Interview with Morvarid Hashemi

Global design and environmental considerations are among my concerns in the field of product design.

With a high-school diploma in mathematics, I entered the field of interior design through independent courses at the bachelor’s level. My personal interest in industrial design, its user-centered nature, the high level of creativity involved, and the opportunity to work across different areas of design made me eager to pursue a second bachelor’s degree in this field. This led me to attend preparatory classes for the master’s entrance examination and to gain admission to a public fine arts university in Turkey.
I have worked on ideation and design in different fields. Producing products in any field, identifying and designing for needs, and inventing products have been my main concerns.

My intense interest in and enthusiasm for design led me to work in organizational design, product design, and robot design. My robot design passed the first stage at TÜBİTAK in Turkey and advanced to the next stage.
Developing the idea for and designing a national educational product in Iran for blind and visually impaired children—and unveiling it as the first toy of its kind designed in Iran by an Iranian—was a major experience and a source of pride for me. At present, through My Way, I have also brought new and creative educational products for teenagers, focused on personal development, to the production stage for presentation in schools.

Thomas Hauffe’s book on the history of industrial design, which was one of the reference books for the master’s entrance examination in this field, inspired me.
In my view, interest, persistence, personal creativity, visual study, and up-to-date knowledge are the most important qualities of a committed designer who is genuinely interested in this field.

Because of my personal interest in and familiarity with different areas of design, my creativity and ability to analyze the design process—and even my work in jewelry design—have reminded me of the importance of flexibility in design. Precision, the ability to identify and analyze current problems, and continued practice are among the reasons for success in this field.

One of designers' daily activities is analyzing and working through the design process, to the point that this way of seeing becomes clear and tangible in everyday life. Remaining aware of current concerns by participating in society as an observer, and strengthening one’s visual perspective through active involvement in design, are the most important qualities.

Creativity, an up-to-date concept, and the designer’s ability to identify needs are essential. Equally important are the ability to persuade others, identify the target audience, and develop an appropriate design scenario. The application of scientific approaches to industrial design—and the influence of the profession on a country’s culture and industry—can help shape developments, trends, and movements. Ideation and investment in new concepts and inventions can improve today’s quality of life while contributing to economic progress and new achievements in modern human civilization.

“Every day is better than the day before.”

Addressing everyday needs and emerging global concerns, and developing ideas for inventive products across different fields—with creativity and innovation at their core—are among both my interests and strengths as a designer. In my design practice, I have focused on original and innovative concepts, with a particular emphasis on luxury products aimed at affluent consumers.

To be devoted to design for the environment—with a focus on green and organic design—and the design of experiences centered on creativity in lesser-known fields are among the projects I would like to pursue in my continuing work in design.

Designers are creative and strategic thinkers, often described as “whole-brain designers” because of their capacity for both intuitive and analytical thinking. Within this T-shaped model, innate talent is recognized as one of the most prominent qualities in design. Specialized teamwork and meaningful collaboration can act as catalysts for transformation, producing innovative solutions to commercial, economic, cultural, and even political challenges. The secret to my personal success lies in my dedication to my responsibilities and in my innate ability as a designer to bring the design process to a successful conclusion quickly.

The work of Marc Newson and Walter Gropius; Raymond Fernand Loewy, the French designer who worked in many fields in the United States and is regarded as a pioneer of American industrial design; and Steve Jobs and Apple have all inspired me. Watching a documentary about Steve Jobs’s professional life also made him one of the most inspiring prominent figures for me.

The Thonet brothers’ technique of bending wood under pressure have inspired me. Wassily Kandinsky is one of the artists who has inspired me most in painting. Because of my personal interest in abstract painting and auto-writing similar to Minjae Lee’s, these interests have been with me since my teenage years. In Iran, I have also been inspired by architect Alireza Taghaboni’s projects.

In the field of personal development, as a student of interior architecture and industrial design in Iran and Turkey, I worked on design and educational projects at a development center for children without parental care or with inadequate parental care. At the master’s level, I designed a gadget in the same area; the design advanced through the first stage of a Turkish knowledge-based organization’s design call.
Later, because of the problems present in the environment in Iran, I began developing educational ideas for children and teenagers. An educational puzzle game—designed as a national project that reimagined a carpet loom to support the creativity and imagination of blind children—was unveiled.

Following the way society develops from day to day, addressing current concerns with a focus on creativity, and correctly identifying one’s target group and community.

Sculpture, a visual discipline within art, is one of the most enjoyable fields and a new area of interest for me. It allows me to set aside the product’s utility, function, and cost, and to focus on its artistic and creativity-centered aspects. It is my latest choice of specialization for further study, this time in Italy.

In general, there are differences between the abilities of a designer and those of an artist. In industrial design, innovation and functionalism are my primary priorities. However, visual thinking and visual aesthetics—particularly in fields such as experience design—open the door to a limitless world. For me, this boundless realm provides endless opportunities to explore creativity and innovation and achieve new outcomes.

My innate talent and the support of my father, who is an engineer and architect, have been important to me. I also have obsessive-compulsive disorder, a strong attention to detail, a high level of creativity, and boundless curiosity that is difficult to control. I find solving different challenges in life an enjoyable pursuit.

A curious outlook and a strong visual perspective—sometimes an architectural one—toward my surroundings, life, and every field.

Because of my personal interest in art, I did not have the opportunity to study it in high school. While studying mathematics, I pursued design and auto-writing and visited art exhibitions in Austria. I did not have the chance to continue working in abstract art, apart from participating once in an exhibition at Milad Tower. Later, after receiving a certificate for teaching painting and creativity, I began teaching with a new method.

Identifying a design subject and developing the designer’s idea by participating in relevant calls, or by working with specialized and international teams.

My exhibition activities and personal artistic projects are in the field of sculpture.

Conveying an artist’s way of thinking and worldview to concerned and creative people in any field is considered a designer’s motivation.

Carefully studying the community and the designer’s target group in order to respond professionally to human needs—even within a branch of design—is one of the most important and effective ways of contributing to human society.

Considering problems and the potential of the environment, and carefully examining important aspects of the design process—with a focus on research and design—in order to find a solution to the current problem.

Following the project I submitted to the A’ Design Award competition, as well as the development of My Way’s services and educational products, I am currently exploring new subjects and examining original and creative concepts. The complexity and depth of the content are particularly important to me.

Projects centered on visual appeal, innovation, creativity, and ideation that lead to new products.

My aim is to reflect and communicate contemporary concepts within the global community while creating products that emphasize environmental considerations, ergonomics, entertainment, and creativity in everyday life. Such designs can create the kind of spectacle normally associated only with pop music and cinema—an approach exemplified by the celebrated French designer Philippe Starck.

Self-expression and experiential design; technical advances; cultural developments; and environmental aesthetics.

It depends on the area of design, although I have generally gained experience in different branches. For example, when developing product-design ideas and gathering information, less time is spent reaching a result and finding a solution through the design process. During the presentation or prototype-production stage, the designer can make corrections and edits.

A short amount of time is spent on the design process, initial sketches, and the intended content, with a focus on technical methods, preparing execution details, and building a prototype.

Living freely, experiencing life, and engaging with one’s individual life gain meaning through one’s outlook and personal interests.

Based on lived experience, new processes and movements are created through the unique perspectives of thoughtful and pioneering people.

It is extremely important and helps the design process succeed.

Rhino; V-Ray; and the Shapr3D app for iPad.

Overall, considering the climate and the texture of the environment is significant in terms of aesthetics. Using color and local materials, and taking the environment into account, are important.

What part and proportion of society’s needs have been addressed? What was the main purpose of creating the project—evoking a feeling, communicating a concept, or something else?

To what extent were creativity, functionality, and the product’s aesthetics employed, and what concern or objective motivated the designer of the work?

Flexibility and a strong willingness to take risks; discipline and professional ethics; expertise in my field; an interest in the arts; creativity; and a vivid imagination accompanied by a distinctive worldview and personal perspective. In keeping with contemporary approaches to design, I value collaboration and specialized work within multidisciplinary teams. I believe in being team-oriented rather than avoiding teamwork; for me, moving beyond the image of the solitary designer is fundamentally a human concern.

People with experience in artistic fields such as painting, because they possess strong visual and three-dimensional perception as well as specialized and international experience in their field of interest, particularly in exhibitions.

Modern psychological theory inspires my life, as do studying Thomas Hauffe’s concise history of industrial design and Mehdi Asl Fallah’s design studies.

My interest in design developed during my bachelor’s studies in Interior Architecture. While studying at different universities, I gained experience in various branches of the field and also taught design-related courses. The breadth of design and its immense potential for creativity, innovation, and invention across different areas inspired me to work persistently, gain further experience, and strengthen my design abilities. This journey has involved extensive research, adaptability, and a willingness to explore different branches of design.

Steve Jobs; Piet Mondrian; Raymond Loewy; and Walter Gropius.

Purple; Bagan in Myanmar; sushi, although I am vegetarian; summer; my own products; and D&G in fashion.

I currently live in Iran with my husband. He works in photojournalism and documentary production, and we have been active in Iran for about five years. Iran is experiencing wartime conditions and a crisis. The absence or shortage of up-to-date materials, the lack of professional industrial-design companies, and limited familiarity with this profession are serious and complex problems for me.
During the war, Iranians had no access to the internet for several months, and I lost the opportunity to present my exhibition work in New York. Execution and production in Iran remain at a very low and basic level. As a result, one of my designs in the historical category of the A’ Design call was unsuccessful because it was not up to date, because of the quality of its execution, and because its design scale had been changed. Its historical concept, supporting material, and product design were overlooked.

As an artist and designer, I find it extremely valuable to work in an international environment and collaborate with a professional, multidisciplinary team. Such an environment would allow me to demonstrate my core design abilities and contribute meaningfully to the design and analysis stages, helping the process progress toward innovation.

Yes, absolutely. It was clear and prominent in my personality and personal inclinations. I generally defined life through creative activities and an interest in discovery, innovation, and invention. I was drawn to complexity even in painting; after learning the basic principles of art, I enjoyed abstract work and auto-writing.

In my view, a new human civilization will be created by creative and concerned people with great courage. During my research, I built a model and an artistic element titled ‘Industry and Art.’ My view of the future is very bright and exciting.

Flexibility, a willingness to take risks, and an interest in gaining experience across different branches of design are strongly evident in my personal life. Discipline and personal development are tangible and highly important aspects of my life. A designer’s principal characteristic is an interest in solving problems and challenges in the environment under any circumstances, even during a crisis. This is the most enjoyable part of my life.

My Way Design Studio was established with a focus on educational and entertainment products for children and adolescents. Through our website, we provide content related to talent identification and the development and cultivation of abilities within this age group. Our products are also introduced in schools across Iran. By visiting our website, children can participate in the talent-identification process with the help of a daily journal provided to them.

The functional and problem-solving aspects of industrial design - particularly within my own living environment - highlight the importance and essential role of this field. At the same time, as modern individuals encounter an increasingly self-sufficient world, it becomes inevitable to consider the role of art and the identity of the artist as a complex and limitless individual. The fascination of human beings and their creativity, together with achievements based on self-expression and experience design, becomes increasingly significant.

I believe that experience design and the complexity of the design environment can be highly engaging. In general, any field that leads to the creation of original, creative, functional, or even minimalist and modern content or works - regardless of the period - can be fascinating. This is particularly true when the work focuses on existing challenges or even on the design and creation of new needs, which I consider one of the most fascinating and complex areas of design.

So far, my work has explored the concept of living freely, the creation of enjoyable and user-centered products, and the development of products intended to solve environmental problems and contribute to environmental protection. My projects have also included the simple, minimalist logo of My Way Design Company and a flower-packaging design that received a Bronze Award in an Italian design competition.

During my university studies, after obtaining my certificate as a painting instructor for children, I developed an educational method for this age group. I taught this approach at a private institute under the title "The Creativity Triangle," a creativity-centered painting method comprising three courses focused on color, form, and materials. By introducing engaging themes, the program ultimately led to an exhibition of works by children and adolescents.

My initial interest in this profession arose from its forward-looking nature and the appeal of products. For example, Streamlining, modern works in the field of styling, the advancement of industrial design, and the significant role it played at the time in strengthening the American Dream all captured my attention. I am especially interested in expressing this creativity through products centered on green design and in experimenting with new materials through sculpture. Remaining up to date and using innovative materials to help protect the environment are particularly important to me.

Design plays a meaningful role in my personal life every day. I pay attention to a wide range of subjects and challenges, including organizational design, branding, food design, the creation of specialized content such as educational methods, product design, and even intangible forms of design within the field of experience design. The design and identification of needs also hold a special place in my everyday life. In general, however, I believe that better outcomes are achieved when designers work in contemporary environments and contribute as members of specialized international teams.

My intuitive ability throughout the design process and in design thinking, together with my personal preferences and my consideration of the surrounding environment, its challenges, and the broader design context, directs my attention toward possibilities and concepts that can contribute to solving problems. This is naturally followed by a strong emphasis on aesthetics, composition, contemporary materials, and the modern character of the product. Finally, I consider the quality of execution and the use of appropriate technologies essential to the production of contemporary products.

News reports were published about an Iran Toy Association exhibition that was intended to unveil my national game design for blind and visually impaired children. Unfortunately, the exhibition was cancelled because of the war.
At present, I am studying a foreign language in preparation for continuing my education abroad at the master’s level in sculpture. I plan to present long-term research projects in this field.

After completing a product-design project, I consider its functionality within its intended environment and its effectiveness for its target audience particularly important. I also pay close attention to production details, the use of local materials, and the incorporation of historical or complex concepts. Environmental considerations are among my highest priorities in every area of design.

A broad and comprehensive perspective, a designer's curiosity - even in everyday life - and an awareness of the visual beauty of the surrounding environment can all contribute to the success of a project. Designers should keep their visual perspectives current by attending international exhibitions and following contemporary developments in design and materials through digital media. A designer's identity as an international practitioner, sensitivity to the relevant cultural context, and the visible presence of the artist's individual character can also play an important role in a project's success.

Attention to detail, the materials used, aesthetics, the concept, and the artist's creativity and willingness to take risks are all essential.

Attention to aesthetic matters - such as reducing the number of connections or joints within a product - along with careful consideration of the design environment and the selection of biodegradable materials to prevent environmental harm, are among the professional responsibilities of designers today. Awareness of cultural issues, the intended target audience, and contemporary social concerns further enhances the value of product design.

In 1909, Walter Gropius, the founder of the Bauhaus School of Applied Arts, recognized the importance of familiarizing students with art history and encouraging them to create new forms that would establish a connection between fine art and design. The global economy provided further motivation for the emergence of revolutions, while the communications revolution brought significant changes to the everyday lives of modern people. Human thought and effort have continuously sought new and modern ways of living. For me, this involves approaching needs from a new perspective by combining technology and industry, with particular emphasis on material technology and the use of innovative materials that contribute to environmental protection.

16. News reports were published about an Iran Toy Association exhibition that was intended to unveil my national game design for blind and visually impaired children. Unfortunately, the exhibition was cancelled because of the war.

I value artists who are deeply engaged with particular issues and possess distinctive perspectives in their respective fields. I am generally interested in redesigning needs from the ground up in ways that can lead to new innovations and inventions. Exploring complexity and addressing the different aspects of design feels like an exercise, a form of entertainment, and a way of playing with my innate creativity, which I find extremely enjoyable.

At the beginning of my career, interior design introduced me to a different, architectural way of seeing. Later, as I continued my education and changed fields, my strong interest in challenging my inner creativity led me to product design, where it was possible to work in virtually any area. Initially, global design standards, functionality, and users’ needs were my primary considerations. However, we have now reached a stage where design can be created more freely for its environment. At present, creativity, complexity, style, and the artist’s vision—with an emphasis on aesthetics—are particularly important.

I entered the profession I was passionate about under the difficult circumstances prevailing in Iran. In general, industry and product design are among the less developed and less specialized fields in this country. However, because of my personal interest, I have conducted research and developed designs specifically related to Iran’s history and culture. In particular, last year I designed an educational game for blind children based on Iranian culture and symbolism. For the first time, I developed a prototype of a national product for the Iran Toy Association. The design was unveiled shortly before the war between Iran and the United States, and reports about it were published by Iranian news outlets.

At present, properly established independent industrial design companies do not really exist in Iran. As a designer, I cannot work professionally across different design disciplines. Private companies operating in industrial design are uncommon and generally work in very limited areas. However, officially registered companies do exist in renovation, architecture, and interior architecture.

Experience in different branches of design is an important asset. Overall, however, I believe the most important qualities are creativity, flexibility, the distinctive ability of a designer to perceive the surrounding environment from a unique perspective, genuine engagement with relevant issues, and an interest in the problem-solving process and environmental challenges.

. Depending on the design subject and the field involved, I usually begin with a personal interest and a prominent theme that I establish as my objective. I then develop and refine the idea while exploring its different design aspects, particularly in terms of innovation.

“The Sun” was a decorative product inspired by my interest in Iranian culture and history. It was not accepted by the A’ Design Award because of a change in the scale of the product. I submitted it as a PDF in the historical category.
While studying for my master’s degree in Istanbul, I created and presented an art piece titled “The Confrontation Between Industry and Art,” using ducting and various other tools.
During my bachelor’s studies in interior architecture, I designed a distinctive portfolio with an interesting mechanism for every practical course presentation.
During my school years and childhood, I also devised and designed one of my most creative games in the form of a coded wall newspaper for an English-language class.
I creatively designed and produced a highly user-centred daily planner for personal development. Without it, I would be unable to organize the large number of detailed tasks I have to manage.
Inspired by the modern psychological principles presented in the book Choice Theory, I developed a national design for blind and visually impaired children. Its purpose was to familiarize them with their cultural roots and encourage them to use their creativity to reconstruct their ideal world while learning Persian and English Braille.

24.There is a boundary between my professional and personal life, particularly in my interactions with others. However, because designers have a distinctive perspective on existence and the meaning of life, their professional outlook is also reflected in their private lives. Even on an ordinary day, when I intend to distance myself from analyzing my surroundings, examining environmental challenges, and considering visual aesthetics, I follow a specific personal-development routine as a vegetarian. I usually live alone and spend my time working on projects, learning languages, and following a three-to-six-hour exercise routine at home. Outside this routine, I leave home to sell my products to schools, attend to personal matters, and enjoy leisure activities.

I would recommend changing one’s personal perspective and way of seeing the surrounding environment, developing the ability to analyse a design subject, remaining genuinely engaged with relevant issues, and continually updating one’s visual perspective. The same also applies to music.

I have ADHD. The world of design is extremely exciting and creative. However, the world’s best designers are often described as “whole-brained” thinkers. Alongside these abilities, they must be capable of advancing the analytical process; addressing the functional aspects of a design; studying and researching its environment and subject; considering ergonomics and aesthetics; presenting an entirely new concept; and even identifying and designing new needs. These are among the fundamental abilities a designer requires to create leading contemporary products.

If I have a new subject to present and can create an original concept in the best possible way while engaging with the creative complexity of the work, I will present it. However, displaying artistry and incorporating a variety of new and different elements into a product can contribute to its value as a new invention.

Spatial awareness, a powerful imagination, and strong visual perception are essential, as is continually updating one’s outlook in these areas.
A designer should also possess a sense of humanitarian responsibility and pay attention to the environment, visual beauty, and contemporary needs while considering human emotions and keeping humanity at the centre of the subject from every perspective.

At the beginning of my process, I prefer traditional tools. As an instructor of painting and architectural drawing, I use design sketches to visualize creativity and produce three-dimensional representations of a concept. When working on the details, I prefer using software to create the product prototype. Before anything else, after researching the design subject, I record the key points required to arrive at the product design.

My ideation process, together with the necessary research, is very fast and can be completed within a few hours. However, the execution stage generally requires precision and attention to practical details and is completed over a different period of time depending on the project’s requirements.

This question relates to a concern I have had since high school. It first developed into my bachelor’s decorative-design project, titled “Growth and Development Centre for Orphaned and Vulnerable Children,” for which I presented new and practical content in the field of interior design. During my master’s studies, it later led to the design of a gadget addressing the same subject and intended to support personal development. The project was accepted by a Turkish knowledge-based company through Marmara University.
After transferring from that programme to return to Iran with my husband, I spent several years conducting detailed research. This time, however, my objective was to establish a business in this field and design more affordable products for schools. Before that, I had also developed numerous ideas in this area concerning talent identification and disciplines that remain relatively unknown and underdeveloped in Iran.

The Iran Toy Association
A PhD-level project-management professional working in conceptual design for investment in the Forex market
Interior architecture clients

Developing ideas, innovations, and inventions that have the potential to be registered and manufactured.

Conducting extensive research into art within the field of sculpture, either to present valuable and complex concepts or to create content and address the needs of a specific target group.

It depends on my living circumstances and the different stages of my migration and education. At present, I intend to continue my studies in Italy. I believe in working with specialized teams capable of executing projects to an exceptionally high standard. However, I am also personally committed to my work and interested in independently developing projects on my own.

No. At present, I work in product sales, customer-support services, and language learning.

I can be contacted through my website at mywaylink.ir or by email at mywaykhanehtarah@gmail.com.