Stanley Water Bottle Interview
Adrian C.
Ryan Smith is Senior Manager, Industrial Design at Stanley 1913. Stanley designs and sells bottles and food containers.
Q: What does an industrial designer do?
A: An industrial designer makes consumer products and the experiences that go with that product. Anything you find in the world, like a pen or computer mouse or a cup, was designed by an industrial designer along with other team members. We try to think about problems that might need to be solved, things that people might need, and ways to improve people’s lives. We draw pictures, play with clay, and use 3D printers to bring products to life.
Q: What is your favorite Stanley product and why?
A: Oh wow. I’d like to give you a two-part answer. My first favorite Stanley product is the Quencher because it’s largely the key to our company’s success. I also helped design Quencher H2.0, so it’s kind of like my baby. My second favorite Stanley product is the Lifted Spirits tumbler. It’s my favorite because it has a cool faceted liner that reflects light and gives an additional experience.
Q: If you could redesign the Quencher, how would you do it?
A: Well, the first time I redesigned the Quencher I tried to make the handle more comfortable, the lid leak a little less, and the fit in your car cupholder better. If I could design it again, I would work to make it fully leakproof. I'd bring in as many recycled materials as I could, like recycled plastics. I would overall try to make it lighter. Those would be my first priorities.
Q: What does it mean to have a patent? I heard you have a patent on the Quencher.
A: A patent basically means that you’re protecting the design of the product. It means other people aren’t allowed to go make the same product. It protects the design just for Stanley, hopefully. For me to have my name on a patent, it’s like a nice pat on the back. I get some bragging rights which is pretty cool. My name is in a government database that shows that I am the inventor of the product.
Q: What is your favorite part of working at Stanley?
A: I think it’s honestly the people that I work with. Everybody is really nice. Everyone is really patient. I also like working there because I get to draw cool stuff. You should see this room. I have all these cups and fun experiments. I get to make cool stuff quickly.
Q: What do you do outside of Stanley?
A: I play with my kids. I have three kids in elementary school. They are ages 7,7, and 11. We play outside a lot, and we have a trampoline. I also like to play soccer and ride my bike.
Q: If you could have a different job, what would it be?
A: When I was younger, I thought I wanted to be a doctor or a scientist. I chased that for a little while, and then later on I thought I wanted to be a pre-school teacher. I did that for a while, and it was super fun. So fun, that I almost didn’t pursue a career in design.
Q: Do you play any musical instruments?
I do! I play guitar. It’s right next to my desk. When I’m stuck on something, sometimes I’ll noodle on it. I also play saxophone and a little bit of harmonica.