Industrial or not Industrial

I was faced with the choice, while selecting which of my ideas develop and turn into products, between products that are easily industrially or mass produced and products that require specialized craftsmanship. It so happens that the latter usually have a higher emotional value and a strong personality, nevertheless the two categories of products differ for costs and geographical place of production: countries with a strong tradition of specialized craftsmanship versus Asian countries. As Industrial Designer I should focus on mass produced products, but industrial products end up competing with products made in Asia, a difficult match for a small company like mine. However, because of the costs involved in experienced craftsmanship, these products are considered Luxury Products, which are also tricky due to the incoming recession we all keep hearing about. How to succeed in this scenario?

Luxury is not defined by what can only be afforded by a few anymore. Luxury is something where choice is not made on function, but inspired by lifestyle and self-expression. Luxury is an object with a meaningful, inspiring, shared-value story attached to it. A product not mass produced, but made of people talent and time, a talent often passed on from generation to generation in the case of Italy, it is a luxury product, and not because of its price. As defined, luxury, the one that ultimately nurtures our soul, I believe can survive through – and help us endure – difficult times.