Martin Oberhauser

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Martin Oberhauser ("MO") 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?

MO : Completing my high school diploma in Applied Arts marked the beginning of my journey into the world of design. This foundational education provided me with a deep appreciation for artistic principles and the skills necessary to pursue higher studies in this field. Afterward, I enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program in Industrial Design at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (UNIBZ), within their Faculty of Design and Art. This program offered me a comprehensive understanding of industrial design, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. The hands-on experience I gained there was invaluable, allowing me to develop my creative and technical skills in a professional environment. Another important milestone in my education was the design scholarship from the state of Bremen at the Design Laboratory Bremerhaven. To further specialize and enhance my design capabilities, I pursued postgraduate studies at the École cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) in Switzerland. ECAL is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and innovative approach to design education. Here, I was able to refine my design thinking and approach, working on advanced projects that challenged me to push the boundaries of conventional design. These educational experiences have collectively shaped my career in design, equipping me with a diverse skill set and a unique perspective that I bring to every project I undertake.

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

MO : The idea that one person can make a lasting impact has been echoed by many, including Gandhi, who said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world".

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

MO : From a young age, I always aspired to be an artist. The idea of creating art and expressing myself through various mediums was incredibly appealing. However, becoming a designer was never part of my original plan. My journey into design was largely influenced by my desire to pursue higher education. When the time came to choose a university, besides working, the only one nearby that offered a relevant program was a design school. Despite my initial hesitation, I decided to enroll in the design program to further my education. This decision turned out to be serendipitous, as it led me into the world of design. Over time, I grew to appreciate the field and its unique challenges.

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

MO : I like unique challenges

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

MO : Focus on the aim

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

MO : Innovation and clarity

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

MO : Every company should invest in design. Investing in design can lead to numerous benefits, such as higher profits, increased shareholder value, and a stronger market presence. Companies that prioritize design can differentiate themselves from competitors by creating unique and memorable brand experiences

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

MO : A item to purify water for people in poor countries

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

MO : There are so many...

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

MO : The secret ingredient for successful design is empathy. Empathy-driven strategies are central to the Design Thinking approach, allowing designers to deeply understand the needs and experiences of their users.

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

MO : Japanese artisans masters

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

MO : Fiat Panda

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

MO : Always the last one

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

MO : Always be courious

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

MO : It's the art of solving problems elegantly, whether in visual aesthetics, product usability, or even strategic planning.

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

MO : My family.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

MO : I don't consider my self a great designer. But thank you.

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

MO : The biggest challenge at the beginning was, having enough customers.

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

MO : Wherever they have the opportunity, designers should present their work.

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

MO : I hope you can expect many clever and surprising design solutions from me. These will be grounded in a deep understanding of needs, extensive experimentation, and high aesthetic standards.

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

MO : My goal is to design holistically sustainable products.

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

MO : Excellence and perfection.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MO : Design begins with people, impacting society and the environment, thereby influencing humanity itself. As society and the environment evolve, so must design, adapting to create a better world.

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

MO : A car and sports equipment.

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

MO : Always the actuell project.

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

MO : I wish that all new designs would prioritize sustainability and circular design. It's crucial that we shift towards practices that minimize environmental impact and promote the reuse of resources. Embracing circular design principles can lead to more resilient and efficient products that contribute positively to our planet's future.

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

MO : The design field is evolving towards integrating more advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). These technologies are enhancing user experiences and opening new possibilities for interactive and immersive design solutions.

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

MO : Depends on the project. From a few month to several years.

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

MO : Research.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MO : Ad maiora semper

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

MO : Design sets trends, but technologies also influence design, such as 3D printing, which turns everyone into a producer and can alter aesthetics significantly.

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

MO : Technology is always a helper/tool in the design process, for market data, and in implementation.

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

MO : That largely depends on the project.

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

MO : Color, materials, and ambient conditions are instrumental in achieving the design goals envisioned by the designer.

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

MO : I hope they don't have to ask; the design should speak for itself.

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

MO : I want to buy it.

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

MO : The client

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

MO : The client

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

MO : Materialrevolution from Dr.Dr. Sascha Peters

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

MO : Improving day by day

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

MO : Zaha Hadid

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

MO : I'm just a designer.

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

MO : I am fascinated and drawn to all cultures, and I love to try new things. Exploring diverse traditions and experiences enriches my understanding of the world.

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

MO : The funny thing is, to be able to study design, I painted pictures, and they financed my studies.

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

MO : If I find a great solution for a design problem.

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

MO : No, but it was obvious that I am going to be a creative.

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

MO : It will be very different.