Interview with Zulqarnain

Atomberg Technologies is an innovation-led home appliance company focused on creating energy-efficient, smart, and user-centric products. We combine design, engineering, and technology to build products that enhance everyday living.

Design is purposeful innovation that balances functionality, aesthetics, and user experience to create lasting value.

I enjoy designing at the intersection of product design, electronics, lighting, and computational design, where technology and creativity come together to create meaningful user experiences.

My favorite designs are those where technology becomes invisible and the user experience feels effortless. I enjoy creating products that seamlessly integrate engineering, aesthetics, and innovation to solve real-world problems in a simple and meaningful way.

The Aris Contour Ceiling Fan is a very famous, award-winning product.

The first product I designed for a company was the Aris Contour Ceiling Fan. It became an award-winning product, reinforcing my belief that thoughtful design and engineering can transform everyday appliances into meaningful experiences.

I feel most creative when tackling complex problems that blend aesthetics, engineering, and user experience. The messier the challenge, the more energized I become to find elegant, practical solutions.

I focus on creating a cohesive product where every aspect, from form and function to interaction and engineering—works together as one unified composition.

I feel a deep sense of responsibility. Every product I design will become part of someone's daily life, so every decision I make has the potential to shape their experience.

It feels like watching a space shuttle launch, months of effort, countless decisions, and immense responsibility culminating in a single moment. Knowing that real people will use the product makes it both exhilarating and humbling.

A successful design is one where every detail is thoughtfully crafted, from aesthetics and engineering to usability and manufacturability, creating a seamless experience.

how perfectly its visual personality matches with the users personality

The first thing I consider is whether the design's visual identity genuinely resonates with the people it is meant to serve.

The design process will become increasingly automated through AI and computational tools, allowing designers to spend less time on execution and more time on solving meaningful problems and shaping human experiences.

My most recent exhibition was in Singapore. I don't have plans for my next exhibition yet, but I look forward to showcasing my work to a wider international audience in the future.

I find inspiration in studying where we've come from and envisioning where we're headed. The intersection of history, technology, and the future fuels my creativity.

I would describe my design style as technology-driven and human-centered. I strive to create products where aesthetics, engineering, functionality, and user experience exist as one unified composition. My approach is to embrace complexity behind the scenes while delivering simplicity to the user. Every design decision is intentional, ensuring that the final product feels intuitive, meaningful, and timeles

I come from the beautiful Kashmir Valley, a place known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. Growing up in such an environment has shaped my appreciation for simplicity, balance, and timeless aesthetics.

I work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product management, marketing, and manufacturing, throughout the entire product development journey. I believe the best products emerge from collaboration, where design acts as the bridge between user needs, technology, and business goals.

Companies should look for designers who are visionary, guided by strong values, and able to balance artistic expression with objective thinking. The best designers combine creativity with empathy, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of technology, users, and business goals.

Every project is unique, so I adapt my design process to its goals, technical challenges, timelines, and resources. I believe flexibility is essential to creating meaningful and successful products.

My five favorite design items at home are the birdhouse, lawn, fireplace, dining table, and sofa. Together, they create spaces that encourage comfort, conversation, and a connection with nature.

A typical day is a balance of creative exploration and problem-solving. I spend time collaborating with engineers and product teams, developing concepts, reviewing prototypes, and continuously learning from both people and technology.

Design is an act of service. Be willing to do the hard work, challenge assumptions, explore every possibility, and refine every detail, so your users don't have to.

Being a designer is rewarding because you get to be creative and solve problems. However, it can also be challenging due to tight deadlines, client revisions, and balancing creativity with project requirements.

Always design with the user in mind using a holistic approach.

Creativity, problem-solving, communication, empathy, and attention to detail.

procreate, rhino, grasshopper, inventor, fusion 360, keyshot, vizcom, adobe creative suite, blender

I use Procreate for sketching, Rhino and Grasshopper for 3D modeling and parametric design, Inventor and Fusion 360 for parametric CAD, KeyShot and Blender for rendering, Vizcom for concept visualization, and Adobe Creative Suite for graphics and presentations.

It depends on the project's complexity, requirements, and design process. It can take anywhere from a few days to several years.

I'm often asked how I achieve the right balance between functionality, aesthetics, and the different elements of a project.

Working on end-to-end product development, from concept sketches and CAD modeling to prototyping and final presentation.

I currently work full-time at Atomberg Technologies, where I design and develop consumer products.

I enjoy consumer product design the most because it combines creativity, engineering, and user-centered problem-solving to create products that improve everyday life.

I want to continue designing meaningful products, expand my skills, and work on innovative projects that create a positive impact.

I work as part of a cross-functional team with experts from different disciplines, but I also take ownership of developing my designs from concept to execution.

I'm currently working on next-generation home appliances. While I can't share specific details due to confidentiality, the projects focus on improving user experience, functionality, and innovation.

zulqarnain.najar.c2021@iitbombay.org

I believe good design balances functionality, aesthetics, and user needs, and I'm committed to continuously learning and improving as a designer.