
Working closely with Kenwood’s in-house design, engineering, and marketing teams, Youmeus provided the external impetus to help define and shape a new product category with the kMix Stand Mixer. They explored new territories, creating a product that resonated emotionally with consumers. Youmeus conceived and designed the entire product and user experience, including naming, product design, packaging design, and various brand activation activities.
We asked Chris if there’s a product he wishes he’d designed. Interestingly, Chris goes back to the 1960s and choses the Olivetti Valentine Red Bucket Typewriter.
And what about a product Chris can’t live without? “That has to be my Bialetti Moka coffee pot. It’s simple, reliable and serviceable. It’s a joy to use and just works.”
Discover more about Youmeus Design here.
