BEN RAWLINGS

Next-Generation Home LED Phototherapy Device | Product Design & Development by Ben Rawlings, Head of R&D

Company: Aesthetic Technology
Location: Warrington, UK

iF Design Award 2024

European Product Design Award Winner 2023

The Dermalux Flex Mini was developed as a next-generation home-use LED phototherapy device, bringing clinical-grade performance and design excellence into a premium consumer format. Created as a more refined and accessible evolution of the original Flex MD, the Flex Mini was designed to elevate the at-home treatment experience through intuitive usability, ergonomic comfort, and best-in-class LED technology.

As Head of R&D at Dermalux, I led the design and development of the Flex Mini, applying the same design principles that shaped the professional range to a consumer context. The device featured a reimagined user interface, simplified controls, and a sculpted, lightweight form tailored for effortless self-application. Premium materials and attention to tactile quality ensured a high-end feel that aligned with the expectations of the modern wellness consumer.

Although the product did not proceed to commercial launch due to a shift in strategic direction, the Flex Mini was internationally recognised for its design innovation, winning the European Product Design Award in the Wellness & Beauty category and the prestigious iF Design Award in Beauty & Personal Care.

As part of the Dermalux product family, the Flex Mini exemplified the brand’s mission to combine clinical efficacy with thoughtful, user-centric design, translating professional-grade treatment technology into a sophisticated and approachable home-use device.

Flagship Professional LED Phototherapy Device | Product Design & Development by Ben Rawlings

Company: Dermalux
Location: Warrington, UK

Web: Dermalux Tri-Wave MD

European Product Design Award Winner 2023

The Dermalux Tri-Wave MD is a premium, medically certified LED phototherapy device, developed to set a new benchmark for technical precision, usability, and performance in the professional skincare industry.

Leading the design team at Dermalux, I lead the team responsible for redefining the brand’s design language, elevating both aesthetic impact and operational efficiency. This design-led approach resulted in a cleaner, more premium visual identity, while enabling dramatically faster build times and greater precision in production.

The Tri-Wave MD delivers carefully controlled, high-performance LED output across red, blue, and near-infrared wavelengths. A patent-pending thermal management system integrated into the adjustable 4-pod treatment head ensures optimal operating temperatures—critical for consistent therapeutic performance.

The device is constructed using premium-grade materials chosen for their durability, cleanability, and visual refinement, ensuring the product meets both clinical demands and the expectations of high-end medspa environments.

It offers true versatility with programmable functionality, including both preset treatment protocols and fully customisable settings for clinical flexibility. A dual-sprung custom arm allows the head to be positioned effortlessly, removing physical barriers to use and enhancing treatment accessibility.

Every element of the Tri-Wave MD was developed with a user-first mindset, resulting in an intuitive interface and workflow-optimised treatment delivery in busy clinical settings.

Certified as a Class IIa medical device and developed in full compliance with ISO 13485, the Tri-Wave MD reflects a decade of innovation in LED phototherapy and a commitment to world-class product design. In recognition of this, it was awarded the 2023 European Product Design Award, affirming its excellence in both innovation and execution.

Professional-Grade LED Phototherapy in a Scalable, Compact Format | Product Design & Development by Ben Rawlings

Company: Dermalux
Location: Warrington, UK

Web:Dermalux Compact

European Product Design Award Winner 2023

The Dermalux Compact is a powerful yet space-efficient LED phototherapy system designed to deliver clinical performance in a more accessible and versatile footprint. Developed alongside the Tri-Wave MD, it forms part of the next-generation Dermalux product family, bringing high-performance, precision LED technology into a format suited to smaller treatment rooms, satellite locations, or clinics seeking greater mobility without compromising on results.

As Head of R&D at Dermalux, I led the full product development effort for the Compact, from defining the industrial design direction to overseeing technical integration across hardware, usability, and manufacturing. The device shares a modular platform with the rest of the range, enabling efficient production, simplified servicing, and consistent clinical performance.

The Compact features programmable delivery of red, blue, and near-infrared light wavelengths, with preset and customisable protocols for a broad range of treatment indications. Engineered with the same focus on precision, thermal control, and usability as the Tri-Wave MD, the Compact incorporates premium-grade materials and an intuitive interface to support effective treatment workflows in busy clinical environments.

Its refined aesthetic, compact footprint, and plug-and-play mobility make it ideal for multi-room practices or treatment spaces where flexibility is key. Every element, from internal LED architecture to external form, was crafted to uphold Dermalux’s position as a leader in LED phototherapy.

Recognised for its excellence in healthcare design and innovation, the Dermalux Compact was awarded the 2023 European Product Design Award in the Healthcare category.

Modular, Mobile Workspace System for Agile Collaboration | Product Design by Ben Rawlings at Jones & Partners

Client: Jones & Partners for Connection Furniture
Client Location: Huddersfield, UK

Web: Connection UK

The Freedom Work Wall was developed to support dynamic, flexible work environments, enabling impromptu collaboration, media sharing, and multifunctional workspace utility in a fully mobile format. Designed for untethered use throughout the office, the Freedom Wall eliminates the static constraints of traditional meeting infrastructure by combining mobility, modularity, and integrated power.

As part of the team at Jones & Partners, I contributed to the design and development of this system from early concept architecture through to resolved product configurations. The design centred around a steel side panel structure that could be cross-braced using interchangeable frames, allowing multiple product types to be manufactured using a shared component platform. This approach enabled efficient production and streamlined customisation for different workspace needs.

Three key configurations were developed as part of the modular system:

- A media wall, designed to house large-format displays with integrated power input and output

- A dry-wipe collaboration surface

- A shelving and storage unit for adaptable utility in shared environments

Designed to integrate seamlessly into modern office interiors, the Freedom Work Wall features a slim, architectural profile and clean detailing. Premium material finishes and optional sound-dampening acoustic panels were specified to improve the product’s fit within open-plan, multi-use workspaces.

A standout innovation was the development of a custom large-format battery and inverter system, allowing the unit to operate fully untethered from wall sockets throughout the workday. This eliminated a major limitation seen in traditional work walls and ensured true freedom of movement across the office.

The Freedom Work Wall represents a holistic approach to agile working, balancing visual simplicity, technical innovation, and modular efficiency to support how people collaborate in the evolving workplace.

Retrofit Headrest for the Diffrient World Chair | Industrial Design by Ben Rawlings at Jones & Partners

Client: Jones & Partners for Humanscale
Client Location: New York City, USA

Web: Humanscale

The Humanscale Naprest was developed as an ergonomic headrest accessory for the iconic Diffrient World Chair, a landmark design by Niels Diffrient and a staple of the global contract furniture market. Designed specifically to meet the evolving demands of the Asian market, the brief was to create a retrofit solution that would allow users to recline and rest, without disrupting the chair’s minimalist aesthetic or its day-to-day functionality.

As part of the design team at Jones & Partners, I contributed to the full development journey, from initial concept development through to production tooling. The project was delivered in close collaboration with Humanscale’s internal engineering and design teams, blending external innovation with brand-aligned execution.

Spanning over two years, the programme was grounded in extensive ergonomic research, defining an optimal support profile for the head and neck during reclined use. A series of highly resolved prototypes were created to refine this geometry while maintaining the chair’s lightweight visual language and ease of use.

The final headrest installs with minimal complexity and preserves the integrity of the original design. Every element, from injection moulding optimisation to mesh tension calibration, was developed through a detailed DFM process with Humanscale’s global manufacturing partners, ensuring both quality and scalability.

The Naprest demonstrates how subtle interventions can extend the life and versatility of a classic product, meeting new user needs while respecting the DNA of the original design.

Flat-Pack Privacy Pod for the Modern Workplace | Product Design by Ben Rawlings at Jones & Partners

Client: Jones & Partners for Connection Furniture
Client Location: Huddersfield, UK

The Connection Telephone Pod was developed as a systematic, flat-pack acoustic privacy solution for open-plan offices, designed to offer users a quiet, self-contained space for calls, focused work, or virtual meetings. Modular by design, the pod is delivered as a series of lightweight panels that can be bolted together on-site for rapid installation, reducing logistical costs and minimising disruption during setup.

As the lead designer on the project at Jones & Partners, I played a key role in developing the pod from concept through to production-ready handover. Early ideation focused on using a custom aluminium extrusion framework, providing structural integrity, modularity, and ease of assembly while allowing for a wide range of material cladding options.

Multiple full-scale prototypes were built to validate the product’s acoustic performance, usability, and construction method. Each iteration was tested with real-world acoustic measurements to improve sound isolation. The final pod achieved a 31dB reduction in external noise entering the pod, and a 29dB reduction of internal sound escaping, delivering professional-grade performance in a compact footprint.

Internally, the pod integrates a custom electrical system housed within the panel construction. A built-in PIR sensor activates an overhead LED panel on entry, while a mounted socket unit offers plug-and-play power for laptops, phones, or tablets.

Following final prototype approval, I supported the production handover with a complete documentation pack, covering detailed CAD, engineering drawings, BOMs, and volume pricing. All sub-assemblies were designed for in-house production at Connection’s factory and shipped flat-pack to site, enabling fast, tool-free installation and optimised cost efficiency.

Wireless Charging Solutions for Modern Workspaces and Public Environments | Product Design & Development by Ben Rawlings at Jones & Partners

Client: Jones & Partners for Aircharge
Client Location: Oxford, UK

Web: Aircharge

As wireless charging technology emerged into mainstream adoption, Aircharge positioned itself at the forefront of this movement, bringing seamless power integration to commercial interiors, hospitality venues, and public environments. Jones & Partners collaborated closely with Aircharge to develop a comprehensive and brand-defining suite of wireless charging solutions tailored for real-world use across a wide range of contexts.

Joining the project in its later development stages, I supported the refinement and productionisation of the initial portfolio, overseeing DFM processes, addressing quality concerns, and guiding the products through sampling and pre-production. I then led the design and development of Surface Charge 2, Aircharge’s next-generation integrated charger, working on the project from initial concept through to final implementation.

The product ecosystem was built around removing barriers to user adoption and enabling wireless charging to integrate intuitively into daily life. Key developments included:

- Battery-powered wireless modules for mobile or isolated furniture applications

- Flush-mounted and stand-alone chargers for hospitality, workplace, and retail environments

- The Aircharge ‘Orb’ and keyring adaptor, enabling non-wireless devices to connect to the charging network, one of the few products globally to achieve Apple’s MFi certification and the only certified triple-headed wireless adaptor on the market

- A wireless charging desk mat, combining desktop organisation with integrated power for a clutter-free user experience

- A range of accessories, mounts, and organisers designed to enhance usability and eliminate friction in adoption

The success of the Orb adaptor led to Aircharge being approved as a certified global partner to Apple, cementing its credibility in the market and showcasing the quality and innovation behind the product development programme.

Blending industrial design, electronics integration, and user experience thinking, this portfolio transformed an emerging technology into a practical, elegant, and highly adoptable system, positioning Aircharge as a global leader in wireless charging solutions.

Modular Workplace Power Solutions with Consumer-Inspired Detailing | Product Design & Development by Ben Rawlings at Jones & Partners

Client: Jones & Partners for CMS Electracom
Client Location: London, UK

Web: CMS Electracom

CMS Electracom operate in a highly competitive sector, primarily serving the office fit-out market with power and data solutions. This new power delivery range was born from a strategic initiative to elevate their offering, positioning CMS as a more design-conscious brand with products that stand apart in both functionality and finish.

The aim was to create a portfolio of tactile, design-led power solutions that blended seamlessly into the modern workplace. Inspired by consumer electronics trends, the range incorporated refined detailing and soft material finishes to challenge the sterile aesthetic typical of the category.

As lead designer on the project at Jones & Partners, I guided the entire process from strategic positioning and concept development through to DFM and production. I developed a cohesive design language across the range, with iterative prototyping used to validate both the visual direction and key mechanical functions.

Power Rail

A modular power rail system designed for customisation and versatility, the Power Rail allowed users to configure a range of AC and DC modules to suit project requirements. Precision detailing, such as deliberate shadow gaps on the fascia, created a clean, architectural look and served to visually unify the range. Multiple mounting solutions were developed to suit different installation environments.

Portal

Portal is a flush-mounted power puck designed to fit standard desk grommet holes. It houses CMS’s AC and 100W USB-C modules in a compact form with minimal intrusion beneath the desk, making it ideal for folding or space-limited furniture. The visual language was pared back and refined, aligning with the softer, residential-inspired tone of modern commercial interiors.

Quibit

Quibit is a compact USB-A and USB-C charging module designed to be mounted either above or below the work surface. Available in single or double configurations, Quibit balances cost-effective manufacturing with high attention to detail. Its minimal footprint preserves usable desk space, while its signature fascia detailing—particularly the use of a subtle shadow gap, minimises visual misalignment and elevates the perceived quality.

Together, these products represent a holistic rethink of embedded workplace power, delivering user-friendly functionality, manufacturing efficiency, and elevated design detailing in a category often dominated by purely utilitarian solutions.

Modular Mobile Collaboration System for Evolving Workspaces | Product Design & Engineering by Ben Rawlings

Client: Jones & Partners for Task Systems
Location: London, UK

Web: Task Systems

Mixology Award Finalist in 2018 and 2019

The Arc Collection was developed in collaboration with PWC and Task Systems to meet the changing needs of modern office environments, where flexibility, mobility, and spontaneous collaboration are increasingly essential. What began as a single multi-functional work wall evolved into a comprehensive product family that enables space division, media sharing, and informal interaction across a range of commercial settings.

Launched in 2018, the original Arc 1000 combined space separation, a writable surface, acoustic dampening, and integrated storage in a highly mobile format. Its reception was immediate and impactful, earning a Mixology Award nomination and prompting demand for a broader, more versatile system.

As project lead from concept through to production, I was responsible for the engineering development and refinement of the full Arc product range. This included working directly with UK-based joinery partners, electronics suppliers, and PET thermoforming specialists to produce numerous in-house prototypes and test rigs. These were used to validate functionality, refine the design language, and ensure manufacturing feasibility before entering full-scale production.

Product Range Overview

Arc 1000

The original mobile collaboration wall featuring space division, integrated storage, acoustic PET panels, a whiteboard surface, and pinboard functionality.

Arc 2000

A wider 2m version of the Arc 1000, designed to divide larger spaces and create semi-private collaboration zones.

Arc Media

A mobile conferencing unit capable of supporting and powering screens up to 55”. Integrated with a custom-designed internal battery, it provides untethered AV functionality in agile workspaces.

Arc Window

A 2m wide social collaboration unit with a built-in standing-height desk and integrated wireless charging, battery powered for complete mobility.

Arc Plantation

A variation of the Arc 2000 with dual planter modules, introducing greenery into the workspace while maintaining large-format space division.

Each unit in the Arc Collection was designed to align visually and functionally, while responding to different modes of work, collaborative, focused, social, and digital. The collection has been praised for its versatility, aesthetic cohesion, and ease of integration into open-plan environments.

Biophilic Air Filtration System for Modern Interiors | Product Design & Development by Ben Rawlings

Client: Biome (Freelance)
Location: California, USA

Web: Biome

Taiga is a functional and visually refined air purification system developed by Biome to harness the natural oxygenating effects of indoor plants, combined with intelligent fan and sensor technology to monitor and improve indoor air quality. Targeting public spaces and office environments, the product embraces the principles of biophilic design, which have been shown to reduce stress, improve cognitive performance, and support circadian health in workplace settings.

Biome approached me following the development of their proprietary filtration and monitoring system, seeking support in translating their technology into a manufacturable, user-ready product. Working closely with their California-based supply chain, I led the design and engineering development of two premium sheet metal enclosures, portrait and landscape formats, that would house the system as either a wall-mounted or freestanding unit.

I was responsible for defining the internal architecture and assembly methodology, resolving all structural and DFM considerations, and producing detailed production data for Biome’s fabrication partners. Multiple prototypes were developed and iterated to meet both functional and cost performance targets.

In addition to the sheet metal structures, I supported the development of key internal components, including the plastic injection-moulded plant holders, ensuring they were robust, easy to install, and manufacturable. I also contributed to the refinement of the optional integrated lighting bar, enhancing both visual appeal and circadian lighting performance.

Taiga reflects a unique fusion of nature and technology, blending environmental wellbeing with precise engineering to create a product that enhances air quality while elevating interior space through form and function.

Modular Lighting Accessories for Flexible, User-Friendly Installation | Product Design by Ben Rawlings, In-House Designer at Plumen

Company: Plumen
Location: London, UK

Web: Plumen

During my time at Plumen, I developed a range of modular accessory products designed to expand the functionality and versatility of the brand’s lighting systems. The aim was to empower customers with intuitive, easy-to-install add-ons that enhanced creative freedom while staying true to Plumen’s design-led ethos.

The range was driven by real customer behaviours and feedback, particularly the need for intuitive, easy installation, aesthetic flexibility, and seamless integration with existing Plumen products. Working as part of the in-house team, I was responsible for the design and development of key accessories that improved the overall user experience and broadened the product offering.

Ceiling Hook

Customers frequently improvised ways to route or relocate pendant cables when installing Plumen bulbs. The Ceiling Hook was designed as a formal, elegant solution, allowing cables to be looped or anchored cleanly to walls or ceilings.

The final design featured a barrel-shaped machined aluminium housing that concealed fixings and visually integrated with the surrounding space. A knurled thumb screw enabled secure, tool-free adjustment of the cable position. The two-part assembly was precision milled to accommodate cable routing, internal threading, and a minimal profile on the wall or ceiling.

Drop Top Glass Shade & Mounting Ring

To give existing Plumen customers the ability to upgrade their pendants without reinstalling them, I designed a retrofit glass shade system compatible with the standard luminaires.

Multiple hand-blown glass shapes were explored to find the right balance of light diffusion, form, and brand alignment. Due to natural variation in hand-blown glass, I modelled and tested tolerance ranges to ensure a reliable fit across production runs.

The mounting ring was developed as a clever mechanical interface that clamped securely to the pendant without tools. It created a clean, unobtrusive platform for the shade to rest on, allowing customers to easily attach the diffuser post-installation.

Several rounds of prototyping and testing were conducted to refine the fit, finish, and ease of assembly. I worked closely with manufacturers to finalise the production tooling and ensure consistent quality across both glass and mechanical components.

This accessory range strengthened Plumen’s ecosystem by offering thoughtful, adaptable products that aligned with the brand’s identity and addressed real user needs—enhancing both customer satisfaction and product longevity.

Spun Steel Pendant for the Plumen 003 LED Lamp | Product Design by Ben Rawlings, In-House Designer at Plumen

Company: Plumen
Location: London, UK

Web: Plumen

The Plumen 003 is a distinctive LED bulb defined by its patented central structure, a faceted brass core surrounded by clear polycarbonate optics that diffuse light in all directions to create a warm, ambient glow. As the lamp neared completion, it became clear that a purpose-designed pendant would be needed to present it as a complete luminaire, one that matched the bulb’s premium aesthetic and delivered a seamless user experience.

As part of the in-house team at Plumen, I led the design and development of the Plumen 003 Pendant, collaborating closely with the company’s Creative Director to evolve the concept through multiple iterations. The form was designed to follow the unique curvature of the 003 bulb, resulting in an elegant concave profile that visually harmonised with the lamp's silhouette.

To maintain consistency with Plumen’s existing material palette and visual identity, the lamp holder cover was developed in spun steel. Given the complexity of the concave geometry and the undercut it introduced, I worked directly with the manufacturing supplier in China to devise a solution using a collapsible core with a two-part spinning tool, allowing us to achieve the desired form through metal spinning without compromising production feasibility.

A custom ceiling rose assembly was also developed, including an integrated mounting bracket. This allowed the bracket to be installed to the ceiling first, while the pendant could be wired and mounted separately, simplifying the installation process for end users.

Multiple functional prototypes were produced to refine dimensions and ensure proper airflow. Ventilation was added to the top of the housing and proved effective in maintaining safe operating temperatures.

Following final approvals, I created all relevant manufacturing and general assembly drawings, commissioned tooling for the spun steel cover, and managed several rounds of FAI (First Article Inspection) sampling to address and resolve production quality issues. The final product achieved CE, TUV, ETL, and PSE certification, allowing for global distribution.

Compact Privacy Router Designed for Simplicity and Mass Production | Product Design & Development by Ben Rawlings

Client: Passel (Freelance)
Location: New York City, USA

Web: Passel

Flter is a compact VPN router developed by Passel following a successful Kickstarter campaign. The device was built to protect user privacy, block malicious ads, and encrypt internet traffic at the network level, automatically securing every connected device without requiring individual installations.

I was approached by the Passel team to turn their functional prototype into a fully resolved, production-ready product. The design challenge was to create a low-cost, visually refined enclosure that could be assembled easily, while also aligning with the privacy-focused and trustworthy identity of the brand.

Working from early concept sketches, I developed a unique cylindrical form that subtly communicates airflow and performance. Ventilation was integrated into the top of the housing alongside a recessed logo detail, giving the device a simple but recognisable design language.

The enclosure was designed as a two-part plastic injection-moulded housing. It uses internal snap-fit hooks to eliminate the need for visible screws, creating a clean outer surface while enabling fast, tool-free assembly. The internal geometry includes tight-tolerance ribbing and pressure features to secure the PCB in place without mechanical fixings, further streamlining the production and assembly process.

The design was validated through a series of 3D printed prototypes, before being passed to a China-based manufacturing partner for tooling and sampling. I produced all relevant manufacturing documentation and worked closely with the supplier across multiple rounds of sampling to resolve minor flow and sink issues common in small enclosures.

The result is a cost-effective, compact, and easy-to-assemble product that brings VPN protection to the modern household in a form factor that reflects the transparency and simplicity of the technology inside.

Following the success of Flter, Passel re-engaged me to design and develop their next-generation product, Beam, a more powerful VPN router with expanded capabilities.