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.
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.
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?
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.
NRS : Always keep a positive attitude and be modest!
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.
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
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
NRS : If you feel you are good and you have something to say which is important, just do it!
NRS : Become a professional competition hand glider pilot. Movei producer / derectore Movie Stunt : )
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.
NRS : My partner in life, the mother of my three sons.
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.
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.
NRS : I am working on our next generation electric scooter which we are about to launch.
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.
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.
NRS : I start by sketching in my notebook.
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.
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.
NRS : They are a big part of the design.
NRS : I really appreciate the work it took to create the design or product.
NRS : My friend and boss from my last work place as an employee in Taga Innovations Design Studio.
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.
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.
NRS : Waiting for the weekend!
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.
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.
NRS : I like extreme sports. surfing and hand gliding are my main interests.
© 2020 Design Legends - All Rights Reserved
Design Legends platform highlights valuable insights from the best designers from across the globe; a great resource for all designers to learn, reflect and think about good design and how good design helps create value for the society.
Design Legends website was created by DesignPRWire and A' Design Award to promote truly great designers, outstanding architects and inspirational artists that contribute to the development and advancement of society with their outstanding works.