# Core Talk, Episode 1: Benjamin Hubert, founder of LAYER

- Show: [Core77 Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast)
- Published: 2017-02-08
- Length: 13m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2017-02-08-core-talk-episode-1-benjamin-hubert-founder-of-layer
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/corejr/core-talk-episode-1-benjamin-hubert-founder-of-layer

## Summary

Benjamin Hubert, founder of the design firm LAYER, discusses his studio's shift from a style-centric to a human-centered design approach, integrating hardware, software, and service design. He highlights specific projects like the 3D-printed Go Wheelchair and the World Being wearable, explaining how LAYER Lab explores forward-thinking concepts to complement their production work. Hubert emphasizes the importance of simplicity, sustainability, and tackling real-world problems through grounded, shippable concepts rather than 'blue sky' ideas.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2017-02-08-core-talk-episode-1-benjamin-hubert-founder-of-layer#t=0) Introduction: Benjamin Hubert and LAYER
- [2:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2017-02-08-core-talk-episode-1-benjamin-hubert-founder-of-layer#t=123) Human-centered design vs. style-centric approach
- [3:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2017-02-08-core-talk-episode-1-benjamin-hubert-founder-of-layer#t=228) Integrating digital, hardware, and service design
- [5:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2017-02-08-core-talk-episode-1-benjamin-hubert-founder-of-layer#t=328) LAYER Lab and forward-thinking projects
- [6:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2017-02-08-core-talk-episode-1-benjamin-hubert-founder-of-layer#t=417) Social impact and non-profit collaborations
- [8:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2017-02-08-core-talk-episode-1-benjamin-hubert-founder-of-layer#t=522) The role of simplicity and material choices
- [10:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2017-02-08-core-talk-episode-1-benjamin-hubert-founder-of-layer#t=623) Future trends in health, mobility, and technology
- [11:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2017-02-08-core-talk-episode-1-benjamin-hubert-founder-of-layer#t=716) Expectations for Core77 Design Awards submissions

## Topics

- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- LAYER (company)
- Go Wheelchair (product)
- World Being (product)
- Nike (company)
- Braun (company)
- VMW (company)
- Herman Miller (company)
- Core77 Design Awards (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [100: Embodied Energy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2023-07-02-100-embodied-energy) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [Hatch Duo: Industrial Design, Navigating AI, Branding, Hardware Innovation | Hard Tech Podcast #16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2024-03-20-hatch-duo-industrial-design-navigating-ai-branding-hardware-innovation-hard-tech) (Hard Tech Podcast)
- [The Pilot: Unveiling the Blueprint of "The Builder Circle"](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2023-05-13-the-pilot-unveiling-the-blueprint-of-the-builder-circle) (The Builder Circle)
- [An Interview with Ben Einstein](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-08-06-an-interview-with-ben-einstein) (The Amp Hour)
- [STL273: Shaper Origin—Then and Now](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2022-08-26-stl273-shaper-origin-then-and-now) (Shop Talk Live)

## Citing this page

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