Designer Interview

---

Interview with Jesper Legaard Jensen at Monday 16th of May 2011

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?
JLJ: Unlike many others, it was actually not until quite late I knew I wanted to become a designer. And at the time I started my education, I was still a bit unsure whether I wanted to be an architect or designer. But the design interest just grew, and during the first year of my studies I became sure that I wanted to do design.
I love how design can become meaningful to people, shaping the way we live and our relationships with each other.

FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
JLJ: I’m not employed at a studio at the moment, since I am doing a PhD about experience design.

FS: What is "design" for you?
JLJ: Design is about physically shaping an experience that has a functional purpose.

FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
JLJ: Different kinds have different challenges, so I actually prefer a broad variety.

FS: When do you feel the most creative?
JLJ: When I’m doing something else. That’s where the “unforced” ideas pop up.

FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
JLJ: Designs should be created for people – so making the design a great experience (desirable, usable, memorable) are key aspects of a design for me.

FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
JLJ: Whether the design creates a meaningful and purposeful experience. And whether it provides something new that "makes sense". - If it seems to have a "raison d'etre".

FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
JLJ: Naturally designers have a great responsibility. Just like we should expect the politicians to do their best to take good care of our country, people should be able to rely on the designers, to do their best to lead us towards a sustainable and worthwhile future.

FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
JLJ: Enjoyability. Designing experiences that makes our world more enjoyable.

FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
JLJ: Everyday objects and events – it can be a leaf falling of a tree, kids playing, or that I suddenly realize I could use a particular idea to solve a particular problem.

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?
JLJ: Classic but characteristic. Design should have personality and integrity. Leave a subtle smile on your face each time you encounter it.

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?
JLJ: Danish design is well known in most of the world – so naturally you can say there is a heritage to carry, but there is also room for many new interpretations of what Danish design is today, and lots of young Danish designers are already creating the new fairytale of Danish design. And that’s extremely exciting to be part of.

FS: How do you work with companies?
JLJ: I put a great effort into getting to know the “soul” and personality of the company, ensuring that the design they receive from me can be part of leading the company into the future, building on the company’s inherent values.

FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
JLJ: The chemistry and communication between designer and company needs to be good – that’s much more important than – for instance - the designers portfolio.

FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
JLJ: If you think you are in doubt, you are actually not.
Meaning that if something about your design doesn't really feel right, it's probably because it isn't.

FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
JLJ: Common sense.

FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
JLJ: Longer than you expect. Besides from that, it REALLY depends on the product.

FS: How can people contact you?
JLJ: The easiest would be by email. See www.jesperlegaard.com for more info.

FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.

A' Design Award & Competition 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 & Competition cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.