Last May saw the release of a new edition of L’Hobbiz, the biannual magazine published by AKT, the CCI Liège-Verviers-Namur. iol was pleased to be mentioned several times in the special feature dedicated to design.
L’Hobbiz is a 60-page print publication that highlights the journeys of the men and women shaping the everyday economy, showcases the dynamism of (future) entrepreneurs, and underlines the role of AKT-CCI Liège-Verviers-Namur in supporting business leaders.
This first 2025 edition put the spotlight on companies that invest in design. As a key player in industrial design in Wallonia, we were delighted to discover several testimonials from our clients alongside our own feature article.
It inspired us to compile a selection of impactful insights in a digital format — shedding light on experiences that might just tip the balance in favor of future collaborations.
For example, Cilyx emphasized the economic value of industrial design when developing a visual identity tailored to their own machines:
“[…] it is largely cost-effective compared to the price of a fully designed machine. Having certain parts pre-designed does not necessarily add significant additional cost.”
They also highlighted the tangible impact within the industrial environment:
“Clients appreciate the machine’s finish and overall look. […] In production facilities, machines are very often referred to by the supplier’s name. It mattered to us that clients remember us.
[…] Showing that the job is well done, that we pay attention to detail and go all the way, aligns perfectly with our high-tech engineering company.”
Full Cilyx interview
Dock Marine Europe highlights the importance of close collaboration, especially within a smaller organizational structure:
“[…] without iol — without their design expertise, their knowledge of materials and subcontractors — this project would never have come to life.”
They also emphasize the team’s creative strength:
“It was iol’s experience, their critical mindset, their inventiveness and, above all, their responsiveness that won over the City of Paris.”
Full Dock Marine Europe interview
Socabelec, for its part, is already planning to renew the experience:
“The value of working with iol lies in the fact that they understood what we were explaining and had simulation tools compatible with ours. When they made proposals, we were able to assess whether they suited our needs. The collaboration went smoothly. In addition, they have strong connections with subcontracting companies and the availability required to ensure production.”
Full Socabelec interview
Automation & Robotics finally emphasizes the added value of a long-term collaboration:
“After several projects together, the agency has gained a strong understanding of the aspects that matter most to us, particularly our visual identity guidelines. For our latest inspection machine, the Neomapper, the design process with iol was even smoother. There is a clear return on investment.”
Full Automation & Robotics interview
BaByliss (an iol client, although the project featured in the interview was not designed by iol) also highlights the importance of synergies during the design process:
“We assemble all the internal components, discuss them with the engineers, and carry out all internal optimizations. It’s truly a team effort throughout the entire process.”
They conclude with a compelling definition of design:
“[…] design is the way to move from a user need to the reality of a great experience. It’s about making everything easy, simple, and ideal.”
Full BaByliss interview
These testimonials show that industrial design is far more than a matter of aesthetics. It contributes to brand recognition, enhances product ergonomics, improves profitability, and strengthens the credibility of those who use it as a strategic lever.
At iol, we are convinced that thoughtful design is a driver of innovation, differentiation, and performance.
This compilation is not meant to say everything, but rather to illustrate — through concrete experiences — the value of a collaboration built on listening, expertise, and creativity.