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Interview with Hemal Patel |
Home > Designer Interviews > Hemal Patel |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Hemal Patel (HP) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Hemal Patel by clicking here.
FS: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
HP: I've always been creative from a young age, but this was often tempered by my logical brain and my love for maths and science. As a teenager I loved art, and in particular 3-dimensional forms and sculpture. But, my love for design was cemented when I studied Product Design and Engineering as an undergraduate at Loughborough University, and then Design, Manufacture and Management as a postgraduate at Cambridge University. Growing up I wanted to be an Architect, but when I discovered product design I found my calling in life. I love the idea of creating, of looking at something and working out how to do it better. I also love problem solving and divergent thinking, and using these to produce a fully resolved, functional solution. Most of all, I love learning and I'm lucky enough to learn something new everyday, either through my own research or from learning from other designers, engineers, artists or even mother nature.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
HP: I founded Studio Hemal Patel in mid-2018. It is a young, fresh, London-based design practice with big ambitions of designing and redefining the material world in a progressive,holistic way. The studio delivers beautifully crafted, intelligent products and experiences by employing a rigorous research and development framework to pursue our ethos of 'forward-leaning, divergent-thinking problem solving'. Our approach is driven by a deep desire to celebrate materials and processes, and create products that initiate a positive emotional user response.
FS: What is "design" for you?
HP: Design is the process of creating. It is the link between the abstract and the tangible, physical world. For me personally, design is about change. Sometimes it is about creating from new, sometimes it is about improving on what's existing, and sometimes it is about being different. If deployed with positive intent it has the power to improve lives, elicit favourable emotion and effect beneficial change. But, if used negatively it can be detrimental... So, as a designer it is incumbent upon us to do good, for society and for the planet.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
HP: Anything and everything 3-dimensional. I love the idea of taking an everyday object and tweaking and improving it with a new form and/or function.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
HP: I don't have a most favourite design. I always seem to think the current project I'm working on is the best. However, if you were to press me I would say the first commercial product I ever designed is probably the one I like most for a number of emotional and professional reasons. The product is called The Ooob, and it is a contemporary doorstop and bookend. I'm proud of it because it was the first product I successfully brought to market, and it was self-funded. Moreover, it perfectly exemplifies good design because it successfully marries form, function and ergonomics, all at an accessible price point. Its curvaceous, sleek form is deceptively simple, the way it is used is instinctive, and its safety feature is unassuming but effective.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
HP: The Ooob Doorstop and Bookend was the first product I designed for a company called HeadSprung! It is a contemporary take on the humble doorstop. It has a sleek, curvaceous form that is beautiful to view and satisfying to hold. Its design is highly functional and intuitive, and it is also ergonomic, so users can't stub their toes on it.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
HP: Wood is my favourite material because I find it warming and tactile to the touch. The sheer variety of species, each with their own unique colours, tones, grain structures and hardnesses, is also something I truly appreciate. I don't have a favourite technology, preferring to use my own hands (or the skilled hands of experienced craftsmen) as much as possible. I tend to use technology only when required, to complete tasks that would otherwise be too difficult or time consuming to do by any other way.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
HP: I feel creative all the time (except when I'm tired)... but I'm probably most creative when I'm not actively thinking about design or creating. I'm embarrassed to say I often have my most interesting ideas in the bathroom.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
HP: I try to take a global, holistic view when designing as I want to make sure a design works coherently, effectively and efficiently at every level. The danger of focusing too much on one thing is you get tunnel vision at the detriment to other factors or features. Saying all that, I try to consider functionality, form, manufacturability, viability and marketability in equal measures when working on a project.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
HP: I always feel happy when I design, but my biggest hit of Endorphins comes when I have that lightbulb moment. I can always tell how good or interesting an idea is depending on how happy I feel in that moment.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
HP: Strangely, I don't have quite the same kind of happy emotions when a design is realised. Instead, I tend to feel relieved that the project has come that far, and then I'm hit with a feeling of trepidation as I begin to worry about how the project will be received by the market.
FS: What makes a design successful?
HP: A successful design is one that ticks off the following checklist: - Effective - Efficient - Effortless - Least wasteful - Long life - Considerate - Beautiful - Emotive
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
HP: The aspect I consider first is functionality. Does the object do well what is it is designed for?
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
HP: It is incumbent on designers to design objects that move society forward, that solve problems and improve lives. In addition, our products should have the least possible impact on the environment, they should be forward-thinking, and they should do no harm. As designers we have power to do good, so we should exercise that power accordingly in the products we bring to market. We should also facilitate and educate users through our products, for a better society and world.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
HP: Design is evolving at such a pace it's hard to keep up or even predict the future. Greener technologies and connective technologies are a part of the immediate future, but so too are technologies that allow customisation and self-production. In the future I also think design will be more democratised, allowing anyone and everyone to create more easily.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
HP: The last exhibition we participated in was Maison et Objet in Paris in January 2019. We don't yet have plans to exhibit in any upcoming exhibitions as we're working on several new items, and only after they are ready will we plan our next marketing campaign.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
HP: Inspiration comes from many sources, so it's hard to pinpoint just one. I often look to nature and the sciences for new ideas, solutions and inspiration. I also use market research and analysis to determine trends and future directions. The internet is also an important tool for us in the way we feed our inquisitive minds, look for solutions and keep pushing ourselves.
FS: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
HP: I don't have a particular style as my work is so heavily influenced by the project's specifications, the findings of my research, my mood and things I find interesting at that time. However, I do enjoy a more contemporary and fresh styling, with simple lines and uncomplicated forms.
FS: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
HP: What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country? I was born and raised in London, UK, but am of Indian heritage. I believe exposure to both cultures has heavily influenced my work to this day. In particular, it has given me a wider appreciation of the idiosyncrasies of both societies, their different manufacturing methodologies and craft skills, and the aesthetics prevalent in both countries. This is something you may identify as an underlining theme in all my work.
FS: How do you work with companies?
HP: It is a very symbiotic relationship. We try to find synergies that we can exploit, but also gaps, weaknesses and opportunities we can explore and cultivate into strengths. As a design studio our strengths come in ideation, creation and out-of-the-box thinking. We try to pair this with our clients core competences to offer truly unique, interesting and progressive solutions.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
HP: Companies often work with designers that create objects similar to their current product offerings. Companies don't often push their limits or work outside their comfort zones. If you really want to innovate and advance and differentiate, select designers who would not be an immediate or obvious fit. Once a company has selected a designer, brief them well but also clearly state the boundaries and scope of the project. But, saying that, I think it is also important that the company gives the designer a little bit of leeway to explore ideas and seek opportunities. To select a good designer a company needs to follow trends, but also they need to do their own research and due diligence in identifying suitable prospects. Don't always go with the first choice, or the easiest or most comfortable choice, but step a little out of your comfort zone and identify a designer that has the same values as you, but a slightly different style, mindset or methodology. This slight mismatch could be enough to spark something new and great.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
HP: Our design process is fluid and varies depending on the project. But, generally speaking, once the brief has been set we do a deep dive into market and product research to define the problem and identify possible solutions and avenues for exploration. We follow with a process of ideation, concept development and assessment. We loop this process as many times as is needed until we have succeeded in proof of concept and are ready for further development. We then begin prototyping, testing and further feedback. If all is ok we proceed to supplier sourcing, manufacturing and packaging, whilst always keeping an eye on impact assessment. This process is not set in stone, and process steps may be swapped around as required.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
HP: Noguchi coffee table (beautiful, clever, simple, timeless) Ooob doorstop (beautiful, functional and ergonomic) Apple AirPods (work effortlessly, light-weight and the case closes with a satisfying 'click') My memory foam pillow (so comfortable) My Adidas shin pads (so comfortable given it is protective wear)
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
HP: Everyday is different. Generally speaking, the mornings are filled with operational activities, fulfilling orders, admin and replying to emails. The afternoons consist of project work, and maybe a bit of blue-sky thinking for speculative works.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
HP: This is by no means an exhaustive list: - Do your own thing - Don't be influenced by other designers - Always ask yourself 'is this new or different or interesting?' - Keep an open mind - Never give up - You have to spend as much time, if not more, selling yourself and your work than just designing - Don't work in a vacuum - Two heads are better than one - Don't try and be everything to all people - Use other people's experience and skills - There's no harm in asking - There's no shame in failure, it's how you pick yourself up that counts
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
HP: Positives - You get to create and change the world. You get to do what you love. You can influence trends and set the agenda. You don't work behind a desk all day. You get to work with your hands. You learn more about how the material world is created and functions. Negatives - Its competitive and low pay (unless you're successful).
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
HP: Always put yourself in the shoes of the end user.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
HP: Inquisitive mind, problem solving, out-of-the-box/blue-sky/divergent-thinking, ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively, team working, be observant, question everything (but not in an annoying way), be customer/user-centric, eye for detail, don't accept 'no' without questioning and understanding why, don't be afraid to push boundaries, be sympathetic.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
HP: 29.Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.? In the workshop - pencil, rubber, notebook, marker pen, ruler, measuring tape, paper/card, scissors, knife, cutting pad, sellotape, masking tape, gaffer tape, electrical tape, cardboard, MDF, Plywood, jigsaw, handsaw, electric screwdriver, drill, drill bits, screws, spirit level. In the office - CAD software, internet, spreadsheets, word processing software, photo-editing software.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
HP: Time management is difficult because there's no telling when you will have that moment of inspiration. Sometimes it comes at the start of the project and everything is plain sailing from there... but sometimes it comes at the end of the project, so you need to rush to get everything done on time. When the latter occurs, the only thing you can do is make sure you are as efficient and effective as possible, and don't waste time on non-value adding or superfluous tasks. Unfortunately, knowing which tasks these are only comes with experience.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
HP: It depends on my knowledge of the subject matter, the market, the manufacturing processes and the complexity of the design. An easy project can be completed in a couple of days, but a complex project can take months or even years to fully realise.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
HP: People often tell me they have an idea for a product that addresses a problem they face everyday at home or at work. They then ask me what I think of their idea or if I can design it for them. I am yet to meet someone who has the guts or drive to pursue their idea to a fully realised, market-ready product.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
HP: My most important job experience was not completely/technically a job experience. My postgraduate course was very entrepreneurial and during the course of a year we visited over 90 companies on half-day and full day visits to learn best and worst practices. We also interned in 6 different companies for between 2 and 6 weeks. It was these experiences, and the unusual and entrepreneurial nature of the course, that opened my eyes to the extensive world of design and manufacture. It was a very informative year for me and one that would steer my future career.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
HP: Studio Hemal Patel's major client is HeadSprung! We have done some work for other companies, but we have NDAs with them so we are not allowed to divulge any information.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
HP: I enjoy any and all types of 3-dimensional design. I do also enjoy 2-dimensional design, but I often find it frustrating as it's not one of my strengths.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
HP: Continue designing products for self-production, whilst also trying to win business designing for third party companies. Currently we are working in the fields of furniture, lighting and interior accessory design, but we want to expand and design all types of objects and experiences. A few examples include spaces, buildings, interactive entertainment, apps, transport, electronics, etc.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
HP: On a day-to-day basis I work by myself, but I often work closely with suppliers and other strategic partners to realise my designs. The process is so collaborative that I don't see the final product as being solely my creation - it is a team effort.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
HP: We are designing a number of seating and lighting products on a speculative basis, but that's as much as I can say at the moment.
FS: How can people contact you?
HP: You can contact me by email (info@studiohemalpatel.com), or you can message me on LinkedIn (just search for Studio Hemal Patel).
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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