Interview with Timothy Habermacher
Design & Engineering Innovation
When the disciplines of design and engineering work together, great things can happen. This is demonstrated by the collaboration between Radiate Engineering & Design AG and Circleg. With their great expertise specifically in the field of simulation, Radiate supports Circleg in the development of the Circleg as a consulting partner. We talked with Timothy Habermacher about this collaboration, potential and innovation.
How did Radiate Engineering & Design AG get involved with Circleg?
Timothy: I got to know Simon and Fabian in the context of their Bachelor’s project at the Zurich University of the Arts and was enthusiastic about their idea right from the start. It was clear very quickly, how much research and design work the two had already invested at that time. The first prototype already looked very conclusive and convincing. We got into a conversation about mechanical engineering and we found out that Radiate could be a complementary partner in this field. I was convinced that our know-how in the simulation-driven product development, as well as our expertise in manufacturing, will advance the project.
What part did Radiate contribute to Circleg?
Timothy: We are a consulting partner of Circleg and support the team in structural questions and challenges in the field of FEM simulation and optimization as well as design for manufacturing aspects of the prosthetic system. In concrete terms, Circleg has made use of our know-how and used our capacities in simulation and prototyping for the development of the sole.
How do you assess the cooperation so far?
Timothy: I think it’s very good that the team of Circleg is open to suggestions and feedback from outside. I strongly support an interdisciplinary approach at innovation projects. For engineers the cooperation with designers* can be very goal-oriented and brings new perspectives. I am firmly convinced of the concept «Best Alone, Better Together» – every company strives to be the best in its core discipline, as we do at Radiate in the field of Simulation driven Engineering. Interdisciplinary cooperation often generates greater added value.
What are the next steps?
Timothy: Now it is a matter of getting out of the prototype stage and to finalize the product of Circleg. I am very confident that this will soon be achieved – let’s see what else is coming!
