Interviews med Sameh Ibrahim Emam

I studied architecture design at Future University in Egypt, and I learned how to respect nature and to deliver comfort to the client, it was my inspiration to work and design for awareness of natural problems and to spot the light on all these dangerous effects of human behavior on nature.

When I was in elementary school I had many games in which you must design and build creative products through many modular units like (LEGO) sets, then I develop this skill through my continuous watching for architectural icons, and after graduation, I began to develop many concepts for furniture as it was easy to model and very powerful for its impression on users.

My priorities are the Client’s comfort, Nature rescores, and Function. I began by thinking about the concept for the design as it is the essential process to ensure the product’s elegance, then I started to sketch it and the modeling and rendering.

In the beginning, it’s the most exciting phase... It goes like this: what it will look like? How can I achieve this? Then it is the most beautiful feeling when I finish as it is the pure sense of creation.

Care for others and being so sensitive, by using these aspects I manage to put myself in the user’s shoes and evaluate my design well.

I want to be remembered as the designer of gamified products as it could be a global market in the future.

Stick to your dreams always, and of course, be humble and care for people and nature, people are the target audience for your work and nature is the true master which we all learn from.

Don’t let anyone to take your dream from you

It’s like a journey in which I learn something new every day, I began my day with a quick look at the latest architectural works and forms, then I go to my university to teach my students what I’ve learned and that’s where all the excitement is. That look inside their eyes.

I always search and keep following up on all the latest trends in design, the matter of following them or not depends on these trends.

Are users happy with it? is its message delivered? and the function must work perfectly!

When it satisfies me, and I am a very hard person to be satisfied

My next one, I keep telling myself that in every project to keep improving

my future self... I found this work as my always inspiration

Italy, Como is a very inspiring city

I always prefer to work alone, but when I work in a team I really focus on how to give the best in my work for my own benefit and also for the group’s benefit.

I can give the community my study of architecture and design, in my opinion, everyone must have the essence of design even if he is not a designer, because we all have the potential for creativity and creation, and that’s what I do in my work as Teaching staff in the university

I had a big influence on my designs and work Being very famous in my university Improves my output at all levels

The main idea was to give a light touch of human interaction within a common national symbol of Japan. The Bonsai tree symbolizes harmony and peace, which was the perfect symbol to use as a concept for the design

Ease of use and understanding of the hidden meaning right away

Manufacturing it on a global scale

It was a Japanese competition about designing stationery that can bring people together and make the embrace their differences

I may lease the production rights

My love for human-focused design

Mainly it will be in work and study places, so employees, managers, teachers, students, and customer services

It is a simple memo holder that can change human behavior

Because of the bonsai tree

Rhino, Cinema 4D, and Octane render

It's Japanese essence

My brother who is working as a Film Director

3D printing wood

It was a result of many researches that talk about the amount of stress and anxiety in workplaces due to the nature of hiding feelings and current mood

The main challenge in this project was how to make this mood shower tool be seen as a normal and beautiful object to be placed on the desktop and also to match the Japanese culture.

by seeing your competition on arch-daily

I learned how to improve my presentation

I studied architecture design at Future University in Egypt, and I learned how to respect nature and deliver comfort to the client

my inspiration to work and design for awareness of natural problems and to spot the light on all these dangerous effects of human behavior on nature.

Furniture and products

stick to his dreams no matter what

a good designer who cares about design, a great designer who cares about the user and natural impact

by its concept and function

because good design means good life and good use of everyday things, good design gives life taste and meaning

I would like to design for my country people furniture

No, I don't have a dream project for now

concept and Gamification

my teachers and doctors in my university

my future self

my next one

be kept up to date with all the architectural and artistic work

creative writing

the essence of life

I keep telling myself I'll be something one day

my teachers and doctors in my university

learning how to translate concepts and ideas into good designs

by user's feedback

more gamified products and furniture

to become the most successful product designer in the world

to provide good design with good function

by lifting their exceptions to their limits and giving them a new perspective on everyday things

an international competition about gamification

my next one ,,, I am very hard to be satisfied

I would like to see how AI will affect the design industry

in to nature and environmental perspectives

depends on the project from 2 days to 2 months

by sketching

go for bigger dreams

design sets the trends

it comes after the concept and sketching

Rhino sores and Sketch up + Vray

the most functional and meaningful

what is the concept behind it and what is your storyboard

I must go and design something to be that great

my young brother

my students

space form and order

be kept up to date with all art and architecture work

my future self

not really, it is kind of fun also

White. My home... Sushi. Winter... Designing... Pepsi

by keep telling myself, I'll be something inspirational

no of course

robots will help man build a better life

when I was young, I was founded by creating designs for any building I saw on TV...after that, I wanted to make people's life easier.

I work mostly with my university

design for me equals simplicity and functionality. good design must be simple enough to be understood.

Furniture and products

my next one

my table Iceberg

3D printing technology, for me, is the gate for the future of design and manufacture

when I have a strong reason for making a design, like helping people or making their life easier

Concept, then Function

exploring, deep inside I'm a 7-year-old kid who likes to discover and explore

when it is simple enough to be understood and work and function at the same time

Concept and ideas, anyone can make a functional design, but only a few can make you love the procedure for its idea

the designer must know the needs of society, he must understand that his designs should work in harmony with nature and the environment. he also has the responsibility to aware others about nature

Artificial Intelligence, I think it could transform all the design processes and ideas

Nature! It has magical formulas for anything

simplicity! simple but powerful in the idea and Concept

In Egypt, Cairo

by his work and awards

My priorities are the Client’s comfort, Natural resources, and Function I began by thinking about the concept for the design as it is the essential process to ensure the product’s elegance, then I started to sketch it and the modeling and rendering.

table, chair, desk, sofa, and bed

It’s like a journey in which I learn something new every day, I began my day with a quick look at the latest architectural works and forms, then I go to my university to teach my students what I’ve learned and that’s where all the excitement is. That look inside their eyes.

don't ever let your dream

Positive: having the chance to create good designs and help people negative : too much wasted time and not finding time for family and friends

putting the user's point of view into everything

Imagination

my sketchbook

making (do) list can be a very effective tool for me

it could take from 2 days to 1 month

how do you get these crazy ideas :D

Patience.

my own university

furniture, because it is simple, small yet very enjoyably

to make my own design studio

most of the time by myself, but yes I can be a successful team leader

my Emails are : samehemam14@yahoo.com, sameh.emam@fue.edu.eg my number : +00201094472585

The inspiration for the Mood Tree stemmed from my fascination with Japanese culture and its emphasis on subtle communication and emotional balance. Bonsai trees, with their intricate forms and serene beauty, symbolize harmony, patience, and the interconnectedness of all things. I wanted to capture this essence and translate it into a functional object that could enhance workplace well-being.The design process involved a deep dive into Japanese aesthetics and the psychology of color. I chose a minimal design language, inspired by traditional Japanese minimalism, to create a calming and focused workspace. The color palette for the memos was carefully selected to evoke specific emotions: soft pink for happiness and warm yellow for sadness. These colors are universally recognized and can be easily interpreted, making the Mood Tree accessible to people from diverse cultural backgrounds.By incorporating Bonsai symbolism and a thoughtful color scheme, the Mood Tree aims to foster a more empathetic and harmonious workplace environment. It encourages users to express their emotions openly and respectfully, leading to better communication and stronger relationships.

The choice of WoodPLAy Wood Fill PLA was a deliberate decision to enhance the tactile and visual experience of the Mood Tree. This material, with its natural wood-like appearance and feel, evokes a sense of warmth and tranquility, aligning perfectly with the calming nature of Bonsai trees. The subtle scent of wood further contributes to a more immersive and sensory experience, inviting users to connect with the natural world.Furthermore, the biodegradable nature of WoodPLAy resonates with the product's underlying message of sustainability and mindfulness. It encourages users to be conscious of their environmental impact while expressing their emotions. By incorporating this eco-friendly material, the Mood Tree becomes more than just a functional object; it becomes a symbol of harmony between human emotions and the natural world.

My background in architecture and gamification played a pivotal role in shaping the Mood Tree's unique approach to non-verbal communication. As an architect, I am trained to consider the spatial and experiential aspects of design. I applied this knowledge to the Mood Tree by creating a visually appealing and functional object that could enhance the user's workspace. The Bonsai tree form, with its intricate branches and calming presence, was inspired by architectural principles of proportion, balance, and harmony.Gamification, on the other hand, provided the framework for designing an engaging and interactive experience. By incorporating elements of game design, such as (Trophy shelf: game technique in which you have something that communicates instead of you), the Mood Tree encourages users to actively participate in their emotional expression. The color-coded memos serve as a playful way to track and share one's moods, making the process enjoyable and effortless.The fusion of architecture and gamification in the Mood Tree creates a unique and innovative solution for non-verbal communication in professional settings. By combining form and function, aesthetics and interactivity, the Mood Tree fosters a more positive and empathetic workplace culture.

The choice of rose and yellow as the emotional indicators for the Mood Tree's dual-colored memos was informed by extensive research into color psychology and workplace dynamics. Rose, a soft and nurturing color, is often associated with feelings of joy, love, and compassion. It is a positive and optimistic color that can uplift the mood and create a sense of warmth and connection. Yellow, on the other hand, is associated with optimism, clarity, and energy. However, it can also evoke feelings of anxiety and stress. By pairing these two colors together, the Mood Tree offers a subtle yet powerful way to express a range of emotions, from pure joy to subdued sadness. By understanding the psychological impact of color, I aimed to create a tool that could foster empathy, understanding, and effective communication in the workplace. The dual-colored memos encourage users to acknowledge and express their emotions honestly, leading to healthier and more productive work environments.

The most challenging aspect of designing the Mood Tree was striking a balance between practicality and emotional impact. As a functional object, the memo holder needed to be sturdy, reliable, and easy to use. However, as a tool for emotional expression, it had to be visually appealing, evocative, and meaningful.To achieve this balance, I focused on creating a design that was both simple and sophisticated. The minimalist form of the Bonsai tree, combined with the subtle color palette of the memos, creates a calming and serene atmosphere. The tactile experience of using the wooden memo holder further enhances the emotional impact of the product.By carefully considering the interplay between form and function, aesthetics and utility, the Mood Tree aims to be more than just a memo holder. It is a thoughtful and innovative tool that can help individuals to express themselves more authentically and connect with others on a deeper level.

The collaborative aspect of the Mood Tree evolved organically during the design process. Initially, I envisioned it as a personal tool for individual reflection and expression. However, as I delved deeper into the concept, I realized the potential for fostering a shared emotional space within teams and workgroups.By designing the Mood Tree to accommodate up to seven users, I aimed to create a visual representation of the collective emotional landscape of a team. The arrangement of the branches and the distribution of the memos encourage interaction and empathy among team members. It becomes a shared canvas where individuals can express their feelings, both positive and negative, without fear of judgment.This collaborative aspect not only enhances the functionality of the Mood Tree but also elevates it to a social and emotional tool. It promotes a sense of belonging, understanding, and support within teams, the final form has 7 branches to allow that.

Kokuyo's mission to support individual expression was a key driver for the Mood Tree's design. The dual-colored memo system, inspired by Kokuyo's philosophy, encourages authentic self-expression. The minimalist design and tactile experience enhance the product's emotional impact. The collaborative aspect, enabling shared emotional expression, aligns with Kokuyo's focus on teamwork and community. By combining form and function, the Mood Tree fosters a positive and productive work environment.

The Mood Tree exemplifies gamification by turning a simple task into a game-like experience. By using color-coded memos, it encourages users to actively participate in expressing their emotions. This gamified approach transforms a potentially mundane activity into a fun and engaging way to improve workplace communication and emotional well-being. It addresses social issues like workplace stress and lack of emotional expression by providing a playful and non-threatening way to share feelings, fostering a more positive and empathetic work environment.

The Mood Tree concept can evolve to address other social challenges by extending its application beyond the workplace. For instance, it could be adapted for educational settings to foster emotional intelligence and communication skills among students. In healthcare, it could be used to help patients express their feelings and needs more effectively. Additionally, the Mood Tree could be tailored to specific cultural contexts, incorporating local symbols and colors to resonate with diverse communities. By expanding its reach and versatility, the Mood Tree can continue to promote emotional well-being and foster stronger connections between individuals.

During the testing phase, some unexpected insights emerged about human interaction and emotional expression. One key finding was that the Mood Tree not only facilitated individual emotional expression but also fostered a sense of community and shared experience within teams. People often engaged in conversations about their moods, leading to deeper connections and increased empathy. Additionally, the visual representation of emotions on the Mood Tree sparked discussions about workplace culture and well-being, encouraging organizations to prioritize emotional intelligence and mental health. These unexpected benefits highlight the potential of the Mood Tree to not only address individual needs but also contribute to a more positive and supportive work environment.