Vishal Jadhav

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Vishal Jadhav ("VJ") 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?

VJ : I have a unique background that blends commerce and design, fueling my passion for art, business, and the creative process. I completed my advanced diploma in graphic design & animation after my bachelors degree. I pursued a Certification of Usability Analyst from Human Factors International. I co-founded my own design studio alongside a talented business partner over two decades ago.

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

VJ : As a design thinker, I believe strategic design can transform brands, businesses, & society in a unique way. A well inform design can touch the subtler dimensions like ease of use, users comfort, accessibility, aesthetics, desirability and so on. I like to see that our designs not only empowering the users but also adding value to the businesses and society.

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

VJ : Everyone is a designer I believe, only few are fortunate enough to find the right expression and medium to translate it into tangible. Since from childhood I liked scribbling, drawing, making and breaking. But that was for my own joy. When are started using these skills for others with intention to help them somehow, that made me a designer and later design entrepreneur when I started my design studio.

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

VJ : I have a deep passion for crafting exceptional user experiences in the realm of digital products. As a dedicated designer, I actively engage in design research, devising innovative strategies, and providing consultative support to our clients. My goal is to assist them in solving their unique challenges through a combination of strategic design thinking and meticulous execution. While my primary focus lies in user experience design, I also seize opportunities to explore other creative avenues. I find immense satisfaction in delving into the realms of Brand Identity Design, Spatial Design, and Ideation for Physical Products. By broadening my creative horizons, I can satisfy my innate thirst for imaginative exploration and contribute diverse perspectives to my work.

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

VJ : Well, everyone is unique. Every designer, be it junior or senior, well known or unknown, practicing in any discipline must be very open to listen and observe. Learn from the other disciplines in addition to what they are already doing. Master the communication & presentation skills. Importantly they should develop some business accumen that will help them to align their solutions for businesses. Nowadays, it has become extremely important to consider sustainability aspect while designing solutions.

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

VJ : From good to great is a journey, its a continuous process and not the destination. Continuously learning, upgrading and adopting to the change is must. Designer's sensibility and their ability to empathise are their greatest strength that needs to preserved and nourished. And of course, make technology & AI as their companion to work with.

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

VJ : The primary objective of any design is to fulfil its core purpose for the users it serves. However, a truly exceptional design goes beyond functionality, skilfully balancing a multitude of other aspects such as level of detail, creativity, efficiency, effectiveness, usability, aesthetics, and emotional connection. In today's world, where environmental concerns loom large, the integration of sustainable design solutions has become imperative for designers and creators alike. By prioritising sustainability, we can ensure that our designs not only meet user needs but also contribute to a more environmentally conscious future. I think all these combining at best possible extent makes design good design.

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

VJ : Good design adds value in businesses as well as in user's life. On the business side it helps company's to reduce cost, increase revenue & profits, improve engagement, customer satisfaction, customer retention, enable innovation, scale fast and so on. Research has already proven that companies who invest in good design got multiple times more return than the companies who don't.

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

VJ : Solutions for solving physical, mental health, education problems for underprivileged people.

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

VJ : Training and teaching design.

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

VJ : Empathy, Curiosity, Sensibility & Focus

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

VJ : Steve Jobs, John Maeda and few designers from India as well.

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

VJ : Musician or must chosen any art form

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

VJ : Blessings, best wishes from the people around, guidance from mentors, opportunities offered to me and some efforts I took in that direction.