Interview with Mohammad Hossein Namayandegi

From childhood, I was passionate about drawing and aspired to become a painter or graphic designer. However, during high school, I watched a documentary about the workflow in a product design studio and how products are developed. I realized that this seemed like a truly enjoyable career.

From my aspect, product efficiency, functionality, manufacturability, and appearance are crucial aspects. My goal is always balancing these factors and design a product that create a new and unique experience for users.

Actually, Industrial designers can experience a range of emotions throughout the design process. They may feel excitement while exploring new ideas, frustration when facing challenges, and satisfaction when successfully solving a problem.
The initial steps of the design process are usually the most challenging for me, where you need to gain proper understanding about the design objectives, and user's needs. But on the other hand, the process of idea generation is the most interesting part of the work.

My father owned a construction machinery company, and I always enjoyed watching how those machines operated. This exposure made me familiar with the technical design and production processes even before I became an industrial designer.

I'm always seeking new experiences and enjoy working on a variety of design projects, which has helped me continuously improve my knowledge. I am particularly passionate about developing solutions that make life easier for disabled people.

I recommend maintaining a healthy work-life balance, staying passionate about your work, and embracing failure as a natural part of our profession.

To excel as a designer, creativity is essential, and fostering curiosity is key to achieving it. Stay curious and open-minded to continuously explore new ideas. Additionally, you need to keep learning and invest in your professional development. Building a robust network of peers and professionals is also crucial for success in the field.
Finally, I suggest you to Balance Creativity with Practicality in your works and always consider the needs and experiences of the end-users.

Industrial designers typically experience a dynamic and multifaceted daily routine, involving a blend of creative, technical, and collaborative activities.
I begin by reviewing emails and project updates. Throughout the day, I might engage in activities such as design research, concept development, team meetings, design and prototyping, technical development, and preparing presentations. To keep my mind sharp and healthy, I also consider daily physical exercise too.

I stay abreast of the latest design trends through various methods, such as actively engaging with social media, following influential design blogs and websites, and participating in industry conferences and exhibitions.
Design trends have a substantial impact on consumer preferences, and market demand. Staying updated with these trends enables designers to craft products that align with current tastes and lifestyles, thereby enhancing their market appeal and success.

First, I evaluate the product from the potential user's standpoint, considering how effective it can be in improving their life. Then, I view the product as the producer, assessing how easily it can be manufactured and what benefits it offers in the market.

I typically finalize a project by obtaining positive feedback from both the user group and the client. To achieve this, I employ various tools such as prototypes and surveys at the end of the design process.

I think my best design work was a dual functional wheelchair/ walker.

I really admire the works of Zaha Hadid; they are both functional and emotional.

Besides design, I enjoy traveling and photography. These activities have allowed me to explore different cultures and visit inspiring and unique places.

Sometimes I work independently, but I generally prefer collaborating with talented and knowledgeable partners. This approach often enhances the final outcome and efficiency. New collaborators bring fresh perspectives that are essential. However, managing a large team can sometimes pose challenges and necessitate strong management skills.

As I mentioned before, I think design should ease human life, especially for people with disabilities, as they are facing more problems.

The A' Design Award team put significant effort into showcasing my achievements in the best possible way, ensuring that my work received the recognition it deserved.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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?

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

Of course, my parents always encouraged me.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Design for me is improving human life and creating a new experience.

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.

That was about designing a series of pallets for automotive parts which used to feed the assembly line.

Product efficiency, functionality, producibility, and appearance, are important and making a balance between these factors always leads me to revise the solution several times.

I think good design requires an innovative combination of forms, materials, and technology. It should be efficient, satisfying and easy to use.

Firstly, I look at the product from the potential user's standpoint and think about how much it can be effective in improving my life. Then I look at the product as the producer and consider how easily I can produce the item and what benefits it has in the market.

Most of the time, I get inspired by people's experiences when I talk to them or just watching them doing daily routines, and sometimes, I get ideas from nature and think this form or function can be converted to an ideal product. So people and nature are my main sources for inspiration.

The process and applied tools in each step depend on the project, but in general, I follow these main phases: 1- Understand (Analyzing users, task, 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)

The sense of being creative and solving a problem is something that designers enjoy. However, in some points of the design process, you might feel really frustrated, and also you have to consider so many aspects and fulfill various demands.

Creativity, good spatial perception, and presentation skills are crucial. A good designer has to be informed about the materials and production process, colors, and ergonomics too.

I utilize a wide range of software including Rhinoceros, Keyshot, AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop.

At the start of the project, I define the design process and steps which I should follow, then I assign exact time to each phase and consider a gap time between each phase as extra time, so I can be sure the project will be finished at the appointed deadline.

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

I really like to pursue my work in a big design studio or international company, where I can work in a group with great designers, challenge myself and improve.

It depends on project timing and complexity

Currently, I am working on different projects including a modular sofa and a bathing system for disabled people.

I can be reached by my email address: MHN.designplus@gmail.com