Caglar Araz

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Caglar Araz ("CA") 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?

CA : My foundation in design stems from a degree in Digital Design from Aarhus University, where I learned to merge creativity and technology. Beyond formal education, I’ve continuously honed my craft through diverse projects and side endeavors. From redesigning digital interfaces to exploring new tools, my learning journey has been hands-on and ever-evolving.

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

CA : Design empowers me to solve meaningful problems. I’m driven by the idea of making life simpler and more delightful for users. The process of turning abstract ideas into tangible, impactful products motivates me every day.

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

CA : t was an intentional choice. I’ve always been drawn to creativity and problem-solving, and design provided the perfect outlet to combine both.

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

CA : My focus is on UX/UI for digital products, balancing function and aesthetics. I’m particularly interested in designing tools that make technology a healthy and harmonious part of our lives.

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

CA : Stay curious, practice relentlessly, and embrace feedback. Understand the user deeply and build a portfolio that reflects your adaptability and passion. Consistency and a willingness to learn are key.

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

CA : A good designer meets expectations. A great designer anticipates needs, creates lasting emotional impact, and considers long-term implications of their work.

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

CA : Good design is intuitive, accessible, and delightful. It seamlessly blends form and function. I evaluate design by observing how it integrates into daily life and by listening to user feedback.

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

CA : Good design builds trust, reduces friction, and enhances usability. It’s not just an aesthetic choice but a strategic one, fostering loyalty and long-term succes

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

CA : I’d love to reimagine iOS’ foundational features, such as Notifications, Lock Screen, and Home Screen. These elements could be less intrusive and more meaningful, making daily interactions smoother and more intentional.

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

CA : I’m drawn to complex challenges, particularly those that involve rethinking how users interact with technology on a fundamental level, such as creating an ecosystem for personalized digital well-being.

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

CA : Keep it simple. Simplicity isn’t about lack of complexity; it’s about clarity, focus, and intention.

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

CA : Chan Karunamuni, a designer at Apple, inspires me greatly. His work on fluid interfaces demonstrates how design can feel organic and alive, transcending static boundaries.

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

CA : I’m fascinated by the Dynamic Island on iPhones. It transforms a utilitarian feature into an engaging and delightful interaction point, showing how design can elevate utility to art.

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

CA : The World of Warcraft interface redesign stands out. It enhanced gameplay by centralizing critical information, improving usability, and creating a more immersive experience—a solution born out of personal insights and user feedback.

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

CA : Discover your passion within the vast field of design. Specialize deeply while remaining open to adjacent disciplines. I’ve focused on improving by redesigning existing tools and seeking feedback from peers and users.

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

CA : I’d explore music production. Like design, music is about creating harmony and resonance, though in a different medium.

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

CA : Design is intentionality. It’s about shaping experiences, creating solutions, and connecting people with ideas or products in meaningful ways.

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

CA : Mentors and colleagues have been instrumental. A senior friend once told me that designers are advocates as much as creators, a perspective that has deeply influenced me.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

CA : Practice, self-awareness, and a willingness to iterate. Understanding my strengths and weaknesses while maintaining curiosity keeps me growing.

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

CA : One challenge was translating design skills into measurable value for businesses, ensuring that my work not only looked good but also drove meaningful outcomes.

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

CA : Through compelling stories that highlight the journey, challenges, and impact. Passionate storytelling brings designs to life.

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

CA : I’m working on an innovative project through my current role at Veo Technologies. While I can’t share details yet, I’m excited about its potential.

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

CA : To create products that positively impact lives while working with inspiring collaborators.

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

CA : They expect high-quality, user-focused designs that are thoughtful and impactful.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

CA : Design shapes how we interact with technology and each other. Thoughtful design ensures that these interactions are positive, inclusive, and meaningful.

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

CA : I am excited for it to be launched, for the same reasons, I can't share much about the project as of now.

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

CA : The World of Warcraft interface redesign. It was deeply personal and allowed me to connect with a passionate community, incorporating their feedback into the final design.

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

CA : A shift away from outdated conventions like complex logins. The industry needs to embrace frictionless, secure, and user-friendly authentication methods.

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

CA : AI integration is the next frontier. I’m excited to see how AI can enhance creativity and efficiency without losing the human touch.

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

CA : It varies. Smaller projects take weeks, while more complex designs can take months of iteration and user testing.

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

CA : With understanding—researching constraints, brainstorming, and exploring various directions before committing to a single path.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

CA : “Keep it simple, impactful, and meaningful.”

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

CA : Design and trends influence each other in a dynamic loop. Good design often creates trends, while emerging trends push designers to innovate further.

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

CA : Technology is both a tool and an enabler. It amplifies creativity, enhances efficiency, and allows us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in design.

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

CA : I start with sketches on paper and then transition to Figma for high-fidelity designs. Recently, I’ve started using Play for prototyping and exploring interactive concepts.

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

CA : Color and ambient elements are more than aesthetics; they guide attention, evoke emotions, and enhance functionality when used strategically.

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

CA : “Why did you make this decision?” Understanding the rationale behind design choices can lead to more meaningful discussions and insights.

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

CA : I feel inspired and energized. Great designs often spark ideas for my own work, reminding me of the limitless possibilities in design.

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

CA : I love collaborating with others. Bringing diverse perspectives together often results in richer, more innovative designs.

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

CA : My colleagues and mentors have had the biggest impact. Their insights and feedback challenge me to grow and refine my work.

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

CA : Marie Kondo’s "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" influenced me greatly. The principles of decluttering and organization translate seamlessly into design thinking.

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

CA : Practice and iteration. I often redesign existing products, share them online, and incorporate feedback. Copying great designs also taught me how to emulate quality in my work.

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

CA : Chan Karunamuni from Apple. His approach to crafting fluid interfaces fascinates me, and I’d love to learn about his creative process.

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

CA : I’m grateful for the recognition, but my focus remains on the work itself. Fame isn’t my goal; creating meaningful designs is.

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

CA : Color: Teal for its calming yet energizing effect. Place: The beach for its serenity. Food: A well-made pasta dish. Season: Spring for its sense of renewal. Thing: My guitar. Brand: Apple, for its seamless design and innovation.

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

CA : I find it funny when people think my prototypes are real, and I explain them that it's not.

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

CA : A great day is when I solve a challenging problem creatively. Staying motivated comes from seeing my designs positively impact others.

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

CA : Yes! I’ve always enjoyed organizing and beautifying things, whether it was my homework or my room. My teachers often praised my creativity.

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

CA : I hope technology will harmonize with humanity, providing safe and positive advancements that enhance lives without compromising our values.

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

CA : Design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making lives better. I strive to approach every project with this mindset and hope my work inspires others to do the same.