Mehmet E. Ergül

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Mehmet E. Ergül ("MEE") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

MEE : My background definitely comes from my family. Both my mother and father were always interested in art, and also there were painters and artist in my family. When I was 1 year old, my mother gave the pencil to my hands and motivated me to draw on anything, anytime. Since then, my education background continued as a designer.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

MEE : Mostly, I like to work on technical and mechanical objects and forms. When a product is mechanically strong and both as simple as possible, this is the type of design which satisfies me most. I strongly believe that small details creates a more sophisticated product. Every product or object, should have those smart details; they are our communication points with the designer of the product.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

MEE : A good design must adress to the eye and the user equally. More than anything, we criticise objects with our sense of sight. After this criteria we try to understand the needs and details of the products. According to me, good design also must serve for a need. Without a need or demand, a production can only be an art object if it is worthy enough for it.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

MEE : Rather than saying a single product, I like to generalize it more as a designer or a brand. I really like and have a huge respect to Braun and Dieter Rams. Even tough I mostly regret the "rules of design" manifesto of Rams, I like his way of designing products. Also horologie is one of my interests, so some of the Swiss watch brands influences me a lot while design thinking. Their movements, details, craftsmanship are worthy to get exited.