Kush Kaveh

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Kush Kaveh ("KK") 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?

KK : I’ve been sketching and creating since I was a kid. Drawing was just something that felt natural. Over time, I became more interested in how people interact with things, not just how they look. With a background in architecture and software engineering, and experience across UX, branding, and digital strategy, I’ve found myself working where creativity meets purpose. Trying to design thoughtful systems that actually help people.

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

KK : I design to make things feel more human. Every interface, every flow, every brand touchpoint is an opportunity to connect. I became a designer because I believe design is one of the few tools that can reshape how people live, think, feel, and even hope.

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

KK : It chose me as much as I chose it. I followed curiosity. Even before I knew what "UX" meant, I was obsessed with how people interacted. With spaces, with tools, and with each other. Over time, design became my language for problem-solving.

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

KK : I design experiences: from digital products and SaaS platforms to brand systems and AI-integrated tools. I’d love to design more systems that bridge accessibility and intelligence. Products that make tech truly inclusive.

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

KK : Thank you, but I’m far from what I’d call a legend. Just someone who keeps learning and building. From what I’ve seen, the best place to start is by listening more than you speak. Understand people. Study behavior, psychology, and culture. Make things, break them, learn, and rebuild. And above all, stay curious and stay true to yourself.

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

KK : A good designer delivers what’s expected. A great designer redefines the problem, surprises you, and makes the solution feel inevitable. Greatness comes from empathy, iteration, and bravery.

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

KK : It solves the right problem in a way that feels effortless and emotionally resonant. A really good design makes people feel seen. If users can use it intuitively and remember it emotionally! that’s gold.

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

KK : Good design builds trust. It reduces friction, elevates perception, and solves complex problems beautifully. It's not decoration, it's strategy. When done right, design becomes a competitive edge.

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

KK : I’d design intelligent, self-sustaining systems for underserved communities. whether it's AI-powered tools for mental health or hydroponic modules for urban farming. Design should extend dignity.

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

KK : A fully immersive learning platform that uses AI, spatial interaction, and adaptive design to help people find their ideal careers and skills. Personalized education meets behavioral UX meets generative design.

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

KK : Curiosity. I don’t design from ego! I design to learn. Every project teaches me something. That mindset keeps the work fresh, user-centered, and scalable.

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

KK : I’ve always admired Dieter Rams for his philosophy, Paula Scher for her boldness, and John Maeda for integrating tech and art. I’m also deeply inspired by newer voices blending design with ethics and futurism.

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

KK : The NYC subway map by Massimo Vignelli. It’s iconic, functional, and timeless. I also love the microinteractions in Headspace’s app, they’re subtle, emotional, and deeply considered.

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

KK : One of my favorite projects is actually something I’m working on right now. I won’t name it just yet, but it’s solving a real problem and already making a difference. It reminded me that good design isn’t about features. It’s about making life feel a little easier.

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

KK : Design every day. But more than that, reflect. Ask for feedback. Study outside design, something that I am currently fascinated by is biomimicry, also psychology, philosophy, even biology. I grew by constantly reinventing my approach and never settling for surface-level thinking.

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

KK : Probably a musician, creative director in film or an architect of future habitats, maybe even a writer or space entrepreneur. All my interests orbit around storytelling, systems, and shaping how people live.

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

KK : Design is intentional problem-solving that considers both function and feeling. It’s the bridge between chaos and clarity, tech and people, now and the future.

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

KK : Honestly, a combination of mentors, my partner, and an inner fire that refused to settle for mediocrity. I’ve had people who believed in me when I was still learning to believe in myself.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

KK : Showing up daily. Not just to design, but to observe, to question, to collaborate. The relentless pursuit of "better, not perfect" was key.

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

KK : Imposter syndrome. Burnout. Saying yes to everything. But the biggest obstacle was learning to trust my vision and communicate it confidently.

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

KK : As a narrative. Not just “what” and “how,” but “why.” Let your process show. Make the thinking visible. Because your mind is part of the value!

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

KK : I'm building several products at the intersection of AI, self-improvement, and sustainability. Expect tools that help people learn, grow, and live better, smarter ecosystems for everyday life.

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

KK : To design systems that empower, not just impress. I want my work to live beyond screens, to shape better futures, touch people's lives, and to inspire the next wave of creators.

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

KK : Authenticity. Vision. The ability to make sense of complexity and bring calm through design. I also think people expect leadership through innovation, and I take that seriously.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

KK : Design is invisible architecture. It shapes how people access opportunities, health, education, and even joy. Good design removes barriers. Great design uplifts lives.

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

KK : I’m building an AI-powered productivity tool and a health tech platform, both deeply rooted in human-centered design. They blend UX, automation, and systems thinking in ways I’ve never done before.

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

KK : Honestly, each project has something I love! Whether it's the problem it solved, the team I worked with, or the creative risk we took. But the ones that bring the most satisfaction are always the ones that truly help people. When something I’ve designed makes someone’s day smoother or less stressful. That’s the kind of impact that sticks.

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

KK : More inclusivity, less gatekeeping. More ethical tech. Less obsession with dribbble aesthetics and more focus on systems that work for real people.

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

KK : Design is merging with AI, strategy, and systems thinking. The future is adaptive, co-created, and personalized in real time. UX won’t be just digital, it’ll be behavioral.

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

KK : It depends on the scope, but I usually iterate quickly. I prototype fast, test fast, and refine until it feels right. Days for small projects, sometimes weeks, or months for complex systems.

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

KK : Always with a lot of questions. What problem are we solving? Who is this for? What do they feel, need, and fear? Research comes before pixels.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

KK : Design less, observe more. Then create with clarity and care.

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

KK : It’s a dance. Design influences culture, but culture also fuels design. Great designers spot the moment before the trend and shape it with intention.

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

KK : The technology is always the canvas, the brush, and sometimes the paint. But never the idea. Technology should serve the human, not the other way around.

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

KK : Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Notion, ChatGPT, Midjourney, n8n, and sometimes code. I am always trying to keep myself up to date with the latest tools and I use what helps me think and build faster, but I don’t obsess over tools.

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

KK : They’re silent narrators. Color evokes feeling. Materials shape perception. Ambient is mood. Together, they tell a story beyond words.

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

KK : “What does this make people feel?” or “What did you learn building this?” I’d love more curiosity about the process, not just the surface.

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

KK : I wonder who designed it, what was their thought process, what tradeoffs they made, and how intentional each choice was.

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

KK : Someone curious, grounded, and eager to learn. Yes, I fully believe in co-design. Collaboration always brings unexpected magic.

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

KK : My first creative mentor, a few close collaborators, and honestly users. Their unfiltered reactions taught me more than any book.

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

KK : Don Norman’s The Design of Everyday Things. Also The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda, and lately, books on systems thinking and behavioral psychology.

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

KK : I designed every day. I deconstructed what I admired, accepted critique, and stayed in love with the problem. Not just the solution.

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

KK : Leonardo da Vinci. I think we’d vibe on the intersection of art, science, and curiosity.

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

KK : I’m grateful for the recognition, but I don’t really see myself as famous. I just try to do good work and stay curious. Awards are nice, but the real reward is seeing something you’ve made actually help someone. That’s what matters most to me.

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

KK : Color: seafoam green—calm with depth. Place: anywhere I can catch a quiet sunset by the sea. Food: anything cooked with heart—specially persian food. Season: autumn, when everything softens and sharpens at the same time. Thing: My bass guitar—it holds more versions of me than I can count. Brand: the ones that feel real and don’t try too hard—like Notion, Patagonia, or anything built with purpose.

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

KK : One time, I showed up to a client meeting with two versions of a concept, one polished, one super experimental. I accidentally opened the experimental one first and went forward with it… but instead of backtracking, I explained the thinking behind it. Turns out, they loved that version way more. It reminded me that being honest and open in the process can lead to better outcomes than playing it safe.

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

KK : Progress. Even 1% better. I love creating new things, Seeing something go from idea to interface, especially if it helps someone, is the best dopamine.

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

KK : Maybe not “designer,” but I was always building, sketching, fixing things. The urge to make sense of chaos was definitely there.

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

KK : We’ll live in ecosystems powered by intelligence and empathy. I think design will be invisible—but essential. And hopefully, we’ll still care about beauty.

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

KK : I’m not designing for applause, I’m designing for change. Whether you’ve followed my work for years or just discovered it: thank you. I hope my design makes you feel something real.