Interview with Dr. Hui Jiang
Bosideng International Fashion (China) Co., Ltd.
Red Dot: What fundamental considerations have to be taken into account before designing safety equipment and protective clothing?
The focus is always on the people that need the equipment – in other words, the workers. However, we still have to keep the entire supply chain in mind: the dealers, the buyers and the sales team. We therefore have to develop products that satisfy the workers at the same time as winning the trust of the buyers.
And how do you pull off the balancing act between aesthetics and function?
We need to balance maximum safety with wearability. A safety boot can be as robust as anything, but if it is not comfortable to wear, it is useless. It also has to be able to withstand extreme conditions: debris, water, heat, impacts. The award-winning MTS BALLAST 2.0 was specifically developed for railway track maintenance personnel. It protects them from moisture, on rocky ground and in the harshest conditions, while exuding robustness. At a glance, the design signals that this is a boot users can rely on – an honest solution, without fuss.
What role do certifications play in this sector?
A very significant one, as the regulations regarding impact and penetration resistance and waterproof properties are very stringent. We thoroughly test our products before certification to ensure they will pass. That includes separate tests for the materials, such as the leather.
Does that leave any space at all for individuality in the design?
Obviously, there is less creative freedom than in the fashion industry, as many of the solutions are based on technical considerations, but that makes it all the more interesting: beauty is achieved by means of functionality. We also have to keep an eye on the trade. If workers want pink safety boots, that is unlikely ever to happen, as dealers would not stock them. So we choose neutral colours – not for lack of creativity but because of the mechanics of the market. A lot of design thinking will still have gone into the boot. It must not only offer great performance but also reflect the identity of the wearer. Many workers are very proud of what they do, and we need to emphasise that. Good safety apparel is not only a tool. It is a sign of respect for the work and that is exactly what we aim to highlight with every new product.
