Q: What is at the core of the Komatsu design philosophy?
Suzuki: It is human-centered design.That means that everyone involved in construction machinery is central to our designs.
We want our designs to support everyone involved with our products, including not only those who operate construction machinery, but also those who maintain it and those who live around the sites where it is used.
Kinoshita: I think that design is not just about the appearance of things, such as color and shape, but also about the process itself. It’s rooted in a sense of consideration for others. We design each item with a focus on how it can benefit people.
Q: What is important in human-centered design?
Suzuki: Keeping people in mind when creating a design. In other words, it is important that the product is easy to use for the operator, and that the experience is stress-free.We aim for designs that clearly communicate power and capability, ultimately making the workday more enjoyable for those who use our products.
Kinoshita: Safety is our top priority. For example, we ensure that the basic safety requirements are met, such as making the handrails in the operator's seat more conspicuous and using floor materials that are less slippery.But, we also want to make the seats more comfortable because we believe that maintaining focus without fatigue helps improve operator safety.
Q: What role does design play as a brand ambassador?
Suzuki: I believe that the best way for customers to understand Komatsu is experience our products firsthand.
We believe that the look and feel of our construction equipment directly impacts our brand reputation.
Therefore, we strive to consistently create cool, Komatsu-style designs that reflect our brand identity of "Creating value together" as we work with our customers to build a sustainable future.
Q. What are your thoughts on the relationship between function and design?
Suzuki: Of course, construction equipment should meet the required functions and performance.
What is important is how to translate that into the styling design. For example, the primary feature of the WA470-10 (WA475-10) that I was in charge of designing is a new transmission that has dramatically improved fuel efficiency and work efficiency.
So, we used plastic for the exterior, added strong character lines, and refined the form to create a design that gives the impression of something new that you wouldn't find in conventional construction machinery.
Kinoshita: For example, I distinguish between "pleasant" and "beautiful." "Pleasant" describes something with a nice form, but "beautiful" means that not only the form, but the function, concept and feeling are incorporated and harmonized within the design. My aim is to achieve beautiful designs.
Q: What kind of design is expected from Komatsu?
Suzuki: One example of a key phrase we are using is "intelligent athlete." We aim to create designs that are not only powerful, but also embody intelligence, kindness toward others, and a consideration of the coexistence with people and society.
I believe this approach will differentiate Komatsu even more among our competitors.
Q: What design work have you found particularly rewarding?
Kinoshita: I have worked on the design of many operation control levers.
The control lever is a critical interface between humans and machine. Because the requirements for switches and operation differ for each model, the shape and grip must be tailored accordingly.
I found great satisfaction in the process of carefully shaping each one to complement the movement of the hand.
