Janne Halttu

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Janne Halttu ("JH") 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?

JH : My education is purely Business School, but I have learned by doing things, ie. I have built 5 houses for my family and learning trade by doing it and asking. My job history is basically just 100% Provision based sales work. No work, no money..

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

JH : Need for something functional. There was honest need in market.

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

JH : Latter, because nobody else was doing it.

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

JH : I do Lighting desing and product design. I dont really have huge need to design and in daily life, its just problem solving.

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

JH : Haha. Keep on trying!

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

JH : I think im good. I make funtional products, Great would make it also beautiful.

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

JH : It has to be functional, that is simple for me.

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

JH : Functional design usually pays back with easier installation and more comfort when using items. Sometimes Goog design is even cheaper than bad design.

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

JH : Tough one, but I would say retirement house for me at the coast of any warm country. I would use all knowledge for 20 years of building and current lighting tech and design.

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

JH : Latter. I really want to design that house when I got the time..

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

JH : Patience and using bad products. After using bad products you realise what could be better.

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

JH : None, sorry.

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

JH : I dont really follow social media so current one are not known to me but architectual style of Frank Lloyd Wright Fallingwater House or Philip Johnsons Glass house. Those are closer to my taste of Modern Skandinavian design.

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

JH : TUNNELMA CCT led lights series. Plenty to choose from and they provide functional advantage and real benefits for user. You can have cooler light in the morning and warmer lights at the evening. Automatically if you like.

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

JH : You need experience with practical design.

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

JH : Same as I am now. Running Ledstore.fi lighting business.

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

JH : It serves need with practical function.

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

JH : Customers, really. I saw need.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

JH : Ability to do it daily.

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

JH : Like any other designer. Try hard, as long as you succeed.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

JH : In real world scenarios. I think products are made for using. Showcase your products in real scenarios.

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

JH : More something with Led lights..

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

JH : Somebody actially realises value of my design in daily life.

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

JH : Not sure.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

JH : Thats hard. Im not into politics, but using recyclable materials and making products that last long time.

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

JH : Ansvering this =) I have been doing building, renovating, etc for long time and this is first time im putting my self out there.

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

JH : TUNNELMA CCT led series, because i get feedback that it gives real functional benefits.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

JH : People stop buing cheap items and invest it good design. The poor can't afford to buy cheap.

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

JH : I thin everydoby is copying, but IoT is coming strong this year and in future. Automation.

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

JH : 3-12 months.

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

JH : Pen and paper. My ideas are always funtional.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JH : Try hard.

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

JH : Latter, because everybody wants to get piece of trends by trying to make money out of it.

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

JH : Strong, my productline relies on good technology.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

JH : Pen, paper and Photoshop.

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

JH : Thats secondary. First make it funtional, then pretty.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

JH : Where can I buy them?

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

JH : Is it functional?

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

JH : My employees. I ask them feedback.

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

JH : Customers really.

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

JH : By doing them my self and learning by doing, Youtube is nice!

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

JH : Steve Jobs. Id like to talk about functional design.

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

JH : Haha. No. Finland is such small country and I dont think it changes anything really.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

JH : Color: Black, Place: Beach at Cancun, Food: Pizza, Season: Summer, Thing: Computer, Brand: LedStore.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

JH : Few times getting electrocuted while testing.. We have some of them in older product videos.

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

JH : Working out and seeing customers happy.

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

JH : No.. My Childhood is full of drama and survival.

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

JH : Minority Report movie gives indication.

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

JH : I just want to thank for this opportunity. If you want something to be done, just do it!