Sara Fallahi

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Sara Fallahi ("SF") 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?

SF : I have a strong design background that spans architecture and UX/UI design. I worked as an architect for about seven years, with a focus on interior design in my later years, where I closely addressed users’ needs. For the past two years, I have been working as a UX/UI designer, combining my architectural understanding of space and user experience with digital product design. My education includes degrees in architectural engineering, which laid the foundation for my design thinking and problem-solving skills, and further studies in UX/UI design to expand my expertise into the digital realm.

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

SF : What motivates me to design is the desire to create meaningful and functional experiences that improve people’s lives. I became a designer because I’ve always been passionate about solving problems through creativity and understanding human needs. My background in architecture nurtured this drive, as it’s all about shaping spaces for people’s comfort and wellbeing. Over time, I realized that design, whether physical or digital, is a powerful tool to connect people and make their daily interactions easier and more enjoyable. This internal motivation to make a positive impact keeps me inspired every day.

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

SF : I chose to become a designer. It was a natural path driven by my passion for creativity and problem-solving, not by any external pressure.

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

SF : I design mainly user experiences, interfaces, and architectural spaces. I wish to explore more interdisciplinary projects that blend technology, sustainability, and human-centered design across various industries.

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

SF : Stay curious, be open to learning, embrace failure as a teacher, and always focus on solving real user problems with empathy and creativity.

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

SF : A great designer not only creates beautiful and functional work but deeply understands users, anticipates needs, collaborates well, and continuously innovates.

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

SF : A really good design solves problems effectively, is intuitive, aesthetically pleasing, and stands the test of time. I evaluate design by how well it meets user needs, its usability, and its lasting impact.

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

SF : Good design improves experiences, increases efficiency, and creates emotional connections. Investing in it means better products, happier users, and stronger brands.

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

SF : I would design sustainable living environments and innovative mobility solutions for communities seeking healthier, more connected lifestyles.

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

SF : A large-scale, user-centered smart city project that integrates architecture, technology, and nature to enhance urban living.

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

SF : My secret ingredient is empathy—truly understanding users’ needs and feelings. Coupled with persistence and a willingness to learn constantly, this drives meaningful and successful design.

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

SF : I’m inspired by designers like Dieter Rams for his timeless simplicity, Zaha Hadid for her bold architectural innovation, and Jonathan Ive for his elegant, user-focused product design.

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

SF : I admire Rams’ Braun products for their minimalism and clarity, Hadid’s architectural forms for their fluidity and boldness, and Ive’s Apple products for their seamless blend of function and beauty.

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

SF : My greatest design is a vehicle interior project focused on ergonomics and user comfort. It stands out because it successfully enhances user experience while balancing aesthetics, safety, and functionality.

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

SF : Continuous learning, seeking feedback, embracing challenges, and being curious about other fields helped me grow. Also, balancing creativity with practicality is key.

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

SF : I would likely have pursued architecture or environmental design, as I’ve always been passionate about shaping spaces that impact people’s lives.

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

SF : Design is the thoughtful process of creating solutions that improve lives, combining creativity, function, and empathy to make everyday experiences better and more meaningful.

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

SF : My biggest supporters have been my mentors, family, and professors who believed in me and pushed me to grow. Their guidance and encouragement have been invaluable throughout my journey.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

SF : A combination of continuous learning, hands-on experience, and embracing feedback helped me grow. Being open to new ideas and challenging myself to go beyond comfort zones were key factors.

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

SF : Balancing creative vision with practical constraints, overcoming self-doubt, and learning to communicate my ideas clearly were significant challenges early on.

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

SF : Designers should present their work clearly, telling the story behind the design, focusing on user needs, challenges solved, and the impact. Visuals should support the narrative and highlight key features.

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

SF : I’m aiming to expand beyond automotive design into holistic user experience projects, incorporating emerging tech like AI and sustainability-focused design solutions.

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

SF : My ultimate goal is to create designs that improve people’s lives meaningfully, blending aesthetics with function and empathy, while inspiring others in the field.

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

SF : People expect innovation, reliability, user-centered thinking, and clear communication. They look for solutions that balance creativity with real-world usability.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

SF : Design shapes how people interact with their environment and technology, improving accessibility, sustainability, and well-being, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and functional society.

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

SF : Currently, I’m exploring projects that integrate smart technology with ergonomic design to enhance everyday user experiences in transportation and beyond.

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

SF : Projects that solve real user problems and improve their daily lives give me the most satisfaction. For example, designing intuitive automotive interfaces that enhance driver safety and comfort deeply fulfilled me because I could see a tangible impact on users.

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

SF : I’d like to see greater emphasis on sustainable design practices and diversity in design teams, ensuring products are inclusive and environmentally responsible.

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

SF : Design is moving toward more human-centered, AI-assisted solutions that seamlessly blend technology with empathy, creating smarter and more personalized user experiences.

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

SF : It depends on the project complexity, but generally, I aim to balance thoroughness with efficiency, typically finalizing within weeks to a few months while iterating as needed.

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

SF : I start with user research and understanding the problem deeply—gathering insights, mapping user journeys, and defining clear goals before sketching initial concepts.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

SF : “Design with empathy, innovate with purpose.”

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

SF : It’s a dynamic relationship; great design can set trends by introducing fresh ideas, but designers also adapt to cultural and technological trends to stay relevant.

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

SF : Technology is a powerful enabler that expands creative possibilities, facilitates prototyping, and allows for smarter, more interactive designs.

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

SF : I regularly use Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Blender for 3D modeling, and prototyping tools, alongside hardware like high-res monitors and drawing tablets.

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

SF : Color, materials, and ambient elements create emotional connections and influence user perception. They enhance usability, set mood, and help communicate the brand or project’s story effectively.

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

SF : I’d love people to ask about the story and thought process behind my designs—how I connect user needs, emotion, and function into a cohesive experience.

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

SF : I immediately think about the problem it solves, the innovation behind it, and how users interact with it. I also wonder how I might improve or evolve it further.

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

SF : My ideal design partner is someone curious, open-minded, and collaborative. I strongly believe in co-design because diverse perspectives spark richer, more innovative solutions.

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

SF : Mentors and colleagues who challenged me to think critically and empathize deeply had the most influence. Their guidance shaped my approach to human-centered design.

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

SF : Books like “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman and “Emotional Design” profoundly impacted my understanding of usability and emotional connection in design.

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

SF : Continuous learning, embracing new tools and methods, seeking feedback, and pushing beyond comfort zones helped me develop. Hands-on projects and real-world challenges were the best teachers.

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

SF : I’d love to meet Leonardo da Vinci—his blend of art, science, and innovation is timeless inspiration.

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

SF : Awards are humbling and motivating but not the goal. Recognition opens doors but staying true to meaningful design work is the real challenge.

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

SF : Favorite color: Deep blue. Favorite place: A quiet mountain cabin. Favorite food: Saffron rice with grilled vegetables. Favorite season: Autumn. Favorite thing: A sketchbook. Favorite brand: Apple for its focus on seamless user experience.

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

SF : Once, during a client presentation, I accidentally showed a mockup with placeholder text still in Latin. The client caught it and laughed — it reminded me that even small details matter!

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

SF : A great day includes creative breakthroughs, positive user feedback, or simply finishing a complex task. I motivate myself by reminding how design impacts people’s lives.

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

SF : Not obvious, but I always loved drawing and building things, which planted the seeds early on.

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

SF : I imagine design will blur boundaries between digital and physical worlds, creating fully immersive, empathetic experiences that enhance human potential.

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

SF : I want fans to know I design with empathy and curiosity. Behind every project is a desire to make life better and more beautiful, one thoughtful detail at a time.