Mehmet Emin Gülşen

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Mehmet Emin Gülşen ("MEG") 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?

MEG : While I initially trained as an industrial engineer and later specialized in cryptography, my journey into the world of design was driven by both necessity and passion. As the founder of a digital agency that specializes in mobile applications, particularly in the photo and video category, I quickly recognized the critical role of design in creating impactful user experiences. Although I did not start with a traditional design education, my engineering background provided me with a systematic approach to problem-solving and an analytical mindset, which are invaluable in the design process. Over the years, our agency has grown and evolved, and so have my design skills, which were honed on the job through practical, real-world applications. This hands-on experience in design, combined with my technical background, allows me to approach app development from a unique perspective, ensuring that our products are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and secure. This blend of skills has been essential in driving the success of our projects and has solidified my passion for design as a powerful tool for innovation.

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

MEG : I am motivated by the potential to blend functionality and aesthetics in a way that enhances user experience and solves real-world problems. My background in computer science and app development naturally led me to design, as I sought to create intuitive and visually appealing interfaces.

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

MEG : was initially forced into the field due to circumstances, but over time, I developed a strong passion for design. The challenges and creative aspects of designing user interfaces and experiences captivated me, turning it into a chosen career path that I now deeply enjoy.

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

MEG : I am particularly interested in designing augmented reality experiences that push the boundaries of interactive design. My focus is on creating innovative and immersive applications that enhance user engagement and offer unique, memorable experiences.

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

MEG : Young designers should focus on creating an experimental environment like a playground, where they can continuously learn and innovate.

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

MEG : A great designer knows where to adopt reality and where to challenge it, pushing the boundaries of innovation while remaining practical.

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

MEG : In my opinion, a really good design seamlessly integrates into our lives, becoming almost invisible due to its intuitive and effortless usability. It enhances our daily experiences without us even noticing its presence, demonstrating both functional excellence and aesthetic harmony.

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

MEG : Good design is invaluable because it enhances usability, ensures functionality, and creates an emotional connection with users. Investing in good design leads to higher user satisfaction, increased engagement, and ultimately, a stronger brand reputation. It can set a product apart in a crowded market, ensuring it stands out and remains competitive.

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

MEG : If I had the time, I would design a real place merged with augmented reality. This project would create an interactive, immersive environment where physical spaces are enhanced with digital elements, providing unique experiences for visitors. This design would be tailored for public spaces, museums, or educational institutions to offer enriched and engaging experiences.

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

MEG : Progressive learning and creating a measurable playground for the experiments really helps to become better.

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

MEG : I draw inspiration from design legends like Dieter Rams for his principles of good design, and Jony Ive for his groundbreaking work at Apple. Their focus on simplicity, functionality, and aesthetics continues to influence my approach to design.

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

MEG : To become better designers, people should focus on continuous learning, seeking feedback, and experimenting with new ideas.

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

MEG : If I hadn’t become a designer, I would have likely pursued a career in software development or artificial intelligence, fields where I could still apply my passion for problem-solving and innovation.

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

MEG : For me, design is the process of creating solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It is about understanding user needs and crafting experiences that enhance their interactions with products or services. Design is a blend of creativity, empathy, and technical skill.

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

MEG : My biggest supporter has been my family, who provided unwavering encouragement and support throughout my journey. Additionally, my mentors and colleagues in the design community have played a crucial role in guiding and inspiring me to reach new heights in my career.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

MEG : Continuous learning, a willingness to experiment, and seeking feedback from peers and users have been crucial in helping me become a great designer. Additionally, maintaining a user-centric approach and staying updated with industry trends have significantly contributed to my growth.

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

MEG : Some of the obstacles I faced included keeping up with rapidly changing technology, balancing functionality with aesthetics, and overcoming initial failures and setbacks. Learning to accept constructive criticism and iterating on my designs based on feedback were also challenging but essential steps in my journey.

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

MEG : Designers should present their work with clear, concise explanations of their design choices and processes

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

MEG : People expect an esteemed designer to deliver innovative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing solutions. They also expect a deep understanding of user needs, a commitment to quality, and the ability to anticipate and adapt to emerging trends and technologies.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MEG : Design helps create a better society by improving accessibility, enhancing usability, and creating inclusive solutions that cater to diverse needs. Well-designed products and services can simplify tasks, increase efficiency, and contribute to overall well-being, making everyday life more enjoyable and productive.

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

MEG : One of the design projects that gave me the most satisfaction was creating 360-degree experiences. This project was particularly rewarding because it pushed the boundaries of immersive design and provided users with an entirely new way to interact with digital content.

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

MEG : The time to finalize a design project varies depending on its complexity and scope. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. This includes initial research, prototyping, user testing, iterations, and final adjustments.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MEG : My life motto as a designer is "Design with empathy, innovate with purpose." I believe that understanding and addressing user needs is paramount, and every design should aim to make a meaningful impact.

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

MEG : I believe it’s a dynamic interplay between the two. While innovative design can set new trends by introducing fresh concepts and solutions, existing trends also influence design by shaping user expectations and industry standards.

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

MEG : Technology plays a crucial role in my design process. It enables the creation of more interactive, immersive, and efficient designs.

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

MEG : I use a variety of design software including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Sketch, Figma, and InVision for prototyping. For 3D modeling and AR projects, I use tools like Blender and Unity. My equipment includes a high-performance computer, a graphics tablet for testing immersive experiences.

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

MEG : Color, materials, and ambient elements are fundamental in creating a cohesive and engaging design. Color sets the mood and guides user attention, materials add texture and depth, and ambient elements like lighting and sound enhance the overall user experience. Together, they contribute to the aesthetic and functional quality of the design.

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

MEG : I wish people would ask about the thought process and research behind my design decisions. Understanding the rationale and user insights that drive the design can provide a deeper appreciation of its functionality and aesthetics.

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

MEG : I consider how it addresses user needs, its functionality, and the potential impact it has on improving everyday experiences. Great designs inspire me to continue pushing the boundaries in my own work.

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

MEG : I strongly believe in co-design because collaboration fosters creativity, enables diverse perspectives, and often leads to more innovative solutions.

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

MEG : The people who have had the most influence on my design are my colleagues in the design community. Their feedback, guidance, and shared experiences have significantly shaped my approach and philosophy towards design.

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

MEG : I developed my skills through continuous learning, hands-on experience, and seeking feedback. Additionally, working on diverse projects allowed me to apply and refine my skills in different contexts.

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

MEG : I would love to meet and discuss with Leonardo da Vinci. His multidisciplinary approach to art, science, and engineering is incredibly inspiring, and I believe his insights on creativity and innovation would be invaluable.

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

MEG : Receiving awards and recognition is gratifying and validates the hard work and passion I put into my designs. However, I don't consider myself famous. I remain focused on continuous improvement and contributing positively to the design community.

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

MEG : What makes my day great as a designer is seeing the positive impact of my work on users. Hearing feedback from satisfied users and knowing that my designs have improved their experiences is incredibly motivating. I also stay motivated by setting personal goals and continually challenging myself to learn and innovate.

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

MEG : As a child, I was always curious and enjoyed creating things, whether it was drawing, building with blocks, or tinkering with gadgets. While it wasn't obvious that I would become a designer, these early interests in creativity and problem-solving set the foundation for my future career.

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

MEG : In a thousand years, I envision a future where technology and design are seamlessly integrated into every aspect of life, enhancing human capabilities and experiences. Advances in AI, biotechnology, and space exploration will likely transform our societies in ways we can hardly imagine today. Design will continue to play a critical role in shaping this future, ensuring that technology serves humanity effectively and ethically.