My Tools of the Trade: Waterdrop Chief Design Officer Christoph Hermann
Christoph Hermann has high design standards for every item he engages with in his daily routine. Design by Barbara Cadorna.
In Christoph Hermann’s line of work, a product isn't just an object — it embodies a multi-faceted design endeavor, resolved through a delicate blend of form, function, and material science. “Every item I engage with, whether it’s a laptop or a water bottle, undergoes a rigorous analysis of its ergonomics, efficiency, and engineering,” says Hermann, the co-founder and Chief Design Officer of waterdrop. The chic European brand just entered the U.S. market, bringing its tech-driven water bottles–think a water bottle cap that filters water and even sends reminders to stay hydrated–to those living in the States.
Here, he shares five objects — from his go-to water bottle to his stroller of choice — that not only withstand his high level of design standards, but have also become seamlessly integrated into his daily routine and creative process. “In essence, these are not just tools — they are paradigms of what is achievable when we approach design as an amalgamation of form, function, and material science,” he says. “They provide a pure pleasure to use on a daily basis.” And who doesn’t want that?
1. waterdrop®: All-Purpose 600ml Bottle in Black + Black Spout Lid
The All-Purpose water bottle reliably keeps your favorite drink ice-cold for up to 24 hours. Image: waterdrop.
This bottle ingeniously marries a wide mouth with a two-part spout lid. The adapter features a smaller mouthpiece for optimal drinking, offering functional modularity at its best. It provides the convenience of a wide mouth for easy filling and cleaning, while the narrow spout ensures a seamless drinking experience. Paired with waterdrop's Iced Tea Peach cube, it delivers an ice-cold, healthy, and sustainable iced tea that lasts all day.
The Apple MacBook Pro with the M1 chip is incredibly portable, with a fanless design and slim profile with all-day battery life. Image: Apple.
The M1 Chip in this machine represents a breakthrough in computational capabilities, with a stronger focus on customer needs. What intrigues me about the MacBook Pro is how it seamlessly integrates hardware and software engineering, pushing the boundaries of what's achievable in mobile computing.
The Transit Backpack Plus meets carry-on size restrictions and is thoughtfully designed with organization and easy-access, making it the perfect travel backpack. Image: Bellroy.
From selecting materials to partitioning space, Bellroy has delivered a masterclass in utility-driven design. The Travel Backpack Plus features pocket layouts informed by user behavior, with material choices striking a harmonious balance between durability and tactile pleasure. It's a well-considered solution to the complex problem of personal storage while in transit. My only qualm is the weight—a 25-30% reduction would make this backpack an almost flawless piece of design.
The Endurace hits the sweetspot between comfort and performance like nothing else on the road. Image: Canyon.
This bike is more than just a vehicle; it's a meticulously engineered solution for optimal kinetic efficiency. The frame geometry, material composites, and component integration all work together to enhance the bike's performance metrics without compromising its aesthetic coherence. This represents industrial design at its peak—form is not an afterthought, but an integral aspect of function.
This stroller is designed so you and your little one can look your best and feel your best, wherever you go. Image: Ergobaby.
This stroller tackles the ergonomic challenges of infant mobility head-on. The Metro+ Deluxe employs space-saving geometries and materials optimized for load-bearing, resulting in a user-centric design that caters to the practical needs of parenting.
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