“

When I imagine a new product, I put myself first and foremost in the user's place without trying to get into the trends of the moment. I imagine new concepts and new solutions, without decorative effect. I want the understanding of the use of the product to be obvious. The emotions and interest generated by my creations result from their intuitive exploitation.

Christophe François

Design & innovation manager, lecturer

After having tackled the fine arts and architecture in the 80s, Christophe decides to express himself in the design.
A graduate of ESDI (Ecole Supérieure de Design Industriel Paris), he moved in 1990 to create furniture and intervenes on various industrial projects.

Attentive to detail, he maintains a constant dialogue between user observation, comfort and intuitive to design his products.

In the cycle department of Decathlon, Christophe will define the design of some landmark creations such as Hop, Hoprider and the famous B’twin bikes.

He works as a teacher in several schools of design, engineering, management and occasionally delivers conferences in France or India.

Convinced that design can improve the lives of people on a daily basis, he becomes the Premier Design Manager of the Saint Etienne conurbation (Creative City of Unesco, pioneer in France for the integration of design in its public and economic policy).

Above all guided by the search for a timeless simplicity and with the ambition to develop innovative products and services in the field of DIY, he integrates Kingfisher to deposit his creative dough until 2016.

Christophe François tries to invent new evidence. Today, it evolves in the sincere desire to undertake in accordance with its values.

Areas of expertise

  • Design Strategy
  • Education
  • Product design and services

My values

Smart

Clever concepts

Simple

For intuitive use

Durable

Because a product that lasts preserves our planet

Interview of M6 Capital

Watch the integral video

Experience

2011-2016

Kingfisher

Product innovation manager

– Design Management & User centric innovation.
– Project management: tooling, thermal comfort, electrical appliances, bathrooms etc.
– Collaborative products & services design (open-source design, fablab, etc …).
– Management of designers.

2010-2011

Saint Étienne Métropolis

Design manager, member of the Executive Committee

-Co-development of the design strategy of the Saint Étienne Métropolis, a UNESCO Creative City.
– Design Support to architectural project managers, public transport, street furniture, cultural and social projects.
– Acculturation of teams to design, training and conferences.

2000-2010

Kyo Design

Company Founder

– Design of high-end furniture for individuals and hotels.
– Design of products for specialized mass market distribution.
– Design, industrialization and commercialization of Hilow ottomans.

2004-2017

ISD Rubika – ENSAIT – Skema

Teaching experience

– Direction of studies, educational engineering.
– User-centered design teaching.
– Project management, partnerships with major industrial groups

1994-2000

Decathlon

Yachting Product Development Manager (Tribord brand)

– Analyses of uses, test missions.
– Project management from the brief to the implementation in stores.
– Product training for sales teams, sales follow-up.

Bicycle Design manager (B’twin brand)

– Design of bicycles, accessories and cyclist equipment.
– Recruitment and management of internal designers and external consultants.
– Corporate design, brand creation, graphic design.

1990-1994

Design reflex

Designer

– Creation of high-end furniture.
– Interior architecture, booth design.
– Design of household appliances and fittings (eg Bic Sport brand).
– Graphic design.

1990

Education & Training

ESDI

Graduate of the Ecole Supérieure de Design Industriel, Paris Master in design