A door handle is more than a simple mechanism; it is the primary physical handshake between a user and a space. Our client identified a distinct gap in the automotive hardware market: the need for a handle that offered high-end “designer” aesthetics without compromising on the heavy-duty reliability required in high-end automotive markets. RT engaged Outerspace to provide specialised technical services for the development of a flush-mounted, automatically presenting door handle. The challenge for Outerspace was to create a product that felt as refined as it looked, minimalist enough to complement modern automotive design trends, yet substantial enough to communicate quality the moment a hand reaches for it.
Precision You Can Feel At Outerspace, we believe that the best design is often felt before it is noticed. We treated the RT Door Handle as a study in tactile feedback and mechanical longevity.
Human-Centric Ergonomics: We spent significant time prototyping the “grip” of the handle. By meticulously refining the radii and the weight of the zinc alloy and stainless steel components, we ensured the handle sits naturally in the palm. This provides a sense of security and tactile comfort that is often missing from mass-produced alternatives.
Engineering the “Click”: Beyond the external form, we obsessed over the internal “guts” of the product. We engineered a high-performance spring system to provide a crisp, consistent return. Our goal was to eliminate the “sag” often found in older hardware, ensuring every interaction feels intentional, dampened, and quiet.
Simplified Integration: We recognised that for architects and builders, the installation process is just as important as the look. We developed a hidden fixing system that allows for a perfectly flush finish against the door, ensuring the minimalist silhouette remains uninterrupted by visible screws or cluttered hardware.
Sophisticated CMF: We curated a range of premium finishes, from deep matte blacks to brushed satins, ensuring the handle could be customised to suit diverse architectural palettes while maintaining its structural integrity over hundreds of thousands of cycles.
The RT Door Handle has become a benchmark for what is achieved when industrial design and mechanical engineering work in perfect harmony. By prioritising the tactile experience and ease of installation, Outerspace helped the client deliver a premium solution on their show car.
During the development of this handle, our team members visited the Chinese suppliers and the final customer to ensure a smooth transition from design to manufacture. Originally designed for the Radten Ruiteng RT1, the handle was used on show cars and testing vehicles.
Industrial Design – Crafting a timeless, minimalist architectural form.
Mechanical Engineering – Developing a high-cycle, precision-return internal mechanism.
Design for Manufacture (DFM) – Optimising zinc die-casting and stainless steel components for scale.
Ergonomic Research – Refining the tactile “handshake” and grip geometry.
Prototyping & Testing – Rigorous cycle testing to ensure long-term mechanical reliability.
