From semi-professional snowboarding to award-winning industrial design, Jostein Robstad is bringing 12 years of industry experience back to ATU

For Jostein Robstad, a career in industrial design has now brought him back to where an important part of it began.

Originally from Norway, Jostein is a multi-award-winning Industrial Designer with 12 years’ experience in product design and development. In May, he took up the role of Chief Technician at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) MakerSpace on the Sligo campus, where he is helping to develop the facility and support the next generation of makers, designers and innovators.

His appointment marks a return to Sligo for Jostein, who graduated with a degree in Creative Design and Innovation from IT Sligo in 2015. After graduating, his career took him back to Norway and into a diverse range of product design and development projects before bringing him once again to Sligo — this time as part of the ATU MakerSpace team.

From ideas to production

Jostein has built his career around taking ideas from the earliest stages of development through to functional prototypes and, ultimately, production.

His experience spans a wide range of industries and projects, covering user-centred research and development, product design, 3D printing, model making and rapid prototyping, as well as injection moulding, manufacturing, supplier coordination and quality control.

A particular focus throughout his career has been design for manufacture — understanding not only how a product should look and function, but also how it can be manufactured effectively and brought successfully to market.

For Jostein, the people who will ultimately use a product are central to the design process.

“I’ve always enjoyed taking an idea from an early concept through to something tangible that people can actually use,” he says.

His work has also received international recognition, including the DOGA Award for Good Design and the European Product Design Award. These achievements reflect the combination of creative thinking, practical problem-solving and collaborative working that has been central to his career.

Bringing industry experience to ATU MakerSpace

Now, Jostein is bringing that experience together with the hands-on, collaborative environment of ATU MakerSpace.

Based on the Sligo campus, the MakerSpace provides an environment where ideas can be explored, developed and turned into tangible outcomes through access to making technologies, equipment and expertise.

For Jostein, this presents an exciting opportunity to work with the wider university community and help people move from an idea on paper to a physical prototype — and potentially towards a finished product.

There are already a number of interesting projects in development, including work exploring the manufacture of surfboards and motorcycle fenders.

The possibilities extend across disciplines, with MakerSpace providing opportunities for students, staff, researchers and external partners to experiment, prototype and develop innovative solutions.

A passion for making

Jostein’s enthusiasm for design and making extends well beyond his professional work.

A former semi-professional snowboarder who travelled extensively, he has always enjoyed combining creativity with practical challenges. His personal projects include 3D printing his own surfboards and building furniture.

That curiosity and willingness to experiment is something he hopes to bring to MakerSpace — encouraging people to explore new ideas, learn by doing and discover what is possible when design and technology come together.

His journey from Norway to Sligo, back to Norway and now once again to Sligo is also an example of the opportunities that can grow from an ATU education.

Having first arrived in Sligo as a student, Jostein is now helping to create opportunities for the next generation of students, researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators.

Looking ahead

As Chief Technician, Jostein will play an important role in developing the activities and capabilities of ATU MakerSpace on the Sligo campus.

With his combination of industry experience, technical expertise and passion for hands-on making, he is looking forward to working with the ATU community and exploring new ideas and challenges.

Whether it is developing a prototype, experimenting with new manufacturing techniques or working on an ambitious new product concept, MakerSpace is a space where ideas can move beyond the theoretical and become something tangible.

For Jostein, that is what makes the role particularly exciting. “I’m always interested in new ideas, interesting problems and opportunities to create products that are useful and meaningful.”

Listen to the ATU Podcast

Hear more about Jostein’s career journey, his return to Sligo and his plans for the future of ATU MakerSpace in the latest ATU Podcast.

Listen to the ATU Podcast on Spotify

To learn more about ATU MakerSpace, its facilities, activities and opportunities to get involved:

Visit the ATU MakerSpace website

ATU MakerSpace is funded by Higher Education 4.0 under the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3.