Hassan Abdullah Taher

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Hassan Abdullah Taher ("HAT") 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?

HAT : I began my design journey with a Graphic Design & Visual Communications degree from the Lebanese University in Lebanon. My early experiences at an architectural firm provided a foundation for my graphic design and visual communications career.

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

HAT : Design is a way for me to make ideas tangible. The ability to create something both beautiful and functional that resonates with people drives me daily.

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

HAT : I was drawn to design from a young age, tracing cartoon characters and excelling in art during school. Choosing to be a designer was a natural progression of my passions.

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

HAT : I specialize in graphic design and branding. I am eager to explore more interactive and experiential design projects, pushing the boundaries of traditional media. In addition to this I really enjoy photography, and how it allows me to experiment with equipments & softwares to achieve amazing results.

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

HAT : Stay curious, keep learning, and be bold in your design choices. Understand the why behind your designs, as this will guide you to create meaningful work.

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

HAT : It is easy to create a beautiful design, but crafting one that is both beautiful and functional—meeting the client's needs—is where the real challenge lies. That’s what separates good designers from great ones.

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

HAT : A good design effectively solves a problem while resonating emotionally with its audience. I evaluate design based on functionality, aesthetics, and user impact.

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

HAT : Good design is invaluable. It elevates brands, enriches user experiences, and can drive significant market success. Investing in good design is investing in the future of a business.

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

HAT : If time and resources were no object, I would love to design a cultural center that blends digital art with interactive installations, creating a space for community and innovation.

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

HAT : My dream project is to lead a design that becomes a part of public policy—designing an initiative that helps integrate design thinking into education systems globally.

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

HAT : My secret is a blend of empathy, continuous learning, and an unyielding passion for solving problems creatively. Understanding the user's heart and mind is key.

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

HAT : I am inspired by the works of Karim Rashid for his design philosophy and by the pop artist Robert Indiana for his typographic innovations.

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

HAT : The Eames Chair for its timeless form and Apple’s product design for its seamless integration of technology and aesthetics.

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

HAT : The branding for 'Habibi on the Roll' represents my most significant design work, where I skillfully blended modern design principles with vibrant cultural elements. This project not only embodies a visually compelling identity but also resonates deeply within its community. I am particularly proud of this achievement and plan to nominate it for an award next year, aiming for further recognition of its innovative approach.

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

HAT : Always seek feedback, stay updated with the latest design trends, and never shy away from challenging projects. Practical experience is invaluable.

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

HAT : If not design, I would have pursued architecture, applying my creative and technical skills to shape the environments we live and work in.

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

HAT : Design is the art and science of creating solutions that improve human interactions with the world around them. It’s about making life both easier and more aesthetically pleasing.

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

HAT : My colleagues and clients from my early days in the industry played a pivotal role in my development, offering practical challenges and collaborative opportunities that fueled my creative explorations. Beyond professional circles, my wife and family are my greatest supporters, providing the encouragement and inspiration essential to my success.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

HAT : A relentless pursuit of excellence, continuous learning, and a commitment to understanding user needs have been pivotal in my journey.

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

HAT : Early in my career, reconciling client expectations with creative integrity was challenging. Learning to communicate the value of design effectively was a significant hurdle.

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

HAT : Designers should present their work clearly and professionally, emphasizing how their designs solve specific problems and improve user experiences.

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

HAT : I am currently focusing on my personal branding project, which is an exciting opportunity to refine and redefine how I present my professional persona and design philosophy to the world.

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

HAT : My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact on the design community, pushing the envelope in sustainable and user-focused design.

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

HAT : People expect innovative, impactful designs that set trends and push boundaries, always staying ahead of the curve.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

HAT : Design plays a crucial role in making everyday interactions more efficient and enjoyable. It has the power to solve complex societal issues, making it essential for a better future.

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

HAT : Currently, I am directing the Roadmap Video for Kout Food Group, an engaging project that blends creative visual storytelling with strategic communication objectives.

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

HAT : Designing the signage for The Avenues - Phase 3 and the Soku Grand Mosque Qibla Kuffi Calligraphy was not only rewarding but also challenging, given their high-traffic locations. Seeing my contributions come to life and significantly enhance the user experience in such bustling settings was incredibly fulfilling.

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

HAT : I would like to see a greater focus on sustainability and ethical practices within the design industry, ensuring our work contributes positively to society.

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

HAT : The design field is rapidly evolving towards more immersive and interactive experiences, integrating technologies like AR and VR.

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

HAT : The time to finalize a design project varies based on its scope but typically ranges from a few weeks to several months.

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

HAT : Each new project begins with thorough research to understand the client’s industry, followed by brainstorming sessions to conceptualize innovative solutions.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

HAT : My design philosophy is 'Design with purpose.' Every element must serve a clear purpose and contribute to the overall goals of the project.

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

HAT : While trends can influence design, truly innovative design can set new trends and define the direction of future projects.

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

HAT : Technology is a tool that, when used wisely, can enhance creativity and efficiency, allowing designers to explore new possibilities.

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

HAT : I rely heavily on Adobe Creative Suite for graphic design tasks and use various digital tools and manual sketching techniques to bring my ideas to life.

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

HAT : Color, materials, and ambiance are essential in design as they shape a user's sensory experience and emotional response, impacting how a design is perceived and interacts with its environment. Color influences emotions and communicates messages, materials determine the functionality and sustainability, and ambiance creates the overall mood of a space. Together, these elements contribute to making a design both visually appealing and emotionally resonant, ensuring it effectively engages its intended audience.

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

HAT : I wish people would ask more about the process behind the design, not just the outcomes. Understanding the journey of creation is as vital as appreciating the final product.

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

HAT : When I encounter a great new design, I am inspired to dissect what makes it effective and how it pushes the boundaries of what is possible in design.

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

HAT : My ideal design partner is someone who is not only creative and technically skilled but also shares a vision for pushing creative limits and exploring new design frontiers.

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

HAT : Working with experienced designers early in my career shaped my design philosophy and approach, embedding a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and innovation.

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

HAT : Logo Lounge, while not a traditional book, acts as an essential resource and major source of inspiration, providing a vast collection of creative logos that spark my design creativity. Additionally, 'Steal Like an Artist' by Austin Kleon is another favorite of mine, offering insights into harnessing the creative process. 'The Elements of Typographic Style' by Robert Bringhurst also significantly influences my work, guiding my approach to typography with its detailed exploration of type design principles.

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

HAT : My skills have developed through constant practice, ongoing education, and a willingness to experiment and take creative risks.

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

HAT : If time were no constraint, I would love to meet Leonardo da Vinci to discuss his approach to combining art and science.

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

HAT : While recognition and awards are gratifying, they bring a sense of responsibility to maintain high standards and continue innovating.

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

HAT : My favorite color is blue, my favorite place is the Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland, my favorite food is Pasta, my favorite season is spring, and my favorite brand is Apple for its innovation.

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

HAT : As a photographer, I used to ask clients detailed questions to plan shoots perfectly, but more often than not, the details were as clear as night! So, I've become a bit of a psychic—planning shoots with little to no info. Surprisingly, this "shoot in the dark" approach has led to some of my best work. It turns out, a little unpredictability can sometimes spice up a photo session!

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

HAT : A great day in design is when a project comes together just as envisioned, or when spontaneous creativity leads to an unexpectedly successful outcome.

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

HAT : As a child, I was always sketching and creating, often rearranging my room and stuff for better aesthetics and functionality, showing early signs of my future in design.

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

HAT : I envision a future where design and technology seamlessly integrate to create environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also transcend the ordinary, offering experiences that feel almost out of this world in their innovation and functionality.

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

HAT : To all who follow my work: Thank you for your support. Your interest fuels my creativity and motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries of what design can achieve. I am excited for what the future holds and look forward to sharing more of my journey with you.