Rob Thompson is a designer living and working in London. He graduated from Central Saint Martins Product Design and went on to teach there for four years, specialising in materials and manufacturing.

He is co-founder of Creative Resource Lab, a consultancy that helps businesses innovate through design. At the Royal College of Art he is involved in a two-year research project to address the future design issues of emergency ambulances.

An award-winning designer, he has been involved in the development of materials and products for a range of international clients. His recent book, Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals, published by Thames & Hudson www.thameshudson.com, brings together some of the most innovative and forward thinking manufacturers. It is the definitive reference for 3D designers, product designers, architects and engineers who need a convenient, highly accessible and practical reference to help facilitate fast and efficient decision making in design projects.

You can visit his Material Progress blog and homepage www.formfoundation.com.