Interview about Viti Stand, winner of the A' Video and Broadcasting Equipment Design Award 2022
Organic monolith created using the principles of golden proportions and assumptions, i.e.: simplicity, functionality, safety, durability. Deep matt black color and surface texture diffuse light and reduce fleshs. Design inspired by the shapes of nature and based on golden proportions that increase stability and reduce vibrations of the mounted devices. Rounded edges and a handle adjusted to the hand, as well as security measures enabling the carrying of stands with the screen mounted.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe approach to the organic, monolithic form of the Viti Stand, inspired by the golden ratio, allowed me to develop a project where the arrangement and proportions of circles play a key role. I devised a system for determining the relationships between their sizes, distances, and placements, which form the structural foundation of the design. Units defined by these circles establish crucial aspects: the distribution of support points, the placement of the mount, the geometry of the structure, and the proportional relationships between its elements. The drawing of circles, inspired by the phyllotaxis of plants from the Biebrza region, this regularities in the organization of structures, was fundamental in creating a proportionally scalable design of stands that maintain their key properties—stability and vibration dampening. Crafted from a single sheet of metal subjected to cutting and bending processes, these stands preserve the consistency of their dynamic and mechanical parameters regardless of scale. It is the consistent application of mathematical principles, including the golden ratio, that has made the Viti Stand a standout not only in design but also in its innovative approach to video monitor installation systems, characterized by simplicity and coherence. The foundation of my work lies in the philosophy of Viti—the name derives from the Latin word vitis, meaning vine. A vine, deeply rooted in the earth, climbs toward the light, merging the strength of nature with delicate beauty. The Viti Stand design is a solution that has grown from passion, rooted in tradition, while reaching toward modernity. The harmony inherent in nature, derived from observing biological processes, has brought this design into alignment with principles of functionality, aesthetics, and precision. It integrates mathematical logic and the rawness of material with a soft, flowing form. This synthesis has enabled the creation of products that are not only durable and ergonomic but also visually appealing and seamlessly adaptable to any space. I believe this project is not merely practical but also beautiful in its clarity. To me, true beauty lies in simplicity and harmony, both of which are derived from nature.
Black has been a symbol of elegance, solemnity, and professionalism for centuries, and its matte version additionally conveys a sense of calm and balance. Contemporary design trends value simplicity and minimalism, and deep matte black aligns perfectly with these principles, offering discretion and aesthetics. A textured surface can evoke associations with outer space, where light absorption symbolizes depth and mystery. It harmonizes with other colors and materials, making it an ideal background or accent, regardless of interior style. The neutrality and enigmatic of such black allow attention to focus on key elements without visual distractions, particularly under spotlights, where a matte surface eliminates light reflections and fingerprints. I was inspired by both classic and futuristic visions of space. To achieve this finish with good paint adhesion, we paid special attention to surface preparation and selecting the appropriate abrasive methods, which were refined in the workshop during the first prototypes. Maintaining the proper sequence of actions and ensuring precision was critical. A matte surface not only enhances paint adhesion but also refracts light more effectively, emphasizing its depth. Ideas, questions, and processes were thoroughly consulted with specialists in metalworking, coating application, and powder paint production. We selected not only the appropriate type but also determined the thickness and density of the paint. Quality control was an indispensable element—we meticulously inspected the surface for uniformity and the appropriate degree of gradation and coating. Striking the right balance was a priority at every stage.
In stage technology, particularly in the context of live event production, it is crucial to understand how various elements must work together under constraints of time, space, and diverse conditions and challenges. This experience translates into a focus on ensuring inclusive usability, ease of operation, and efficiency in dynamic environments. Developing a minimalist and reliable design required concentrating on defined principles and meticulously pursuing a goal with physical and mathematical logic based on knowledge and years of observation gained through working in stage technology.Eliminating unnecessary elements in design, much like in coding or event production, is about striving for greater reliability and reducing the risk of errors. It involves simplifying the system so that every component has a clear purpose, avoiding an excess of elements that could introduce potential problems. In event production, especially within audiovisual systems, this means reducing the number of adapters, converters, or intermediary devices, which might lead to signal degradation, interference, or delays. The fewer intermediary elements there are, the better the signal quality, the greater the system's reliability, and the easier the equipment management becomes. Just as in programming, where redundant lines of code are avoided, here too, the number of connections and adaptations is minimized, creating a cohesive whole to prevent complications that could disrupt the event's flow.Each system component is designed with efficiency and risk minimization in mind, working in harmony with the others. This approach makes processes more intuitive and less prone to errors caused by suboptimal device connections or incompatibility. Working with a variety of technological systems, such as lighting, and across different branches of the stage and film industries, has given me a broader perspective. It has allowed me to view the product through the eyes of those who will interact with the stand: camera operators, presenters, audiences, technical staff, and event or space designers.A significant aspect of the development process was testing prototypes in real-world conditions. This provided an opportunity to validate the initial assumptions, gather feedback, and implement minor adjustments and improvements to ensure that the products not only look good but also effectively fulfill their intended purposes in practice.
Assuming various scenarios for Viti Stands’ usage, I analyzed potential user interactions. I aimed to predict all possible combinations to address potential risks, prevent them, and respond at an early stage. Ergonomic considerations emerged as early as the planning phase. It could be said that ergonomic design preceded technical design and progressed in parallel with each subsequent step. I prioritized safety during technical work, artistic performances, and audience interactions. It was essential to consider anyone who might have even incidental contact with the products. During dynamic performances, artists might accidentally come into contact with structural elements, as could the audience during interactions or in crowded spaces. Staff need access to safe and reliable equipment, which directly impacts their efficiency. The design included delicate scenographic elements, cables concealed beneath the stands, and the ability to slide Viti Stands under various materials. Rounded shapes minimize the risk of injuries and protect both the equipment and the people. This enhances the sense of safety, which in turn improves efficiency and comfort. Optimization involved avoiding sharp edges and transitions between components. The use of computer-controlled machinery enabled precise finishing according to specifications. In the production facility, we tested the combination of several grinding techniques and the selection of appropriate tools to achieve the desired surface smoothness and edge rounding radius. I also focused on carrying comfort—after all, no one likes handles that dig into their hands. It was important to prevent scratches and enable the convenient lifting of the stands with mounted televisions. I considered both men and women, various skin types, and hand sizes. Given that the designs might come in many variations, maintaining appropriate proportions was crucial to ensure a good relationship with the operators. Anthropometric data gathered from available databases of the target user population formed the basis for designing the handles. I adjusted the distances between elements and the degree of edge. For lifting, it was essential to ensure a secure grip, considering the forces exerted on the hands and their pressure on the fingers. A significantly rounded shape, based on the mathematical principles of the design and relationships between highly curved edges, demonstrated better fit in empirical tests. This resulted in shorter grip time, better force distribution across the functional zones of the hands, and greater comfort during handling and manipulation.
This dual perspective complements each other and influenced the project in a holistic way, combining aesthetics with technology. Art history provides knowledge about the canons of beauty, such as golden proportions, compositions, spatial relations, or the dynamics of lines. It teaches how form can communicate content, giving projects a symbolic dimension. Examples of craftsmanship from past eras show how important an approach based on precision and details is. Art history is also the history of man and his needs. Artistic movements, such as modernism, responded to social changes by providing functional solutions. I can say that a technical perspective brings the project down to earth - it analyzes realities and practical challenges, such as working conditions, requirements or interactions with other elements of the system. It ensures that creativity is in line with engineering principles and safety standards. Thanks to this, I was able to design an intuitive monitor mounting system that is easy and quick to operate even in stressful and time-limited conditions in harmony with art. This dualistic approach enabled a dialogue with the past, utilizing its achievements in a modern way. Striking a balance between artistic visions and practical requirements was essential. The creative process, filled with both emotion and pragmatism, synthesized a design perspective focused on functional solutions that are adaptable to various user needs. The result is a futuristic form drawing on patterns from the classics, bridging tradition with innovation.
The research process began with a theoretical analysis of available materials and their potential properties. The first step was to determine the desired technical parameters, such as the degree of matting, strength, durability, and surface roughness. It was crucial to focus not only on technical aspects but also on the aesthetics and comfort of surface use. Different textures and gloss levels exhibit varying degrees of abrasion resistance, light absorption, tendency to retain fingerprints, ease of cleaning, as well as distinct emotional impressions associated with their visual and tactile perception. A key element of the research process was close collaboration with experts from various fields, such as material physics and lacquer production engineering. This multidisciplinary approach made it possible to examine the problem from multiple perspectives and develop a comprehensive solution. Particularly significant were the technical skills of the implementers, the quality and class of the equipment and materials used, and the environmental conditions. Special attention was given to the proper preparation of the steel surface and the standardization of the thickness of the applied lacquer coating. The initial testing phase involved samples with smaller surfaces than the final product. This approach was more cost-effective for conducting numerous tests and allowed for a detailed observation of differences in the interaction between matting and curing components under various lighting conditions. Even minor differences in paint parameters had a significant impact on their functional properties. The next step involved testing prototypes of the product using three carefully selected types of powder coatings. Testing on the prototypes provided new insights and offered a better platform for evaluating emotional impressions, overall aesthetics, and the product’s reception. This process clearly underscores the importance of harmonious interdisciplinary collaboration, openness to constructive feedback, and unwavering determination in pursuing improvements.
The final design was developed in response to challenges observed in real-world conditions. By considering key aspects such as safety, ergonomics, aesthetics, durability, and functionality, a product was created that is tailored to the comfort and specific demands of working in dynamic and demanding environments. The components were designed with user convenience and efficiency in mind. The height adjustment of the mounted monitor addresses both technical aspects and the possibility of individual customization. The cable management system aligns with the aesthetic of stage installations, where everything has its designated place and order is crucial. The tilt adjustment mechanism, inspired by a cluster of speakers, is intuitively locked with a pin with a button, mounted on a nylon cord instead of a steel one, which could fray. The screw-lock mechanism for the monitor is a result of the need for mobility and ease of use in the Quick & Easy style. Viti Stand combines modern aesthetics with functionality, making it visually appealing and practical to use - this approach is particularly well-received during prestigious events, where both technical performance and appearance play a significant role.
I believe that art doesn't have to be detached from reality, and its presence in ordinary everyday life can enrich experiences, influence development, and change the way we perceive space and the organic nature surrounding us, while being both useful and inspiring. The idea for the project stemmed from the desire to combine aesthetics and functionality in a way that responds to artistic, technical, and social needs. It raised questions about space, interactions with other elements, and the potential to adapt the form to the changing needs of users. The pursuit of creating something that is both functional and artistic requires considering aspects like ease of assembly, durability, mobility, and adaptation to different visual styles. The elements of the project, from points and lines to phases of openings and edges, were important not only in a technical context but also in terms of influencing space perception and visual reception. The Viti Stand can serve as a content carrier, such as virtual guides or multimedia presentations and visualizations, fulfilling roles in educational spaces, museums, galleries, or conferences. It can be a decorative element in public spaces or stores, displaying animations and graphics that attract the attention of passersby. It could enrich participants' experiences as part of puzzles and interactive installations in escape rooms. One notable application is the construction of interactive touch tables or video floors. By employing television screens, these installations achieve higher resolution while maintaining a lower cost. The ability to mount screens in various configurations allows for creating impressive, multi-layered visual compositions on stages or in public spaces. Combining several stands enables the creation of larger installations, where screens can display coherent images or operate independently, while height and tilt angle adjustments allow for customized configurations and designing interesting patterns with the arrangement of TVs. Opens up opportunities for creative experimentation. This approach was informed by an aspiration to bridge utility with creative expression. The stand's slim base makes it easy to slide it under other spatial elements, such as walls or structures. They were designed with the idea of being used in various configurations to be part of dynamic spatial arrangements that adapt to changing conditions. They have been adapted for professional use and various projects, not only scenographic ones – from home theaters and gaming stations to DIY installations. They can become part of dynamic showcases, interactive installations in escape rooms, or modern information screens at airports and shopping malls – wherever technology, aesthetics, and functionality meet in one goal: enriching space and the user's experience.
Viti Stand design unveiled new possibilities for using video monitors in scenography and interactive installations, transforming them into tools for bringing creative ideas to life. In the era of art driven by emerging technologies, these stands provide innovative opportunities for presentation and integration into artistic endeavors. They introduce a new standard to the industry, not only simplifying installation and broadening usage but also enhancing efficiency and workplace safety. At the same time, they pave the way for technological development and set benchmarks for professional video applications. Features such as easy height adjustment, tilt angle mechanisms, and quick monitor-locking systems significantly streamline technicians' work, reducing setup time and adapting equipment to specific and individual requirements. This results in a more comfortable working environment, boosting efficiency, speed, and minimizing the risk of injury. This is particularly crucial in dynamic settings like concerts, live broadcasts, exhibitions, performances, trade shows, and conferences, where execution time is critical. Modular designs and compatibility with various monitor types allow these stands to be used across a wide range of events—from intimate presentations to grand spectacles. The use of black structural matte finishes eliminates glare and light reflections, which is vital in stage environments, facilitating the work of camera operators and photographers. This innovation quickly became a standard, influencing both the technical industry and event aesthetics. Its introduction showcases design thinking and innovation that have had a tangible impact on regional technological development. During prestigious events, where the appearance of equipment affects organizational perception, the modern design of Viti Stand's merges aesthetics with functionality. Such innovative solutions elevate visual standards, enhancing how installations are perceived by both clients and audiences.
Bauhaus promoted the integration of art, craft and technology for the creation of everyday objects. Its aim was to blur the boundaries between different fields of art, such as painting, sculpture, architecture and design, and to promote the use of modern materials and production technologies. The contemporary Viti stand reflects these principles in a minimalist design using modern technologies. Bauhaus placed great emphasis on geometric forms, such as circles, squares and triangles, treating them as basic compositional elements. In Viti's designs, circles are the key structural element. The implementation of complex forms and details would be difficult to achieve in a traditional way with high repeatability and in serial production. Thanks to advanced CAD and CAM tools, precise 3D models can be created based on mathematical calculations, which allows for a more accurate reproduction of Bauhaus concepts in modern products. In addition, modern materials and production technologies allow the implementation of complex forms and details that would be difficult to achieve in a traditional way, and repeatable, serial production. The integration of technologies allowed for the optimization of processes, which increases efficiency and reduces costs. The Viti stand refers to the Bauhaus concept, combining functionality with aesthetics and promoting the integration of art with technology.
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