NetBramha Studios

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer NetBramha Studios ("NS") 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?

NS : To be perfectly honest, I don’t have a degree in design & never had any formal design education. Whatever I have learned by doing things - applying whatever I read/watch/observe in real life projects. This has enabled me to finetune my own thinking & process as a designer

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

NS : Design allows me to solve problems creatively and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. The idea of creating something functional yet aesthetically pleasing drives me. I became a designer because I’m passionate about transforming ideas into tangible, impactful solutions.

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

NS : It was a conscious choice. Design has always been a natural form of expression for me, and I’ve been drawn to it since I was young. It’s a profession where I feel I can truly make a difference.

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

NS : Digital experiences that bridge the gap between technology & humans

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

NS : Stay curious, learn continuously, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Focus on building a strong portfolio that showcases your versatility and creativity. Networking, staying updated with industry trends, and seeking mentorship can also make a big difference.

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

NS : A good designer creates functional and visually appealing solutions, but a great designer goes beyond that. They anticipate user needs, innovate fearlessly, and create designs that inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impression.

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

NS : A good design is one that seamlessly combines functionality, usability, and aesthetics. I evaluate designs based on how effectively they solve the intended problem, their emotional resonance with the audience, and their ability to stand the test of time.

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

NS : Good design enhances user experience, builds trust, and communicates a brand’s value effectively. It has the power to transform businesses, create memorable experiences, and improve everyday life. Investing in good design is investing in long-term success.

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

NS : If I had the time, I’d love to design solutions for underserved communities, focusing on accessibility and sustainability. For instance, creating affordable, eco-friendly products or services that improve quality of life for people who need them most.

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

NS : My dream project is to design a fully sustainable and modular living space that adapts to the needs of different users while promoting environmental consciousness. It would combine functionality, beauty, and eco-friendly materials to redefine modern living.

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

NS : My secret recipe is a combination of empathy, curiosity, and perseverance. The secret ingredient, however, is the ability to listen deeply—to the clients, the users, and even to the unspoken needs of the project.

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

NS : I draw inspiration from legends like Dieter Rams for his timeless principles of design, Eileen Gray for her innovative modernist approach, and Massimo Vignelli for his ability to create clarity and structure in visual communication.

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

NS : One of my favorite designs is the Eames Lounge Chair by Charles and Ray Eames. I admire it for its perfect balance of comfort, elegance, and functionality. It’s a testament to the idea that great design is both timeless and user-focused.

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

NS : My greatest design is designing & building NetBramha - one of India's oldest established design studios that has impacted a billion people worldwide.

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

NS : To become a better designer, one must embrace lifelong learning, stay curious, and accept feedback constructively. I focused on building a strong understanding of both design principles and human psychology, while constantly experimenting and iterating my ideas.

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

NS : If not a designer, I would have pursued a career in architecture or psychology or the theatre—fields that also involve understanding human behavior, creating impactful solution, and expressing deepest emotions.

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

NS : Design is the process of transforming ideas into tangible solutions that improve lives. For me, design is about creativity, problem-solving, and storytelling—it’s the bridge between imagination and reality.

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

NS : My family & my partner (both in business & life) have been the biggest supporters of my work. Beyond that my team at NetBramha studios & all our clients have been pillars of support.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

NS : The ability to learn from constraints, focus on problem-solving, and continuously evolve while embracing tools like Figma, Adobe Suite, and traditional paper-and-pen methods were instrumental. Passion for solving real-world problems and staying true to minimalism also played a crucial role.

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

NS : Early obstacles included limited access to technology and resources, such as working in a small cyber café to learn and practice design. Additionally, the lack of widespread awareness and appreciation for design thinking in India posed challenges in establishing a career path. Overcoming societal perceptions of design as a non-essential discipline also required resilience and determination.

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

NS : Designers should present their work in a way that emphasizes its alignment with user needs and the problems it solves. This includes showcasing the research conducted, the iterative process followed, and the impact on users. Presentations should highlight how the design enhances accessibility, provides intuitive solutions, and aligns with business goals. Visual storytelling, coupled with clear data and insights, can effectively convey the design’s value.

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

NS : Future projects are envisioned to create a global impact by addressing pressing societal challenges. The focus will be on leveraging design thinking to create innovative, user-centric solutions that foster inclusivity and sustainability. Expect meaningful projects aimed at underserved communities and solving real-world problems with lasting positive outcomes.

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

NS : The ultimate goal is to use design as a transformative tool to bridge gaps between technology and human needs. This involves fostering growth, enhancing user experiences, and making design universally accessible. The vision is to shape a future where design simplifies lives and drives positive societal change.

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

NS : People expect innovative designs that are user-focused, inclusive, and culturally sensitive. They look for solutions that not only address practical challenges but also inspire trust and emotional connection. There is an expectation to lead with creativity and vision, providing guidance and delivering impactful outcomes that set new standards in the industry.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

NS : Design plays a critical role in addressing societal issues by creating solutions that are accessible, inclusive, and sustainable. It helps bridge gaps in technology adoption, caters to diverse user needs, and respects cultural nuances. By focusing on human-centered principles, design enhances quality of life and fosters equity in access to resources and opportunities.

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

NS : Although specifics are not provided, the designer is passionate about projects that tackle challenges in underserved communities. These initiatives aim to make a tangible, positive impact on users by improving accessibility, solving critical pain points, and enhancing user experiences with thoughtful, inclusive designs.

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

NS : Projects that addressed issues in remote and underserved communities are the most fulfilling. These designs pushed creative boundaries and made a meaningful difference in people's lives, demonstrating the power of design to drive real change and deliver lasting value.

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

NS : The designer advocates for a stronger focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical design practices. This includes leveraging technology responsibly, fostering a culture of innovation, and creating a deeper appreciation for the value of design thinking across industries.

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

NS : The design field is increasingly intertwined with advancements in AI, machine learning, and immersive technologies like AR and VR. The focus will shift towards creating more personalized, sustainable, and universally accessible solutions. Cross-disciplinary collaboration and data-driven insights will shape the future, emphasizing inclusivity and ethical innovation.

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

NS : The duration of a project varies depending on its complexity, the nature of the product, user needs, and business objectives. By prioritizing a flexible and iterative process, the timeline is tailored to ensure the best possible outcome that meets both user and client expectations.

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

NS : The process begins with user research to understand the problem context. This involves interviews, surveys, and field studies to gather insights about user behaviors, needs, and pain points. These insights guide ideation, prototyping, and testing phases, ensuring a design that is user-centric and effective.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

NS : "Design is not about creating something new; it’s about uncovering what already works." This motto emphasizes the importance of simplicity, intuition, and aligning solutions with natural human behaviors and needs.

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

NS : The relationship is reciprocal. While trends often inspire new design directions, great designs that solve real-world problems have the power to set new trends. Designers balance adapting to trends while creating timeless solutions that address user needs.

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

NS : Technology acts as a powerful enabler in the design process, providing tools for ideation, prototyping, and collaboration. It facilitates innovative solutions that are efficient, scalable, and accessible, allowing designers to focus on creative and strategic aspects while leveraging AI and data-driven insights to refine their work.

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

NS : The role of color, materials, and ambient in design is to enhance functionality, evoke emotions, and create a cohesive experience for users. Colors influence mood and perception, often guiding user behavior and reinforcing brand identity. Materials contribute to the tactile and visual quality, ensuring durability, sustainability, and relevance to the design context. Ambient factors, such as lighting and spatial dynamics, shape the user's interaction with the environment, adding depth and character. Together, these elements harmonize to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, inclusive, and emotionally resonant.

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

NS : The focus would likely be on the journey behind the design, including the thought process, the decisions made to address specific user needs, and the challenges encountered and overcome. Questions about how the design impacts the user experience, fosters inclusivity, and solves real-world problems would be especially meaningful, as they highlight the depth of work and intention behind each solution.

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

NS : Great designs inspire a sense of curiosity and reflection, often leading to thoughts about the creativity and problem-solving techniques behind them. They prompt an appreciation for the seamless integration of functionality and aesthetics, as well as lessons in innovation that could be applied to future projects. Such designs also spark ideas for pushing boundaries and achieving excellence in one's own work.

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

NS : The ideal design partner is someone who brings a unique perspective, complementary skills, and a shared passion for solving meaningful problems. They should challenge ideas constructively, fostering innovation through collaboration. Co-design is essential as it encourages diverse inputs, resulting in richer, more inclusive solutions that are better aligned with user needs and expectations.

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

NS : Interactions with team members, clients, and stakeholders have been pivotal in shaping design approaches. Collaborating with diverse individuals provides fresh insights and pushes the boundaries of creativity. Additionally, the cultural and social contexts of users greatly influence the design process, ensuring the outcomes are relevant and impactful.

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

NS : Interactions with team members, clients, and stakeholders have been pivotal in shaping design approaches. Collaborating with diverse individuals provides fresh insights and pushes the boundaries of creativity. Additionally, the cultural and social contexts of users greatly influence the design process, ensuring the outcomes are relevant and impactful.

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

NS : I am not much of a reader I observe the world around me & try to draw inspiration from there.

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

NS : Skills were honed through a relentless focus on learning and adapting. Embracing constraints early in the career, iterating solutions, and continuously experimenting with new tools and techniques were critical. Staying open to feedback, learning from failures, and maintaining a user-centric approach contributed to growth as a master designer.