F5: Giulio Barresi on an Underwater Restaurant, a Dyson Vacuum + More

Giulio Barresi, the Head of UX, Controllers at Logitech, shares his unique perspective on design and his journey from aspiring biologist to a leader in technology design. Raised in Geneva with a Norwegian mother and Sicilian father, Barresi initially pursued a traditional path with an emphasis on biology. However, he soon found himself drawn to more artistic fields, ultimately deciding to study media interaction design. His early work involved photography, which evolved to incorporate coding, electronics, and visuals, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to design. Barresi acknowledges that his professional journey was not without its moments of doubt and self-questioning, a common experience he views as a healthy challenge that drives continuous growth and improvement. He credits various mentors and supporters for shaping his perspective, including a high school English teacher who instilled in him the importance of perseverance and activism, and a filmmaker friend who encouraged him to professionalize his passion. After an initial period at a smaller design studio, Barresi joined Logitech, where he has been instrumental in developing their global product lineup, ranging from personal workspace solutions to gaming equipment. As the Head of UX, Controllers, Barresi recently spearheaded the creation of the MX Creative Console, a innovative set of tools designed for professional creatives. Despite his work with advanced technology, he maintains a simple approach to capturing nascent ideas, often relying on sticky notes and readily available surfaces for jotting down thoughts. He also expresses an interest in exploring audio recordings as a future method for documenting his ideas, envisioning himself using a small recorder to vocalize concepts as they emerge. In the "Friday Five" segment, Barresi shares five items that currently capture his interest. First, the Beosound A5 by Bang & Olufsen, a portable speaker that he values for its blend of brand heritage and modern design, seeing it as a way to share the immaterial experience of music. Second, he highlights the Norwegian "Ostehøvel," or cheese slicer, appreciating its unique purpose and its connection to his cultural heritage, beyond its practical utility. Third, the Dyson Cordless Vacuum Cleaner earns his admiration for its ability to transform a mundane chore into a more enjoyable experience through innovative engineering and design, showcasing how technology can effectively solve user problems. Fourth, Barresi discusses "Under," an underwater restaurant in Norway. He describes it as an unforgettable culinary experience, combining Michelin-star dining with the unique architectural marvel of being five meters underwater, offering views of marine life. Finally, he selects the Unikko Pattern from Marimekko. This 60-year-old Finnish design, he notes, remains timeless and vibrant, contrasting with the often austere Nordic climate by bringing warmth and sparking conversation through its use in fashion and home decor. The article concludes by showcasing some of Barresi's work for Logitech, including a webcam, an editing console, a vertical computer mouse, a wireless mouse, and a compact mechanical keyboard, illustrating his contributions to contemporary technology design. #GiulioBarresi #Logitech #UXDesign #ProductDesign #Technology #IndustrialDesign #CreativeTools #DesignPhilosophy #BangAndOlufsen #GiulioBarresi #Logitech #UXDesign #ProductDesign #Technology #IndustrialDesign #CreativeTools #DesignPhilosophy #BangAndOlufsen

14 months ago

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