Jacek Mikosz

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Jacek Mikosz ("JM") 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?

JM : Originating from Kraków, Poland, I began my educational journey in Architecture but soon felt a bit disconnected due to the lack of influence on the results. I found myself stuck in creating visualizations and renders without being challenged by real-world constraints. The competitive environment of architecture initially drew me in but quickly revealed its limitations, prompting my shift toward the dynamic field of industrial design. I simultaneously pursued dual degrees in Architecture and Industrial Design Engineering, which equipped me with a diverse toolkit—perfect for a generalist like myself.

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

JM : One of the most interesting aspects of design for me is its ability to create meaningful change and make a tangible impact on people's lives. What truly motivates me is the blend of creativity and problem-solving that design offers. It's not just about making things look good; it's about improving functionality, enhancing experiences, and providing new insights that can lead to real-world improvements. The feeling of seeing my ideas come to life and help others is incredibly rewarding. I enjoy the challenge of turning concepts into practical solutions. Each project teaches me something new, which keeps me excited and eager to learn more. This constant learning and the ability to make a real difference are what drive my passion for design.

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

JM : I was always approaching things with a maker and designer mentality, but I didn't initially define it as design. When I learned about the world of design, everything clicked into place. I’ve always been passionate about creativity and problem-solving, and I love the challenge of turning ideas into practical solutions. Designing allows me to combine my interests in art, technology, and helping others, which is why I pursued it as a career.

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

JM : I currently focus on designing medical devices, particularly those involved in smart monitoring and data capturing. These devices aim to create a comprehensive picture of bio-behavioral data, capturing aspects of behavior that strongly influence biological performance. In the future, I wish to design more of these innovative medical devices that bridge the gap between technology and healthcare, improving patient outcomes and enhancing our understanding of complex health data.

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

JM : Everyone has their own unique way of seeing the world, and it's crucial to find your voice. You might never have a moment where it all clicks, and that's okay. My advice? Don’t limit yourself. Dive into different disciplines, even those outside your core talents. Every experience you have will expand your perspective and make your main skills even sharper. Embrace the chaos, experiment fearlessly, and let those diverse experiences shape your own distinctive design style.

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

JM : From what I’ve experienced, the biggest difference between a good designer and a great designer is like in chess. Great designers can see several moves ahead and anticipate the consequences of their decisions. They think strategically, foresee potential challenges, and modify the plan accordingly. Also, they are not scared of taking risks.

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

JM : To evaluate a great design, I look for three things. First, it needs to be incredibly easy to use. Second, there should be a clear sense of care and attention to detail from the maker. Finally, it should transform your experience with the product, creating a unique and unexpected relationship with it—something you never thought you'd have, but now can't imagine doing without.

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

JM : Good design creates new market opportunities. People are drawn to well-designed products, even those they might not have considered before. Simply put, good design expands your consumer base and builds loyalty if you consistently deliver high-quality products. Investing in good design not only attracts more customers but also keeps them coming back, driving long-term success.

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

JM : If I had the time, I would design for people in need, focusing on how a newly designed object can change even a small aspect of their lives. While I do this currently, I'd love to work in even finer detail to solve bigger problems for smaller groups of people. It’s about making a meaningful impact, one thoughtful design at a time.

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

JM : My dream project isn’t about a specific design—it’s about transforming the workflow. I want to design and produce things at lightning speed, going from concept to finished product in just one or two weeks. Imagine the rapid innovation and immediate feedback we could achieve by turning ideas into reality under such fast conditions.

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

JM : I don't think there's just one secret recipe, but having deep insight might be the closest thing. Understanding the problem, the users, and the context on a profound level allows you to create truly effective and meaningful decisions.

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

JM : I follow the work of people like Neri Oxman and Olafur Eliasson. They shape the art of design in the most unique and impactful ways, seamlessly blending form, science, innovation, and art. Their ability to push boundaries and play with these elements is truly inspiring.

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

JM : I admire the simplicity of Dieter Rams' products. They capture a fundamental truth about the design field: good design is honest, functional, and unobtrusive. His work embodies these principles, showing that simplicity can be incredibly powerful and effective

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

JM : I am really proud of what we achieved with the Smarthaler project. We developed a new flow sensing technology that allowed us to minimize the form factor of a smart inhaler. This innovation enabled us to maintain the functionality and ergonomics of a typical pMDI inhaler, making it both efficient and user-friendly. These aspects are what make this design truly great.

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

JM : To become better designers, people should stay curious and explore everything they can. Try many different activities like drawing, painting, performing, acting, and dancing. These experiences expand your way of thinking and help you understand the world from different perspectives. This is what I did to improve myself as a designer.

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

JM : If I hadn’t become a designer, I would have pursued my deep interests in performance, choreography, or other forms of creation, such as filmmaking.

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

JM : Design is a vehicle for creating change in the environment, society, or behavior. It's a skill and a tool that enables you to develop solutions for better communication, optimized workflows, and enhanced creativity. For me, design is all about making a positive impact and improving the way we interact with the world around us.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

JM : Feeling okay with failure and having big aspirations. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity and setting high goals have been crucial in my growth

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

JM : My ultimate goal as a designer is to show that design is more about making ideas happen than just conceptualizing at a desk. Design has the power to bring real change in people's lives. By focusing on turning ideas into tangible solutions, even for a short amount of time, the impact can be massive.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

JM : By giving people a sense of participation and the ability to shape their reality. It fosters a feeling of agency, which is essential. Additionally, design awareness makes people realize that everything around them has been thoughtfully created by someone. Things don’t just appear out of nowhere. When everyone feels a sense of influence and involvement, they tend to respect and value what others have created much more.

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

JM : I am especially excited about scaling FindAir and its products. The company itself is like a design project, requiring constant innovation, improvisation, and refinement on a daily basis. Treating the company as a product means we are always working to improve and define it further.

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

JM : One of the design projects that gave me the most satisfaction is the FindAir Smarthaler. It's incredibly rewarding because it has the potential to significantly improve many people's lives daily.

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

JM : In the coming years, I'd like to see the design industry focus more on being agents of change rather than just serving existing industries. Designers have the ability to process and develop ideas with immense potential, beyond just creating products for others. They should be bolder, start their own ventures, and engage more in social issues. By doing so, they can leverage their skills to drive meaningful and impactful change in society.

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

JM : I hope the design field is headed towards less consulting and more into making. The responsibility you have when creating a product from start to finish is immense. Designers shouldn't be afraid of taking on this responsibility. I hope to see more design startups founded by designers themselves, rather than an increase in traditional design studios. This shift would empower designers to innovate and bring their visions to life.

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

JM : The time it takes to finalize a design project can vary greatly. It can take anywhere from one day to couple of years, depending on the complexity and scope of the project. While I aim to complete projects quickly, the limitations of the manufacturing industry often dictate the timeline.

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

JM : Every new design project starts with a bit of anxiety because of the endless possibilities it presents. Each line I draw begins to shape the project in a specific way. I start by being open-minded and playful with initial assumptions, exploring options at the edges of what's possible. Then, I connect the best elements from these explorations to find the optimal solution.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JM : Change is the only constant.

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

JM : Good design sets trends

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

JM : The tools you use greatly influence the output you can achieve. With every technological shift, design evolves and adapts. For instance, CAD has revolutionized how we shape objects. Now, with generative design, we're seeing another significant shift. This technology allows designers and the manufacturing industry to explore and create forms that were previously unimaginable. Technology continuously expands the boundaries of what's possible in design.

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

JM : I use whatever tools are necessary to achieve the goal. This includes CAD software, mesh modelers, and AI generative tools. I'm always open to incorporating new technology and equipment to enhance my designs.

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

JM : Color, materials, and ambient elements play a crucial role in design as they are essential for definition and communication. The right color can bring an object to life and make it attractive to users. Materials and ambient settings also contribute to the overall experience, enhancing functionality and aesthetics.

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

JM : I wish people would ask about the challenges that emerged during the design process. Design doesn’t exist without its own limitations. An object designed on a small personal budget should be judged differently than one created with the resources of a large company. Understanding these constraints offers a deeper appreciation of the design and the creative solutions that emerged.

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

JM : When I see a new great design or product, I try to understand what the designer had in mind, what they are trying to communicate, and what the story behind the product is.

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

JM : I believe in co-design and that finding the right partner can lead to amazing achievements. It's challenging to find someone you truly click with, but when you do, the design process becomes incredibly joyful and productive.

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

JM : The people who have had the most influence on my design are the potential users of the product. The design should serve them, so they are the source of the most valuable insights.

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

JM : By constantly trying new things until I was satisfied with the result. This relentless experimentation and willingness to learn from each experience helped me refine my abilities and grow as a designer.

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

JM : Irrespective of time and space, I would want to meet and discuss with Dieter Rams, Jony Ive, Neri Oxman, Steve Jobs and Walter Gropius.

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

JM : I think fame is a myth from a previous decade that we still mistakenly believe is relevant. Andy Warhol's quote, "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes," is more applicable today than ever. Designers shouldn't consider themselves famous unless they've achieved something truly extraordinary—a product or innovation that has genuinely changed the world. Once that happens, fame comes whether you want it or not.

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

JM : A great day for me as a designer is when I can immerse myself deeply into my work and reach a state of flow. Feeling that I'm doing something useful and important is highly satisfying and keeps me motivated.

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

JM : When I was a child, I felt a strong connection to the process of making things, but as a kid, you don’t really think about becoming a great designer. It was more about the joy and creativity of creating something with my own hands. Looking back, those moments were the foundation of my passion for design.

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

JM : I think we will immerse ourselves in an ever-growing collective hub of knowledge and skills, heavily integrated with AI. This fusion will drive unprecedented advancements and collaboration, shaping a future where learning and innovation are limitless.

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

JM : Design is the end result of the collective effort and skillsets of the people you work with. Without these collaborators, your design could never exist. They expand your potential and bring ideas to life. My work is a testament to the power of teamwork and the incredible things we can achieve together. I’m glad to have extraordinary minds to work with on a daily basis. Their talent and creativity push the boundaries of what we can achieve and bring our designs to life in ways I couldn't accomplish alone.