Dani Gassner and Ori Saidi
Dani Gassner is one half of the design duo that forms Ototo. He completed a Masters degree with honours in industrial design at the Domus Academy in Milan; and in 2002 Dani co-founded Studio Ototo in collaboration with designer Ori Saidi. Together they design fun and quirky modern home accessories, such as the recently launched Jumpin’ Jack Salad Servers.
What is the story behind Ototo? How did it originally begin?
Ototo in Hebrew means: any minute now, or – in a second. Ori & I studied together in Tel Aviv at the Ascola Design Academy. Back then we realized that we share the same vision…to design fun objects for every one!
What was the inspiration for the Jumpin’ Jack Salad Servers?
We love to play with scale. I had this image in my head of a man that had jumped into a salad bowl… : )
How would you describe your design style?
Fun design.
Which designers inspire you, and why?
That’s a hard question – there are so many. Leonardo de Vinci is one of them.
What iconic building, piece of furniture or home accessory do you wish you had designed?
The International Space Station.
Do you have a favourite style of music to listen to for inspiration when you’re designing?
No. most of the time the radio is just turn on.
How do you like to relax when you’re not designing?
Sleep. As much as the kids let me…
