We are stoked having the chance to interview American industrial designer Jason ‘J3’ Desmarais in for a chat!

He’s pretty much the benchmark when it comes to snowboard bindings, so check out what Jay is working on at the moment!

FMCS: Please tell us a about yourself and your work.

Jason: I was born and raised in Burlington, Vermont USA and I have been a snowboard binding designer for 13 years.

FMCS: Where do you currently live and work?

Jason: I currently live in the City of Shenyang, China during the winters and the City of Dong Guan, China during spring/summer and fall.

FMCS: How come your great interest in industrial design and, more specifically, in designing snowboard bindings?

Jason: Every since I was a kid I was into downhill skiing, freestyle BMX, skateboarding and motocross. During the winters I went skiing, and during the summers I was biking or when I got older it was freestyle moto-cross. I was always into fixing my BMX bikes, skis and motorcycles, or whatever to make them better than the original design. I guess this is what started my fascination with design and making products better.

Finally in high school I tried snowboarding and I was instantly hooked… Snowboarding was in its infancy and my bindings always had problems and broke easily. So, a few years after learning to snowboard, I was making bindings by hand late at night in a company tech shop that I worked for. Within a few months my high school friend, his dad, their step brother/son and I started Technine Snowboard Bindings.

FMCS: What made you finally decide to come to China?

Jason: The original reason why I came to China is because we moved our binding production from Long Island, NY USA to China. After being in China for two years, I made the decision to leave the USA and move here. I moved here because I love being in China, and to learn a different language. I also wanted to learn as much about all kinds of different product techniques. I always go to our numerous factories to see what they are doing and what new process they have developed.

FMCS: What motivates you?

Jason: I get motivated for two reasons.
Number 1 is designing any kind of product. I really love to see my products develop from a shoddy hand drawn sketch on a piece of paper to seeing somebody that has bought them and are using them. I like to approach them and ask them if they like them. I never say that I designed it, but more like I want feedback to know how to improve it.

Number 2 is my love for snowboarding. Nothing beats a day on the hill with your friends and a couple feet of fresh snow. This year is my 18th year snowboarding and although I don’t ride 100 days anymore. I still get up to the mountain at least 35-45 days a year.

These two things definitely keep me motivated.

FMCS: What is your current project about?

Jason: Right now, I am designing a new binding that is multi-adjustable. Nobody has ever designed a binding with this much needed feature. We are trying to get 2 worldwide patents to protect this idea.

FMCS: Can you describe the evolution in your work from the first projects until the present day?

Jason: Back in the mid 90’s snowboard bindings were very primitive to what they are now. In the beginning we were barely using any high-tech materials and manufacturing processes. All parts of a binding were simple in design and production. These days bindings are very advanced in overall design. Plus they are designed to be lightweight and made with composite materials.

FMCS: Please describe the current innovations and changes of style in the snowboarding industry.

Jason: Every year snowboard products are being designed better than before and each company wants to out do the next. Overall function and aesthetics have to be top notch in order to survive. Function aside snowboard bindings need to have compound curves, multi-density EVA padding, embroidery, soft touch paint, metallic paint, water transfers, fake diamonds, metal emblems, laser etching, suede & leather straps, and bright gold colored screws.

Gone are the days of heavy bindings that broke, had nylon covered straps and a couple of screen printed logos on the baseplate and highback.

FMCS: What are your sources of inspiration?

Jason: Most of my inspirations for binding shapes come from German/ Italian car engineering. Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini have killer shapes and styling.

FMCS: What keeps you busy besides work?

Unfortunately the past few years, work has kept me very busy and it doesn’t leave much time left over for other things. I do a fair amount of traveling to visit home and for work. Last year I flew a little over 100,000 miles. If I was back home, I would be busy driving my car on curvy narrow mountain roads, tuning my car, hanging out with my family and friends. Oh and of course, snowboarding.

FMCS: Shout outs or add ons?

Jason: My family gets the biggest shout out! They have always let me do what I wanted and never gave me anything without working for it. They were in full support the day I left and let me do my thing. I also want to shout out all of my old & new friends, colleagues, and work mates whom I have met over the years!

BINDINGS AVAILABLE AT 9010SNOW

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