Nadav Rikover

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Nadav Rikover ("NR") 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?

NR : I’ve been working in design for over 20 years, having started as a web designer in the 90s when I was a teenager. I later pursued formal education in design, earning a Bachelor of Design degree, which helped solidify my foundation. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with prominent companies such as Google, Intel, and Siemens, and collaborating with startups like 'The Newsroom' and 'Payem.' I also founded my own company, Rikover & Co, through which I provide UX, product, and design consulting services. The mix of academic and industry experience has shaped my approach to design and given me the opportunity to work on projects that have real impact.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

NR : I love solving problems in a way that feels intuitive and delightful for people. There's nothing quite like seeing someone use something I’ve designed and knowing it made their life easier or more enjoyable.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

NR : It was a choice driven by passion. I’ve always been drawn to creating and understanding how things work. Design felt like a natural fit.

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

NR : I design user experiences, interfaces, and products, but I’d love to explore more projects that integrate storytelling, like interactive books or narrative-driven apps.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

NR : Stay curious, keep learning, and always put users first. Experiment with different tools, talk to people who use your designs, and remember that every mistake is a chance to grow.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

NR : A good designer solves problems; a great designer anticipates them and goes beyond to create something meaningful and memorable.

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

NR : A good design is functional, intuitive, and delightful. If it solves a problem effectively and makes the user’s life easier or better, it’s a win.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

NR : Good design saves time, reduces frustration, and adds value to people’s lives. It’s an investment in trust, usability, and the future of any product or service.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

NR : I’d love to design tools for children to learn and explore creatively, like apps or games that nurture curiosity and critical thinking.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

NR : Creating an interactive platform that bridges storytelling, education, and design in a way that’s accessible to everyone.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

NR : Empathy. Understanding the needs and feelings of the user is the foundation of every good design decision.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

NR : Dieter Rams, Jonathan Ive, and current innovators like Don Norman inspire me with their timeless and user-focused approaches.

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

NR : I love designs that are simple but powerful, like Google’s search interface or Braun’s classic product designs—both embody clarity and purpose.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

NR : One of my favorite projects was solving a complex navigation issue in a product. It’s great because it eliminates user frustration and makes the experience seamless.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

NR : Practice, feedback, and iteration are key. Talk to users, observe how they interact with your designs, and always ask, "How can this be better?"

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

NR : I might have been a teacher or a writer. Both involve understanding people and telling stories, which are essential to design too.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

NR : Design is problem-solving with purpose and empathy. It’s about creating things that work, feel good, and make sense.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

NR : Mentors, colleagues, and my family have been my greatest supporters. They’ve given me guidance, encouragement, and the freedom to grow.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

NR : Curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to listen to feedback—even when it’s tough to hear.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

NR : Learning to balance creativity with practicality was a big challenge. Understanding constraints while pushing boundaries takes practice.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

NR : Tell a story—explain the problem, show your process, and highlight your design's impact.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

NR : I’m working on some exciting projects, including for the legal and real estate industries, the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics website, and a recipe website for a healthier life. Stay tuned!

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

NR : To create designs that positively impact people’s lives and to help others grow in their design journeys.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

NR : Clear thinking, practical solutions, and a bit of creative magic bring it all together.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

NR : Good design makes information, tools, and opportunities accessible, enabling people to live better and work smarter.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

NR : I’m working on a project that combines AI and user interactions to let users connect with legal content in new ways. It’s exciting because it pushes the boundaries of design and technology.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

NR : Facilitating a Design Sprint for a finance tech company was deeply satisfying. It solved a major user pain point and gave the team clarity and direction in just a few days.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

NR : I’d love to see more emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity, as well as sustainable design practices that prioritize the environment.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

NR : Design is becoming more collaborative and AI-driven. Tools empower non-designers, which means a designer's role is shifting to strategy, storytelling, and creating frameworks.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

NR : It depends on the scope, but anywhere from a few weeks for a smaller project to several months for a comprehensive solution.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

NR : I always start with research: understanding the users, their needs, and the problem we’re solving. Then comes sketching out ideas and mapping the flow.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

NR : “Design for people, not for perfection.” It’s about creating something that works and resonates, not chasing an ideal.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

NR : It’s a cycle. Design shapes trends, and trends inspire new designs. The key is to balance innovation with timelessness.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

NR : Technology is both a tool and a collaborator. It enables me to prototype, test, and iterate faster, but it’s important not to let it dictate creativity.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

NR : Primarily Figma for design and collaboration.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

NR : These elements set the tone and emotion of a design. They’re critical for creating an experience that feels cohesive and engaging.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

NR : I wish more people would ask, “How did you arrive at this solution?” because the process is often as fascinating as the result.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

NR : I think about the team and the process behind it, and I feel inspired to learn something from their approach.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

NR : Someone who challenges my ideas but shares the same goals. I believe in co-design—it brings diverse perspectives and better solutions.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

NR : Mentors, clients, and users have all shaped how I approach design. Their feedback and stories fuel my growth.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

NR : The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

NR : Through practice, feedback, and always staying curious. Every project, no matter how small, has been a learning opportunity.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

NR : Leonardo da Vinci—his blend of art, science, and curiosity would make for an inspiring conversation.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

NR : Recognition is gratifying, but the real reward is knowing my designs make a difference. I wouldn’t call myself “famous”—just passionate about my work.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

NR : Blue, a quiet beach, sushi, spring, and brands that prioritize design and usability, like Apple.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

NR : During a workshop I facilitated, a team hilariously designed a sophisticated robot that did nothing but make tea.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

NR : Seeing progress, no matter how small, motivates me. Feedback from users always brightens my day.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

NR : Not obvious, but I was always curious and creative—drawing, building, and tinkering with everything I could get my hands on.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

NR : I imagine design will be more integrated into daily life, with AI and human creativity collaborating in ways we can’t yet imagine.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

NR : I design to make life better, one experience at a time. My goal is to empower others to create and connect through thoughtful, impactful design.