Ergoplan

Ergoplan was a design agency operating in Jyväskylä in 1981 – 1993. The founding member and CEO of the company was Raimo Nikkanen, a distinguished industrial designer. Through Ergoplan, Nikkanen was involved in the development of professional electronics, hospital technology, furniture systems and kitchen appliances. For the general public, his work is certainly best known for Forste ‘s Helkama domestic appliances, where Nikkanen was a member of the design team. The name of the design agency also reflects Nikkanen’s interest in ergonomics research. He has been a key figure in applying ergonomics to product development and al design.

Raimo Nikkanen graduated as an industrial designer from the University of Art and Design in 1972. Later, he continued his studies in England and gained a degree in ergonomics. Nikkanen started as a design consultant in the early 1970s, after which he collaborated with many companies in various industries. Nikkanen has also lectured, first as a lecturer and assistant professor at the University of Art and Design and later as a professor of industrial design at Aalto University.

In 1993, Nikkanen’s work as an industrial design teacher and experienced design entrepreneur was rewarded with the Industrial Designer of the Year award. In their selection criteria, the Industrial Designers TKO Association praised his teaching career in particular. Raimo Nikkanen is known as a versatile developer of design education, and he has been instrumental in making the University of Art and Design one of the most prestigious art schools in the world.

Ergoplan’s archive contains documents, images, drawings, and prototypes created during the design process. Here you can see the catalogue of the Ergoplan archive and digitised drawings, photographs, and objects.

Read more about Raimo Nikkanen’s career in the Design Archives’ Industrial Designers online exhibition.