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Interview with Mohammed Shais Khan |
Home > Designer Interviews > Mohammed Shais Khan |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Mohammed Shais Khan (MSK) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Mohammed Shais Khan 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?
MSK: I have an extensive background in industrial and visual design, with a particular focus on furniture, and medical products. My journey began with an innate fascination for how design shapes our interactions with the world, a passion that evolved through formal education and hands-on experiences. Growing up with diverse cultural influences, I found design to be the perfect blend of art and functionality.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MSK: My design studio specializes in creating innovative, user-centric solutions. From conceptual sketches to fully realized products, focusing on sustainable and aesthetically pleasing designs tailored to needs.
FS: What is "design" for you?
MSK: Design is a bridge between creativity and practicality. It is about solving problems in a way that elevates everyday experiences while respecting societal and environmental contexts
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MSK: I enjoy designing products that directly impact people's lives, such as ergonomic furniture or advanced medical devices. These projects allow me to blend aesthetics with meaningful functionality.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
MSK: One of my favorite designs is a 'TERMINO' modular kitchen system that won an international award. It balances beauty, flexibility, and sustainability, catering to diverse user needs and spaces.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
MSK: The first product I designed was a set of customizable office furniture that improved workspace efficiency while enhancing employee comfort.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MSK: I am particularly drawn to sustainable materials like bamboo and cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing for prototyping.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
MSK: I feel most creative during early mornings or after moments of exposure to art, nature, or cultural experiences.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
MSK: User experience, functionality, and sustainability are my primary focus areas. Every detail must serve a purpose while contributing to the overall aesthetics.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MSK: Designing is exhilarating and meditative. It’s a mix of excitement, curiosity, and the satisfaction of bringing ideas to life
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MSK: Seeing my designs come to life is immensely gratifying. It’s a mix of pride, joy, and fulfillment knowing that my ideas have transformed into tangible realities that positively impact people.
FS: What makes a design successful?
MSK: A design is successful when it solves a problem effectively, resonates with its intended audience, and achieves a balance of form, function, and sustainability.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MSK: I first evaluate functionality and usability, followed by aesthetic appeal and sustainability. A design must serve its purpose effectively and be visually compelling.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
MSK: Designers have a profound responsibility to create sustainable solutions, minimize environmental impact, and address societal needs. Our work shapes behaviors and experiences, so ethical considerations are paramount.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
MSK: The field is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, merging technology with traditional design practices. The future will focus on sustainability, AI-driven customization, and designs that address global challenges like climate change and inclusivity
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
MSK: My last exhibition was in Design Center in Łódź, Poland, showcasing Pinnaculum Transformable Sofa design. I plan to hold my next exhibition within the next year, focusing on furniture product for outdoor spaces.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MSK: Inspiration comes from nature, cultural heritage, and emerging technologies. I feed my creativity by traveling, engaging with art, and staying updated on design trends.
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?
MSK: My design style is minimalist yet functional, with an emphasis on clean lines and sustainable materials. This style reflects my belief that simplicity enhances usability and aesthetic value.
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?
MSK: I live in California, a place rich in diversity and innovation. The cultural influences inspire creativity and inclusivity in my designs. However, the high cost of living and competition can be challenging.
FS: How do you work with companies?
MSK: I collaborate closely with companies, understanding their goals and user needs. This involves workshops, iterative design processes, and transparent communication to deliver tailored solutions.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
MSK: Companies should look for designers with a strong portfolio, good communication skills, and an understanding of their industry. Clear briefs and collaborative environments foster the best outcomes.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
MSK: My process begins with research and ideation, followed by sketching, prototyping, and iterative testing. Collaboration with stakeholders ensures the design aligns with objectives.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
MSK: An ergonomic chair I designed. A modular bookshelf. A minimalist lamp with adjustable brightness. A handmade ceramic vase. A sustainable bamboo cutting board.
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
MSK: My day starts with a morning workout followed by brainstorming sessions or client meetings. Afternoons are for hands-on design work, and evenings are for refining designs or exploring inspirations.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
MSK: Stay curious, embrace feedback, and don’t fear failure. Build a strong foundation in design principles and continually expand your skills.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
MSK: Positives: Creative freedom, impactful work, and continuous learning. Negatives: Tight deadlines, subjective critiques, and balancing creativity with commercial constraints.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
MSK: Design with empathy—understand the user’s needs and create solutions that genuinely improve their experience.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
MSK: Critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and technical proficiency in tools like CAD or graphic design software.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
MSK: Software: Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, SolidWorks. Hardware: Sketchpad, drawing tablets, 3D printers. Inspiration: Design books, art exhibitions, and online platforms.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
MSK: I prioritize tasks using project management tools and allocate focused time blocks for design work to stay productive.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
MSK: The timeline varies but typically ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on complexity and iteration needs.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
MSK: “How do you come up with such unique ideas?”
FS: What was your most important job experience?
MSK: Designing ergonomic medical instruments for a leading healthcare company, which significantly improved patient outcomes.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
MSK: Clients include healthcare organizations, tech startups, and furniture manufacturers.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
MSK: I enjoy product design for its blend of creativity, engineering, and real-world impact.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
MSK: Expanding my studio’s reach globally and exploring AI-driven design tools.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
MSK: I work both independently and collaboratively, depending on the project’s scope.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
MSK: I am currently working on a cooling therapy device for muscle recovery, integrating innovative technologies.
FS: How can people contact you?
MSK: Through my portfolio website, LinkedIn, or email.
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
MSK: The role of storytelling in design and its power to create deeper emotional connections with users.
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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