May 22, 2024

Behind the Design: Tony Wills’ Path to Inventing ButtonFix

1 hour 1 minute

Text us your feedback on the podcast!

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!

0:00 Intro
00:46 Introduction to Verify In Field with Tony Wills
01:51 Tony Wills: A Journey Through Product Design
03:37 From Art College to the Royal College of Art
06:16 Launching a Design Business and Navigating Career Shifts
13:05 The Genesis of ButtonFix: Solving a Real-World Problem
18:03 ButtonFix: The Invisible Solution to Panel Fixing
23:38 Exploring the Different Types of ButtonFix Products
31:28 Exploring the Latest in Panel Fastening Technology
32:05 The Birth of Type Three: A Simple Yet Innovative Solution
33:04 The Challenges and Triumphs of Perfecting the Snap
34:01 Diverse Applications: From Wall Panels to Ceiling Solutions
35:10 The Evolution of Button Fix: A 13-Year Journey
35:32 Understanding Market Insights and Product Utilization
36:11 The Importance of Creativity and Instruction in Product Use
36:33 Comparing Traditional and Innovative Fastening Methods
37:47 The Role of Apprenticeship and Tradition in Woodworking
45:13 The Future of Millwork and Manufacturing: AI and Global Trends
52:57 Valuable Lessons from a Career in Product Design
59:39 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/behind-the-design-tony-wills-path-to-inventing-buttonfix