If there is a single designer associated with rapid prototyping technology it’s Janne Kyttanen of Freedom of Creation (FOC). Some of the world's most innovative design now available is available thanks to rapid prototyping and rapid production (a.k.a. digital manufacturing) and Janne is one of the pioneers. Does digital’s “freedom of creation” affect inspiration? The answers after the jump. GP

FOC Rollercoaster tray designed by Janne Kyttanen.

When did you decide to become a designer?
I don't think I had a choice...

How did you realise it was design what you wanted to do for a living?
I am very hyperactive and I feel I have to do the next best thing everyday. It could have been anything creative really… music, writing, painting, but somehow design got the longest straw.

Where do you do most of your design work?
On the coach [bus].

Is design in your case mostly an intellectual activity or is it also a hands on process?
Both. I have tried to just think of the next best thing, but so far the things only come alive, when I get all my senses involved and just start hacking it. Or maybe I am just not clever enough.

610 table lamp inspired by "the Fibonacci sequence of numbers appearing in nature all around us".

Where, or from what, do you get inspiration for your work?
I still have no idea how all these things creep in to my mind...

Would you say that inspiration strikes anywhere at any time or is it the result of a process that involves you consciously and that you can control?
I am always looking for interesting things, so I guess I am looking for it, but I am not really aware of it, because it all comes so naturally. Nothing comes out of nothing, so I am always struck by things, which then lead to something new …

Your products in my opinion are highly recognisable not only for their technological nature but also for being innovative in terms of formal language, are there any particular places where you go hunting for inspiration when you need it?
The same as above. I have really no idea what happens up there. I never really have to travel to get inspiration, but just sit on the sofa. I guess the Internet has changed quite a bunch of things on how we receive information nowadays.

What is your favorite part of the design process and why?
The conceptual phase, because I feel I am not working.

Do you confront your ideas when you are in the process of designing? And in that case, who do you share your thoughts with, who do you ask for opinions and critics?
I don’t really ask anybody anything, but just make decisions on my own. I occasionally ask people though what do they think of something, but that has at times has proven to be a mistake. If the people who I ask like the designs, it’s a pat on the back, but if they don’t, then I just ask the next person, until I find the one who agrees with me. Most of the times I have to ask a lot of people.

Mobius, a Laser Sintered textile made of Mobius strips.

How would you label/categorize your work?
Pioneer in Design for Digital Manufacturing.

Do you have a signature style? If yes, what are the hallmarks of your style?
I like to think and design things that others would have big problems of copying.

Who are your favorite designers and/or architects?
No favourites. I have my heroes in different fields of life from science to literature to sports, etc.

What item (PC, pen, etc) can you not do without when you are designing?
3D software.

What's next?
Some perfume bottle packaging.

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VITAL STATS
Full name: Janne Kyttanen
Location: Amsterdam
Size of team: 3-5
In business since: 2000
Claim to fame projects: ‘1597’ lamp – German Design Award 2007 (nominated)
‘Assassin’ – first commercial custom-made professional soccer shoe (sole design) 2006
‘1597’ lamp – Cologne, Interior Innovation Award 2006
‘Lily‘ - 2005 Red Dot Design Award
Blueprint - Best Newcomer, 100% Design 2003 - products for MGX label
‘Lily’ lamp - Elle Décor, Best Design Buy 2003
Spare time: Working on my biceps at the gym

MEDIA FAVES
Favorite website(s): Google.com
What music is on your iPod or radio? ...at the moment...let me see...I don't know what this is. Michiel!!! Who's playing? Dire Straits!
Your favorite magazine(s): People, News, Heat, Hello...or any other gossip magazine, which can take me through a 2 hour flight:-)
Last or current book you are reading: The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman
Last movie you saw: Captain America. (I think I should start making movies after all)