Behind the Design: Tony Wills’ Path to Inventing ButtonFix
In this episode our host Jacob Edmond welcomes Tony Wills, Director at Button Fix. Join us as Tony shares captivating insights into his remarkable career journey in product design, from his early experiences at Brighton Polytechnic and the Royal College of Art to his founding of TAG Design Partnership and subsequent ventures in architectural practices and his own practice, Will's Watson and Associates. Discover the fascinating evolution of Button-fix, a pioneering solution for attaching panels without visible screws, nails, or glue. Furthermore, gain valuable industry insights from Tony's experiences in woodworking, design build projects, material preference, and the potential impact of advanced technology in manufacturing. This episode will leave you with a newfound admiration for Tony's career achievements and a deeper understanding of the intricacies of product design and manufacturing processes in the millwork industry. So, join us as we unravel the captivating journey and innovations of Tony Wills on Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast!
About Our Guest:
Tony Wills, a 70-year-old craftsman, attributes his lifelong passion for woodworking to a teacher who sparked his interest in the craft during his school years. He was fortunate to attend a school that offered a combination of practical, technical education and academics, allowing him to benefit from the best of both worlds. Through luck and the opportunity for one-on-one teaching, Wills honed his woodworking skills and developed a lifelong love for creating things with his hands. His story is a testament to the impact of a dedicated teacher and the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise.
What You’ll Learn
1. The career journey and experiences of Tony Wills, director at Button-Fix, from his early education to his success in the product design industry.
2. The importance of collaboration and the "this or better" rule in project development, influencing the innovation process at Button Fix.
3. Insights into the intricacies of product design and development, using the clock face analogy to emphasize the significance of the final phase in achieving excellence.
4. The unique marker plate designed by Button-Fix for precise panel marking without the need for rulers or pencils, as well as its adaptability for CNC applications.
5. The extensive testing and development of Button-Fix products, including their fire-resistant and earthquake-proof attributes, as well as their suitability for transport paneling.
6. Tony Wills' expertise in designing specialized products for use or specification by professionals, and the challenges and successes in creating and marketing innovative solutions like Button-Fix.
7. The impact of advanced technology on manufacturing, concerns about the decline of practical making courses, and the positive influence of hands-on making on mental health.
8. The challenges and successes of introducing new products in traditional industries, including the benefits of using innovative solutions to streamline manufacturing processes.
9. The precision and variability in product design and manufacturing, particularly in relation to woodworking and millwork, including the decision-making process between building in adjustment or aiming for absolute precision.
10. Insights into the use of materials in woodworking, the transition from traditional drawing boards to CAD, and the potential impact of AI on creative ownership and problem-solving in the woodworking industry.
More from our Guest:
Tony Wills: LinkedIn
Button-Fix: https://www.button-fix.com/
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