Nimrod Riccardo Sapir

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Nimrod Riccardo Sapir ("NRS") 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?

NRS : My childhood education was totally normal. I was a slow learner and didn't really fit in the system. Since I can remember, I have been creating things; I was a fanatical LEGO builder from the age of 3 and built my own toys out of wood. From an early age I was fixing my parents’ electrical appliances (eg: record players, food mixers etc.). When I was 14 I met a friend of my parents who was a graphic designer. I was very inspired by his work and from that time on I knew I wanted to be a designer, although of what type I still wasn’t sure. When I was 22 my good friend started to study Industrial Design. When I looked into it I realized that I didn't really find an interest in other degrees. That this was the type of designer I wanted to be. This led me to do a degree in Industrial Design in HIT Israel. In 2009 when I initiated my start up MYWAY (INOKIM), I was actually involved in so many fields that I considered doing the following degrees; business, economy, export and shipping etc. but I was always overstretched and never found the time or a deep interest.

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

NRS : I love creation and I like to have my interpretation of objects, products and functions. Together with this I needed an income. So what could be better than combining these together?

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

NRS : Obviously I chose to become a designer. This occupation fits me like a glove. I love creation and I like to have my interpretation of objects, products and functions.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

NRS : Always keep a positive attitude and be modest!

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

NRS : A great designer is one who surprises and gets unexpected results from his commissioner especially if he gains additional benefits which were not set out in the first place i.e. he does above and beyond the commission. In addition, there are many other approvals for being a great designer e.g. the commercial success of the product he designed, being accredited and mentioned in relevant material, winning awards and mainly making a change with the products you designed.

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

NRS : When a designer can explain every detail of his design verbally; what was the reason for this detail, line etc. so that every detail has a purpose, this disguishes it as a really good design

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

NRS : Exactly like the question itself, design is an investment. The more you invest, the more you get and the only limit should be the timetable and time to market. Of course you should know how to manage time and invest it well.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

NRS : Every task from big to small has it's own challenges. I cannot think of anything in particular that I would like to design. I definitely do not think that designing a new car is more interesting than designing new earphones.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

NRS : I think designing my electric scooters is to me, realizing my personal dream. Seeing them used globally, seeing the brand noted and tagged as well as copied, what else could I ask for?

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

NRS : During my first years of study in the early 80's, I fell in love with Luigi Colani. Later I found Ron Arad designs very interesting as well as Philip Spark. Peter Schreyer became a favorite a little later on as did Sir Jony Ive.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

NRS : My greatest design is the MYWAY QUICK. This was my first electric scooter with which I went into production. I integrated into it 5 elements which made it what it became to be: 1) using the brush-less hub motor inside the wheel instead of a chain and an external motor 2) using a lithium ion battery 3) using aluminium extrusions for all the main parts instead of steel tubes and welding 4) a quick open and fold mechanism 5) packaging all these elements together with a neat, clean and attractive design. It has a great design. It made a change in the mobility market by taking personal mobility one step forward. It succeeded to become a micro mobility vehicle on a global spread.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

NRS : If you feel you are good and you have something to say which is important, just do it!

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

NRS : Become a professional competition hand glider pilot. Movei producer / derectore Movie Stunt : )

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

NRS : Design on any scale is simply renewing and reflecting on an idea through an object. Whether it's in the field of graphic design or photography design, or any other.

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

NRS : My partner in life, the mother of my three sons.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

NRS : When I finished my studies and wanted to integrate into the furniture industry, I overheard a remark from a factory manager "you designers just know how to make nice drawings". It was insulting. I needed to master usage of computer engineering software's such as CAD in order to present my designs with engineered solutions which were appreciate by industry factors.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

NRS : Just as a known artist is expected to have a successful, interesting and innovative song/painting etc, the same is true in connection to me.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

NRS : I am working on our next generation electric scooter which we are about to launch.

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

NRS : The scooters that I have designed. Any which I see randomly either in the street, behind the shop window, tagged on social media, etc. It's more about the recognition of the product.

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

NRS : It depends what you mean by finalize. If it means from the date I start designing the concept until production, it normally takes around a year.

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

NRS : I start by sketching in my notebook.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

NRS : My motto is to keep it clean by using the least shapes as possible (or at least visible shapes). Make it simple - more is less and less is more.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

NRS : Obviously it's both. Like any evolution, everything is integrated. Some follow the trends but some mutations may create a new trend which will be followed.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

NRS : They are a big part of the design.

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

NRS : I really appreciate the work it took to create the design or product.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

NRS : My friend and boss from my last work place as an employee in Taga Innovations Design Studio.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

NRS : I worked really hard. I invest many hours and late nights. I think I'm very stubborn, motivated and I don't compromise until I feel I have reached my target.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

NRS : I have big shades and a large brimmed hat I wear every time I leave the house. Just joking! Seriously, I'm famous only among my electric scooters industry.

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

NRS : Waiting for the weekend!

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

NRS : Nothing is obvious. But looking back at my childhood I think I did outstanding things relative to my age in respect to creating things.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

NRS : I hope that we will still exist and live comfortably. As we just learned recently, surprises do happen. A thousand years is a very long period especially in the era where development is accelerating but the nature around us is retreating.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

NRS : I like extreme sports. surfing and hand gliding are my main interests.