Mohammad Hossein Namayandegi

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Mohammad Hossein Namayandegi ("MHN") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

MHN : I have a Master's degree in Industrial Design from the Tehran University of art. After graduation, I worked as a freelance designer and my main focus area was on ergonomic design and developing products for disabled people.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

MHN : I enjoy creative thinking and developing solutions that ease life and create better experiences for different groups of people.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

MHN : I studied mathematics in high school but decided to continue my education in the field of industrial design. I was interested in art since my childhood and studying design at university was a great opportunity for me to pursue my passion.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

MHN : I like to experience different kinds of projects. This can be more interesting and challenging. However, I really like to develop solutions for disabled people and make life easier for them.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

MHN : I think a designer who clearly understands the users and market trends can succeed, but the legends have unique styles that make their ideas distinctive.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

MHN : First of all, I look at the product from the potential user's perspective and imagine how much it can be effective to improve my life. Then I consider how easily it can be produced and have a competitive factor in the market.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

MHN : I haven't a special formula, but product efficiency, functionality, producibility, and appearance, are important design factors, and making a balance between these items can lead to a successful design solution.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

MHN : I like the design style of Zaha Hadid, Konstantin Grcic, and also Benjamin Hubert

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

MHN : As a designer, you need to understand people very well and listen to them carefully. Also, I think you should always keep your mind sharp by asking questions about almost everything, just like what children do. For example, is there any way to do this task easier? or how to make this device more accessible, producible, or greener?

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

MHN : I believe that good design creates a new experience for the users and improves human life through its desirable form and efficient function.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

MHN : Of course, my parents always encouraged me.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

MHN : currently, I am working on two projects, one is about ergonomic lighting and another one is about sustainable packaging design for perfume.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MHN : By reducing the waste of material and time, and bringing equality for all groups of people.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

MHN : Some years ago, I designed an interactive learning device for blind children and I really enjoyed doing that project because I feel it could be really effective in their life and make them feel happy.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

MHN : In the past, the invention of new materials such as plastics changed the world of design. Currently, it seems the wave of smart technology (Internet Of Things) is going to create new changes. However, the products' appearance is going to be minimal and simpler.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

MHN : It depends on the complexity of the project but usually between three to eight months

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

MHN : The process and applied tools in each step depend on the project, but in general, I follow these main phases: 1- Understand (Analyzing users, tasks, environment, trends, available technologies, etc.), 2- Define (Problems and their origin, Design Criteria, the ideal solution, limitations, etc.), 3- Make (Concept generation, development, and evaluation) and finally 4- Release (3D modeling, Rendering, providing, and technical data)

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

MHN : Actually, available production processes and materials would effectively define our limitations and potential. These items also have an impact on the cost of the products.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

MHN : I always think about how its design team comes to this solution and how I can learn from their idea. Some great design studios always have their special philosophy of design which make their works successful and pleasant.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

MHN : This is a great opportunity to have someone who can honestly evaluate your work and improve it. So I think my ideal design partner is very organized and careful about the details.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

MHN : learning something new, watching a good movie, or seeing a creatively designed object can make my day and sometimes ignite my mind. Watching children when they are playing also can motivate me to observe problems from different perspectives.