Mohamad Montazeri

Specialized in Musical Instrument Design.

Mohamad Montazeri

About Mohamad Montazeri

Mohamad Montazeri was born in 1989, Iran. He got a Bachelor’s Degree and then a Master’s Degree in Industrial Design from ID Faculty of I. Art University of Tabriz/ Iran. Mohamad is also a musician, painter, Amateur Astronomer and promoter of astronomy. He is the Founder and CEO of Arena Design Studio and Arena Design Academy that designs product, service etc, and also promotes the design knowledge. He believes that a good design makes the world better. He defines a good design in the balance of emotional with its aesthetics, usability and functionality.

  • Winner of 3 A' Design Awards.
  • Specialized in Musical Instrument Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Musical Instrument
  • Computer
  • Consumer Electronics
Aurora Synthesizer

Aurora Synthesizer

Musical Instrument Design

Pineal VR Headset

Pineal VR Headset

Computer Design

Doodlight Bullet Journal Laser Projector

Doodlight Bullet Journal Laser Projector

Consumer Electronics Design


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Interview with Mohamad Montazeri

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
My childhood was spent in an artistic atmosphere. I have had various experiences in different branches of art. In painting, I experimented several styles (such as abstract, impressionism, post-impressionism, cubism, realism and surrealism) and held more than 20 solo painting exhibitions during this period. In addition to painting, I have experiences in music. I have a great interest in composing and as a child I entered the world of music playing the violin and then the cello, guitar and mandolin. I have tried almost all the living instruments in the world and I love them. As a teenager, I spent most of my time in music and recording music, and I managed to record two albums and a few singles. Before entering the university, I got acquainted with the field of design and decided to study Industrial Design at the university. So, I completed my academic studies in Industrial Design at the undergraduate and then postgraduate levels. I am satisfied with my art and academic background, and if I went back to the past, I would still choose the same path from the beginning until today.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I am the founder and director of Arena Design Studio and Arena Design Academy. At Arena Design Studio, we design products and to date we have succeeded in designing products that have won various prestigious international awards in design. What is important in Arena Design Studio is to pay attention to good design and environmentally friendly. Also, by holding training courses in various design departments, we try to teach design to students in this field and improve the quality of their knowledge and skills in design.
What is "design" for you?
I am very interested in design and this has made design to have higher meanings for me. Design is an integral part of my life.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I have had various experiences in design. From architecture and land art to fashion design, service design and product design. But I am most specialized and interested in design of digital products.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
I cannot mention a specific case. But in general, I can say that any good design, is my favorite.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I cannot choose with certainty. Because each of these has its own importance and depending on the type of project the priority of their importance may be shifted from one project to another.
When do you feel the most creative?
I have learned to increase the creative activity of my mind whenever I want. This has helped me to be able to produce content and ideas in the best way, even in the most difficult mental and intellectual conditions.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I think of design as a living thing. To examine a living thing, it is not possible to say which organ is more important. For example, the brain cannot work without limbs, or all of this cannot survive without the heart, and etc. The design is the same. Design is a living system, and it is a mistake to think that one part is important and effective apart from the other parts. Creativity and innovation are important to me, but they are not enough. Form and product function and many other factors are also important and influential.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Design always feels good to me. This may seem strange to you, but the harder the project, the more interesting and exciting it is for me.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
It feels great. I can learn from the feedback and opinions of a large number of people about my work.
What makes a design successful?
Successful design is a design that can meet the needs of the user in the best way; it should be environmentally friendly and maintains balance.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
In different products, due to their different functions, priorities can be shifted, but some things are general and should always be considered. If taken into account, they can be one step closer to good design. One of the most important of these is adherence to design ethics, maintaining balance and sustainability in design. Other factors include creativity, good form, good function and compliance with standards.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
The designer, like all human beings, is responsible for his environment. S/he is responsible for the Earth on which s/he lives, for the society in which s/he lives, and in a word, for the environment around which s/he interacts. The designer's mission towards this responsibility is ethical design. A sustainable design that is environmentally friendly and maintains balance. We must never forget that the environment is a trust in our hands for future generations.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
In my opinion, the future of design depends on the future of mankind. In fact, the future of design is the future of mankind. Because it is the designers who with their designs make the path of human life easier and the next steps of human progress possible, and on the other hand, human beings cultivate their desires and aspirations in their minds and bring them to maturity to the stage of idea. What is desired for human beings today, will become a reality in the future, and this is the work of the designer. I said all this to emphasize that the role of the designer is very important in the future, even more than today.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
Due to the Corona Pandemic, I have not held any group activities such as the exhibition for a long time, but my last exhibition was before the Corona Pandemic and about a year ago in Tehran / Iran. I have not yet made a decision for the next exhibition due to the Covid19 pandemic.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
The range of my designs is wide, from service design to product design. Accordingly, the design methods in each project may be different from the others. So the source of inspiration in each project can be different. But in general, I believe that there is always the answer to everything around us, and we just need to look around and see them.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
I always love simplicity and purity. I am very interested in modernity and then in good design, and I see the utmost beauty in good design. I like the simplicity and minimalism of a design and that is why I always try to make my designs look like this; the utmost purity and simplicity.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I live in Iran. In answer to this question, there are two arguments, first, that I personally do not tend to categorize my designs in any way, and I always try to make the products I design understandable to all human beings on the planet, regardless of nationality and ethnicity. Secondly, there is an important point in this, and that is to know each culture and taste and all the factors of a society and to give importance to them. A successful designer is a successful sociologist. A successful designer is a successful psychologist. A successful designer is aware of the current realities of societies, nations and tribes. This is my view, and I always follow these two together in my designs. Therefore, the country where I live, Iran, as a border and nationality, has no effect on my designs, but with full knowledge of the characteristics of the people of this country and other countries, my designs have become more mature and complete.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
it cannot be denied that all companies are looking to sell more and be more successful in their markets, which sometimes makes them more conservative and naturally makes it harder for them to accept creative and risky ideas. This is an important point in deciding whether to continue their production and sales routine or to trust their designer's basic idea. Personally, I believe that many factors need to be considered for this decision. But what is important is to pay attention to the background of the designer and the purpose of such designs. To what extent and how has he observed the balance between reality and idea? Paying attention to this important matter can make decisions easier and help the designer in his task and the resulting project can be done successfully for both parties. A good way to get to know a good designer is to review his or her resume. I think designers who have won awards at numerous prestigious international competitions, as well as the quality of their work and designs, have a higher quality level and are a good choice.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
The design methods I use in each project vary depending on the product and project. I love this flexibility and consider it as one of the keys to my success in my projects and designs. But in general, the common denominator of all my projects is paying close attention to idea and reviewing all possible solutions to meet the need or solve the problem.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
Design in the fields of Lighting Design, Furniture Design, Digital Device Design, Interior Gardening Design and Interior Design is attractive to me.
Can you describe a day in your life?
Naturally, my days, like many others, are different. But in the meantime, some things are fixed in my daily schedule. Studying physical or digital copies of magazines, newspapers and websites to follow the latest world news, especially in the field of science, technology and design. studying book. Sometimes I write songs and play my instruments and record my songs. I like walking. I take care of my flowers and plants.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
My suggestion is to read a lot. But the study and knowledge of theory alone is not enough, and the involvement of the designer in the manufacturing process makes the designer more mature and experienced.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Naturally, design, like everything else, has both positive and negative points. But more important than paying attention to the positive and negative points, is paying attention to the designer's view and thoughts towards design philosophy. For example, the boundary between imagination and idea and the boundary between idea and reality (turning idea into reality) are very fine. Sometimes during the design process, ideas that seemed perfectly efficient may show new aspects in the implementation phase (such as the construction phase) and overshadow the project. That's why ideas need to be tested. These steps are sometimes very time consuming and energy consuming. In this situation, the designer's view of the design process is very decisive. If s/he does not have strong management, high patience and great interest in design, s/he will definitely run into problems. This can be seen in other parts of the design process.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Adherence to ethical and human principles, up-to-date design information, science and technology, and keeping up with the latest world news, strong management and patience.
What skills are most important for a designer?
I know the importance of management skills (any type and form of management) more than others.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
In general, depending on the type of project, I use a set of 3D modeling software, rendering, presentation, as well as data analysis software and simulators.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Throughout the design process, energy, manpower and time management are crucial. In my opinion, full knowledge of each of these topics and having experience can make project management successful. Personally, I have never had a failed time management experience because based on the experience I have gained, I look at projects more realistically, and this allows me to make the most of the time I have. Also it avoids possible time-consuming errors.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
The times vary according to the type of project and I cannot specify a specific number.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
The biggest question is about how my design process works. How do these ideas come to my mind?
What was your most important job experience?
I cannot mention one specific case. Each of them has its own unique experiences for me, according to its own challenges, and therefore each of them has its own importance to me. But, I have to say that they were all equally important to me.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I really like product design. Also, data analysis and processing and design based on data and calculations is one of my interests in design. In addition to these interests, the experience of working in a group and team also doubles the attractiveness of the project for me.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
More progress in design and more introduction of my products and designs to the world.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I have had both team and group design experience as well as individual design experience. Each has its own pros and cons, but I personally prefer teamwork.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I am currently working on several design projects and I will probably participate in one or two of them in international competitions this year.
How can people contact you?
I am a member of all the popular social networks through which people can connect with me. My personal website is also available at www.mohamadmontazeri.com. It contains the addresses of the accounts of all social networks and other communication channels, as well as information about my projects and designs.
Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
I think the interview was complete and you mentioned everything. Thank you for this interview.

Designer of the Day Interview with Mohamad Montazeri

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I studied industrial design at university. Before that, I worked in various artistic fields such as painting and music. The result of these experiences and my artistic activities in painting and music are several solo exhibitions of paintings and several albums of non-verbal music by me. I have always been interested in design and I wanted to learn it academically to choose it as my career. That's why I chose industrial design to study at university. I am very interested in design and it has made my life more enjoyable.
How did you become a designer?
My childhood interest in art, on the one hand, and my passion for inventions and discoveries, on the other, fascinated me with design. I chose design with awareness and interest, and during my studies and work in this field, my activities and experiences in design expanded day by day, and now a large part of my life is spent on design.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
In all the designs I have done, I have gained a lot of experience from different techniques, tools and styles, but I have never preferred one technique over another and I believe that all techniques and tools, if used in the right place, lead to the best results.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
The design process is always fraught with challenges, and sometimes these challenges are enjoyable and sometimes they can be very difficult and tedious. For me, who is interested in design, all these difficulties are enjoyable and even double my energy to solve that challenge with more power and finally see the best result in my design. In addition, I believe that design means creating. I love creation. It is a great pleasure to create. All these feelings make me enjoy every moment of the design process and finish the project with the best result.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Certainly many of my personal behaviors, habits, and interests have influenced my career. For example, extensive study in various fields. Also, I am very interested in collecting and collecting them carefully, observing them as well as my Interest in various sciences such as psychology, sociology and economics are parts of my identity that have definitely influenced my career as a designer.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
Gaining various experiences at work, upgrading my knowledge and skills to reach an influential position in the world of design.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
The first and most important point was interest. Know the design and understand it heartfully, then you will love it and consider it a part of yourself. Only then can you succeed. In this path, you need a lot of perseverance, study and knowledge and gaining various experiences.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Everyone can be one of the most successful in their field in whatever they do. It is enough to love it, to be careful and diligent, and most importantly to adhere to professional ethics and principles.
What is your day to day look like?
Among my various daily tasks, I generally do some tasks every day. Things like studying and following the news and current sciences of the world. Because I believe the most important part in design is the up-to-date designer's knowledge. In addition, I sometimes pursue other hobbies. Things like taking care of my Bonsais, composing and recording songs from my music albums, etc.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I believe that every designer should find his own style and method. But this does not mean that he is unaware of the trend of the day. He can take the initiative and design consciously by studying every day and keeping himself up to date, which I design accordingly.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
A good design has many factors and has had many definitions throughout history. But I personally see it at the height of the coordination between pure beauty and function. Each product can be an example of good design if it is consciously and effortlessly designed and does not deviate from its mission.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Design is a conscious process. So any activity that happens must be conscious and planned. During a project, I constantly refer to the pack list and plans made for that project and check each process of the design. What is important is that each step of the plan is completed qualitatively. The outcome of these plans and the quality of the product at the end of the project will show us whether the design project is over or not.
What is your biggest design work?
I cannot mention a specific design and product. Because I love them all equally in their own place.
Who is your favourite designer?
I know many designers and I love their work, but I cannot prefer any of them to another. A better understanding of each of them has helped me to use their experiences and try out the secrets to their success and think more professionally.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Studying is the most important part of my daily life. In addition to design, which is my professional job, I also have hobbies that sometimes take me to their world, sometimes they are as meditation for me, and sometimes lead me to creativity. Composing is one of them. Sometimes when I need mental rest, I write a song or record a song. I always try to support younger and novice designers and give them tips and advice to improve and help them if needed. All of these things, both directly and indirectly, affect my design and my environment.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
My work philosophy is teamwork. Work with high discipline and accuracy. Every moment of work should be accompanied by ethics, attention to nature and environment and maintaining balance in any field.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
We are all, in turn, indebted to the society in which we grew up and live. We all owe the land and the environment. All of us, in turn, must dedicate our religions to society and nature. In addition to creating culture, observing ethical and professional principles of work, respecting nature and observing nature conservation standards, I personally teach my design lessons to younger designers and share my experiences with them and I love it.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
The challenge is always attractive to me. I created products that competed with the designs of other designers around the world and were able to be selected and won. This experience is very enjoyable for me.

Extended Interview with Mohamad Montazeri

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I lived and grew up in an artistic atmosphere as a child. Painting and music were some of my most important artistic activities before entering university and studying design. I had a lot of success in painting and music. In painting, I managed to experience different styles and held more than 10 solo painting exhibitions, and in music, I was able to play various instruments, and I also made several songs and music albums. Despite all these successes, with the full interest and knowledge I had of design, I decided to study industrial design at university. Today I have reached a level where I do not enjoy life without design.
How did you become a designer?
I love design because I love to creation and I believe that the greatest human ability is to create. So what’s better than using this ability in the best way?
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I have been interested in design since I was a child, and this interest grew over time, and finally, I entered the university with full interest and knowledge about this field and studied in this field, and now I am completely satisfied with the decision.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I am more interested in product design particularly digital product design, and besides, I am very interested in calculations and data analysis, examples of which are in parametric design and generative design.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Frequent and intermittent study increases knowledge and this knowledge is completed by gaining a lot of experience in the work. All this is possible for someone who has a clear plan for his future and has a lot of perseverance. But with all these hardships, I think it's harder to stay a legend than being a legend.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
A good designer has reached a good standard and the result is quality designs and this is very good. But a great designer is beyond the standards of a good designer because s/he has more concerns that result from his/her different outlook on life and the world and it sets him/her and his/her work apart. The great designer and his/her works last forever.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Design is not just about form and function. It also has dimensions that paying attention to each of them, will improve you step by step. The more concerned the designer is, the more mature and complete the design. This infinite way goes as far as the designer has the understanding and ability to climb these steps. The more concerned the designer is, the harder his/her design process becomes, but the more enjoyable and lasting the result will be. This is a really good design.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design is actually win-win design. It does not harm anything and no one is harmed because it is a perfect design and it also perfects human life.
What is your day to day look like?
I have countless answers to this question. But in general, I respect any subject that can meet the need and solve a problem and make people more aware, and I would like to design in that field. The most important thing is to help balance the environment, the Earth and human beings.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
I have many big projects in mind, each of which can change the world. I cannot prefer one over the other. I can only say that what they all have in common is helping to make better world.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Knowledge from extensive and intermittent study, interest in learning at any time and at any level of life, having a clear goal, perseverance and experience.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
I am very interested in history and I study history a lot. Especially the history of design. In answer to this question, I must say that many people and movements have directly or indirectly influenced me to this day, but in the meantime, I have been most influenced by the period of modernity and the Bauhaus school as well as good design. I am very interested in the works of Dieter Rams and I admire them.
Who is your favourite designer?
I have an important motto for myself, which is: " do not do something, or if you do, do it in the best and most complete way." I strongly believe in this statement and that is why I have tried my best to be the best of its kind in all my designs. For this reason, for me, all of my designs are valuable. I am very satisfied with all of them.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
First of all, having an interest in design is very important. Good design requires a lot of patience and this patience can only be achieved by having interest. Perseverance and gaining knowledge through study and gaining experience are other important factors.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
The definition of design in my view is the purposeful and conscious process of creating a value.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
Many people have directly or indirectly influenced my life. But I cannot mention the names of people here because someone's name may be forgotten. These people are very valuable and important to me and I wish them more success and health.

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