Meet the Boost Team – Chris

Want to know more about the wonderful humans who work at Boost? Of course you do! Each week a member of the Boost team will be writing a blog to introduce themselves and their role. We hope that you enjoy getting to know us better!

This week’s blog is by Chris!

Hi, my name is Chris Hawken, and I am the Design Director of Boost Innovations.

I was a design engineer living in East Cornwall, running my consultancy Kooth Design when I was approached by Sam to develop the Boost Breast form.  I was interested in prosthetics and my Aunt had suffered with breast Cancer – so naturally I wanted to help.  Kooth Design worked in a variety of industries ranging from interior design to precision lightweight composites, but all required a broad understanding or manufacturing. There is only one thing better than developing a design, and that is bringing it to life.

The early Boost concept was limited in its design by its dependence on 3d Printing, which was used to achieve the lightweight structure,  so I set about revising the design to be mass produced.  With my experience in injection moulding, I was able to retain the lightweight and breathable features of the concept but apply it to a more conventional moulded product. I then produced the prototype tooling in my small workshop, which allowed us to test the breast form and prove the concept.  From there it has been a long journey to where we are today!

From the outset, Sam and I were clear that Boost should be a company that values people above all – customers, employees, and ourselves! To be able to do our best work, continue to be innovative and punch above our weight, it was important that the business suited our lifestyles and listened to the people we engage with. We pride ourselves on being a truly human centred company and want to continue this in everything we do – especially in design. This and a bit of Cornish lifestyle is what makes Boost such a great environment to work in.

On a personal note, I want to take this opportunity to thank our Boost community for the support, encouragement and praise you have shown us.  Designers often create things that the world doesn’t need, so to design something that might improve someone’s life is truly humbling and gives me perspective that I didn’t have before. This journey and indirectly our customers and community, have changed me for the better and gives me the energy to keep pushing and innovating further.

Thanks again,

Chris