Johann Schmitz — Industrial Design
Johann Schmitz studies Industrial Design at Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design in Kiel. His work focuses on solving problems and improving the things around us through thoughtful design, material awareness, and sustainability.
Inspired by the beauty, versatility, and potential of materials, he is curious about how things work and how they might work differently. His designs combine functional thinking with playful ideas, giving familiar objects a new perspective.
01 ARC 3 — Small Batch Production
Lighting · Slumped glass, sheet metal, LED · Glass slumping, folding
This project reinterprets the classic Esbit camping stove, a long-standing example of compact and functional outdoor equipment, as part of a study of everyday objects we appreciate. Already remarkably simple, the original design is further refined through folded sheet metal, resulting in a compact, durable, and easy-to-build object that retains its full functionality.
The product consists of two open boxes that slide into one another to form a compact, portable case for Esbit fuel tablets, spacers, and a lighter. When pulled apart, the two elements transform into a functional stove, ready to use.
02 Camping Stove — Short Project
Esbit stove · Stainless steel · Folding, engraving
In collaboration with Draegerwerk AG, this project explores cost reduction for the Draeger X-am 5800, a portable detector for hazardous gases, through material optimisation and modular design. Initial concepts explored lightweight housings, conformally coated circuit boards, and interchangeable components. The final concept features five interchangeable sensor slots and a push-to-release mechanism for quick, tool-free sensor changes in the field, allowing a single device to meet different detection needs. Highly visible red, white, and green LEDs provide clear visual feedback for alerts, safe operating status, and charging.
03 Gas Detector — Design to Cost
Draeger X-am 5800 · PC-ABS · Modular design, prototyping
This manual citrus press is designed to efficiently produce larger quantities of juice at home. Its robust stainless-steel construction and spring-loaded rotary mechanism provide a durable alternative to short-lived or overly complex electric appliances.
Its clean form, distinctive pressing head, and stainless-steel finish make it a natural fit for modern kitchens. Carefully considered proportions and ergonomic handling ensure ease of use, while its simple mechanical design allows for easy disassembly, cleaning, and repair, extending its lifespan and reducing waste.
04 Juicy — Designed to Last
Juice press · Stainless steel · Rendering, printed prototypes
This project investigates weaving as a method for creating a sculptural wall lamp from wood veneer. Thin strips are softened with steam and shaped around vertical rods, forming a flowing structure that retains its shape once dry and hardened. The rods are then removed, leaving the strips in an offset, wave-like arrangement.
The result is a deconstructed form of weaving, creating a sculptural composition with a sense of rhythm and movement through the interplay of wood, light, and shadow.
05 Veneer Weave — Weave
Lighting · Wood veneer, MDF · Steam bending, weaving
A modular shelving system for books and everyday objects, infinitely expandable by hanging additional units beneath the topmost one.
Each module consists of a back wall, a shelf floor, and two to four side panels that can be positioned as side walls or dividers to organise objects or support leaning books.
Delivered as a compact 300 × 210 × 30 mm flatpack, each unit is assembled using integrated snap-lock hooks that securely connect its parts and release with a simple push of a finger, allowing for easy expansion, reconfiguration and disassembly.
Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design, Kiel · johann.schmitz@mkh-mail.de