More About INNOVATION in Canada

Getting inspired is the process of being mentally stimulated to DO or FEEL something creative.

I had the opportunity to visit an UMBRA store in Toronto, where they have on the second floor examples of some of their products' design process.

UMBRA is a design company which was founded in 1979 in Toronto - Canada, when a graphic designer Paul Rowan needed a window shade in his apartment, and was unable to find one which was affordable and fit his taste... so he created his own window shade and it inspired him to create a new business with his childhood friend Les Mandelbaum.
  
Today, with a talented international team of designers, UMBRA products are recognized in over 120 countries, including Brazil, as one of the most innovative, modern, affordable, functional, and re-imagined houseware ones.
 

The picture bellow shows how they created their silicone trivet. From the right to the left you can see the three stages of that product's design. 

Their inspiration was a folded paper party decoration piece.... like this one:

At the center  you can see how their designer re-imagined a new houseware product, using wood pallets to build a prototype. Finally... on the left you can see see the final product.

 

Inspiration is often found in unexpected places. We can find inspiration anywhere and everywhere we go. We just need to keep our eyes open and our minds awake to get inspired!