Andrea Agazzini

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Andrea Agazzini ("AA") 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?

AA : My training derives 50% from the university experience at the Politecnico di Milano and 50% from the passion of observing.

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

AA : I became so unexpectedly, from the need to turn the ideas I had in my head into reality.

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

AA : It was a discovery, not a choice!

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

AA : He loves to think about the shapes of innovative vehicles such as sports bicycles but also their components and accessories.

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

AA : Finding the way they are most passionate about, without immediately thinking about the result. However, I still consider myself a young man! :-)

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

AA : I think it is exclusively the passion that transpires from his works, as well as the experience.

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

AA : For me, functionality is essential, without it, a design would be meaningless.

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

AA : It makes the eye pleasing that makes the object defined over time.

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

AA : Designing the definitive electric bike, obviously for Agazzini Bikes!

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

AA : The ultimate electric bike

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

AA : Try, try and try again.

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

AA : More than a designer, my aspiration derives from the architectural field

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

AA : More than a designer, my aspiration derives from the architectural field

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

AA : More than a designer, my aspiration derives from the architectural field

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

AA : More than a designer, my aspiration derives from the architectural field

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

AA : I think I would be dedicated to the sports field

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

AA : For me it is simply the tool to convey my ideas to other people

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

AA : My biggest motivator was who cut my legs off and got me back on my feet stronger than before.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

AA : Definitely the historic moment and the motivation of my family.

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

AA : The disheartening situation of seeing others use their ideas without any recognition

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

AA : There is no specific way, each project has its context

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

AA : I'm working on some patents for bicycle components

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

AA : To be able to make my ideas my job!

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

AA : I have no idea

DL: How does design help create a better society?

AA : The best society is created with education, design could be an intermediary

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

AA : I'm working on some patents for bicycle components

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

AA : The project I brought here, Enduro2

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

AA : Bringing the design and production of goods in general closer to the world of sustainability

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

AA : I think we need to get closer to everyday objects

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

AA : At least a year and a half

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

AA : It starts with the analysis of the underlying need

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

AA : Less is more!

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

AA : I think I'm a bit of a forerunner in my field

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

AA : Technology is the starting point

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

AA : Hand drawing, 2D and 3D cad, 3D printing, photography and video

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

AA : My color is black or white, and the materials that make the difference

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

AA : I would like them to ask me what prompted me to make it happen

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

AA : For me it is a source of inspiration, I like to understand why it was made like this

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

AA : Not at the moment

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

AA : My brother

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

AA : Books on circular economy and sustainability

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

AA : with lots of training

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

AA : With people with an open mind and with a dream

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

AA : It is a good feeling to know that your work has been recognized

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

AA : Too long question :-)

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

AA : The funniest thing was in the first tests of our bike, when the bold people who thought they were MTB masters fell after a few meters due to the power of the engine!

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

AA : When at the end of the day I finished my to do list!

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

AA : No! I was more inclined to manual work

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

AA : I see a negative future in mankind

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

AA : I would like people to know that the evenings in front of the computer and the hardships I have gone through have been worth the recognition I am having.