Arani Halder

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Arani Halder ("AH") 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: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

AH : My earliest memories interacting with art and design are those of watching my father paint. I fell in love with sketching, drawing and painting from looking at him working on numerous paintings over the years. My love of art never waned and, in fact, brought me to New York, where I discovered my passion for design. This is where I learned to take my artistic abilities and combine it with purpose, practicality and functionality. Having been introduced to pure and applied design here, I was able to experiment with different materials and techniques that let my fine art meld with the accessibility of design. Design gave me the tools and platform needed to visually represent my thoughts on language, culture, semiotics and psychology. It also gave me access to a community of inspiring mentors and talented peers who showed me different perspectives that pushed me to create work that I would have never imagined.

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

AH : I love creating work that explores the connections between language, culture, pluralism and is heavily influenced by my experiences. In addition to traditional graphic design, I have experimented with diverse media such as bookmaking, bookbinding, print making, painting, sculpture and even cooking to portray my ideas and message. I believe that I am equal parts artist and designer, in the sense that my work while being artistic and conceptual is produced into work with a designer’s sensibility that aims to tackle the issues at hand. My goal is to inspire people to look more carefully at the world around them, and to be able to contextualize themselves within larger systems.

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

AH : One of the most important things to be aware of is to be open to criticism. Design is subjective, and not everyone will love your work. Use constructive criticism as an opportunity to learn and grow. Criticism from others can help us identify these blind spots and see our work from a fresh perspective. Being open to criticism also shows that you are committed to producing the best possible work and are willing to take constructive feedback to achieve that goal. Also, success in graphic design, like any other industry, takes time, hard work and dedication. Be patient, stay focused on your goals, and don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things!

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

AH : What distinguishes a good designer from a great designer is the ability to find and develop one's own individuality. While many designers have their own signature techniques, mediums, and aesthetics, great designers uniquely innovate and push the boundaries of these elements to create a distinct identity. Great designers are continuously building and refining their identities, working diligently on their craft every day, no matter how small the task. This relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth is what sets them apart.

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

AH : A really good design effectively addresses the needs of the user or client while being easy to use. Beyond functionality, it should be visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing, engaging the viewer and eliciting an emotional response. Additionally, a good design is flexible and adaptable, suitable for different contexts and capable of meeting various needs. When evaluating good design, I look for these qualities: usability, visual appeal, emotional impact, and adaptability. These factors together create a design that is not only effective but also resonates deeply with its audience.

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

AH : Design is something that has the power to influence society by changing opinions, instilling values and translating experiences across space and time. It is a universal language, and offers powerful opportunities to express our common humanity, challenge assumptions, spark conversation, connect diverse people and promote action for positive change. It can be used to raise awareness and shape the way we think about our society. It can also instill empathy, build a sense of community and challenge various social and cultural oppressions. Essentially, design can change people and in turn, change the world.

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

AH : The dream project I haven’t yet had time to realize involves a collaborative effort with fellow designers and artists to create something truly innovative. I envision experimenting with unusual materials and mediums to push the boundaries of linguistic design. Projects like these would allow me to explore my passion for creativity and collaboration, combining new ideas and techniques to produce something unique and impactful.

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

AH : My favorite work till date is Unstranslate. ntranslate explores the barrier between languages through the subjective experiences of people. The book delves into the idea of “home” through accounts of people from around the world. Each of the ten chapters features a different language as narrated by one or more native speakers. Each story of “home” is not only told using a word or phrase from the speaker’s language but also dives into their memories of people, places, events, food & music, hence creating a personal context around it. Untranslate is primarily meant for the vast number of people who grow up outside their state or country and often lose the privilege of being immersed in their native languages and cultures. In post-colonial countries where generational gap is exacerbated by the fact that younger generations now rely more heavily on colonial languages than their native ones; linguistic design can help motivate deeper connections to family and culture. Further immersing readers in historical, political, pop cultural works can also help them understand the time periods and contexts within which their older or younger counterparts have grown up.

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

AH : For me, design is the thoughtful and intentional process of creating solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It's a blend of creativity and practicality, where form meets function to solve problems and improve experiences. Design is about understanding the needs of the user and crafting elements that not only meet those needs but also inspire and engage. It's a continuous journey of innovation, where every detail matters, and every decision contributes to the overall impact. Design, to me, is a way to communicate, to express, and to make a meaningful difference in the world.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

AH : What helped me become a great designer is my commitment to thorough research and information gathering for each project. By understanding the needs, preferences, and behaviors of the end users, I can create designs that are relevant, effective, and innovative. My process involves multiple iterations and refinements, ensuring that each design meets its goals and requirements. This dedication to continuous improvement and user-focused design has been key to my growth and success as a designer.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

AH : I believe that design has a powerful ability to communicate ideas and influence people’s perceptions and attitudes. By incorporating sociopolitical themes into my work, designers can raise awareness, promote understanding and drive positive change. Socially motivated design is also about creating products and services that promote inclusivity and equity, while also addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by different communities. By designing with empathy and challenging assumptions and stereotypes, socially motivated design can help promote a more inclusive and equitable society. Incorporating sociopolitical themes into design work can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By creating work that engages with important social issues, we can make a positive impact on society and inspire others to do the same.

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

AH : Designers nowadays have a responsibility to consider the ethical implications of their work, as design has a powerful influence on people’s perceptions, behaviors and values. We should be asking ourselves some essential questions such as: Who will be affected by this design? What are the potential consequences of this design? How does this design align with ethical and moral values? We should be pushing ourselves to create designs that are inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of factors such as age, gender, race or ability. This can include considerations such as using inclusive language, designing for different accessibility needs and avoiding cultural stereotypes. Designers have a critical role to play in creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also ethical and socially responsible. By considering the ethical implications of our work, we can create designs that have a positive impact on individuals and society.

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

AH : Color, materials, and ambiance are crucial in design as they collectively shape the user experience. Color influences emotions and guides attention, while materials affect aesthetics, durability, and functionality. Ambiance, created through elements like lighting and space, sets the tone and context for interaction. Together, they evoke emotions, convey messages, and create a cohesive, impactful design.