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Interviews med Brian Kenneth Høhl

Læs interviewene med Brian Kenneth Høhl: forstå deres filosofi, kreative proces og prisvindende arbejde.

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Dagens Designer Interview

18 spørgsmål

I started as a Graphic designer. I was working 20 years as a Graphic artist before i became an industriel designer

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I started as a Graphic designer. I was working 20 years as a Graphic artist before i became an industriel designer

How did you become a designer?

I have always been very visionary both in marketing and design. I simply just entered the bicycle category with my visions and changed the perception of hood design

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

Definately “less is more” I have s very holistic design approach where i take complexed things and make simple solutions for the end consumer out of it

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

I feel Happy when i make design. I am in my own little bubble of happyness

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

I am very ambitions - i want to win

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

I went from bicycle design to light electric vehicle design and now the Dream would be to build and design an electric car

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

Never give up and be good at working in teams - there is no I in team

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

Be genuine to your original idea. But be good at working in a team at the same time. It is a difficult balance But if you are intelligent you Can do it

What is your day to day look like?

I have very long days. I start at 5 am talking to production companies in Asia. Then i plan the day for my junior designers. At 9 am to 4 pm the office works. But often i do not finish my own work before 8 pm

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

I don’t follow the trends - i make them

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

It’s a feeling - It’s very difficult to define exactly.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

If it looks good and it is easy to use - it’s ready

What is your biggest design work?

Always the one i haven’t done yet

Who is your favourite designer?

Philipe Stark

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

I am a family man when i don’t work. My family is my drive and inspiration for all i do.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

My business philosophy is very simple. If you really want something you need to work hard. Nothing comes easy

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

I work a lot in Boards and Jurys to help Especially young Creative minds to become better

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A' Design Award?

The A Award is probably the best organised Design Award - And the gala nights is always the Best

Designlegende Interview

50 spørgsmål

I love to do minimalistic and holistic design. The reason i became a designer was because i once saw an ugly bike. Then I said to myself: This is my future. I can do this better.

Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

I am a self made product designer. I was a graphic designer by education.

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

I love to do minimalistic and holistic design. The reason i became a designer was because i once saw an ugly bike. Then I said to myself: This is my future. I can do this better.

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

I choose to be one.

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

I am wellknown in the bicycle industry for designing the worlds most beautiful biycles.

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

Work hard and be able to work in teams. Be humble of what you do.

What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

A great designer is able to think totally out of the box.

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

I evaluate it by the level of how holistic the design is. The more integration the better.

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

Endconsumers loves great designs. Great designs sell. It talks not only to the consumers eye but also to the consumers heart.

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

I would design a bicycle for Tesla.

What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?

A Tesla branded electric bicycle.

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

Holistic design. I integrate and hide all the "ugly" components.

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

Henrik Fisker. A hard working danish designer.

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

The Nespresso Coffe machine as are one of my favourite. I like them because of their holtistic design approach and the ability to think out of the box. The same with B&O stereos for the same reason.

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

My greatest design is my new carQon cargo bike. A holistic designed cargo bike. Totally out of the box thinking.

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

I take a walk in the forrest. There is nothing a good walk in the forrest can not cure when it come to raining good ideas.

If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?

Graphic design.

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

It all about shapes and functionality.

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

My wife. Absolutely.

What helped you to become a great designer?

My will and a lot off hard work. Talent is secondary.

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

You need to learn to work in teams. But it is a balance of being stubborn to get your ideas through and being able to support your team mates and let them be a part of the succes.

How do you think designers should present their work?

It depends on the client. Find out who your client is first. Find out how he thinks. And then make your presentation concept. Try to match it with some marketing ideas. The the client can much easier see himself in it.

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

I have an idea where the public society owns the half of the bike and the endconsumer owns the other half of the bike.

What's your ultimate goal as a designer?

Create good helping products for the people.

What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

New innovative products. They want to be surprised by me evertime i launch something new.

How does design help create a better society?

In my case an electric bike is helping the community a lot. It reduces the numbers of poultice cars a lot.

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

I am working on an electric bicycle together with a big car company.

Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

My carQon cargo bike. because it is a bike for the whole family. It can substitute a need for a small car. This makes the planet more green.

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

As a bicycle designer i hope my industry would not be so depended on components. So many bicycle designers are very limited in their ability to think out of the box because of this.

Where do you think the design field is headed next?

More integration. More connectivity.

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

It very much depends on the complexity of the design you are doing.

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

Pen and paper.

What is your life motto as a designer?

The same as Henry Ford once said: If i had asked people what they wanted they would have said faster horses.

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

Well - i hope the design sets the trends. It should be that way. Not the other way round.

What is the role of technology when you design?

It is very important.

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

Solidworks, keyshot.

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

It is very important. Colors can change a design completely.

What do you wish people to ask about your design?

How did you do that ?

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

I want it.

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

I believe only in co-design. The is no I in team as i say.

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

Creative minded people. And they do not have to be designers. Good ideas can come from everybody.

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

Books about the nature. I get inspired by the nature a lot.

How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

Hard work

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

Elon Musk

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

I am pretty relaxed about it.

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

Blue, Denmark, Seafood, my B&O headphones, B&O

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

Once I worked with Mr. Paolo Pininfarina and we decided to work together. We shook hands and then he left the office with the words: "Remember Brian, Pininfarina never do mistakes" And then he left.

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

I just love creating things.

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

Yes - or at least some sort of creative job.

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

Design will be even more important than ever.

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

Being a good designer is very much about having eyes and ears open. Listen to your team members when they have ideas. Dont be arrogant if you become a designer. Be nice.

Designerinterview

39 spørgsmål

I have always wanted to become a designer. In my younger years i was an art Director at the biggest advertising company in Denmark.

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?

I have always wanted to become a designer. In my younger years i was an art Director at the biggest advertising company in Denmark.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

We are specialist in designing electric bicycles and electric vehicles in generel.

What is "design" for you?

When you make a very complex idea to a very simple product to use. It must me intuitive to use. It must look good.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

Electric bicycles. I like to use a holistic design approach. Make as much integration as possible.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

My most favourite design is the carQon electric cargo bikes for families. It is a true replacement for a small car and it brings commuting on a bicycle into the next century. www.carqonbike.com

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

A HiFi peaker.

When do you feel the most creative?

When i have my paper and pen in front of me.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

Definitely integration of parts. I want to have a holistic design approach to all i do.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

Happiness definitely

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

Excitement

What makes a design successful?

The usage and the looks.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

For sure this will have to be how it looks. Firs a good design needs to talk to your eyes and heart then next to your brain.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

It is a very important point. We as designers are responsible for making a better society and environment.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

The future of design involves very much the end consumers. I believe in individualisation where the end consumer takes part in the final design

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

My last show was Taipei Cycle show in March 2017. My next show will be Shanghai cycle show in may 2017

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

The nature and a good walk along the coast line of Denmark is my inspiration

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?

What describes my design is always the holistic design approach.

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 Denmark near the sea. Denmark has a culture for simple clean looking designs. Inspired by the nature and honesty to choice of materials.

How do you work with companies?

I like to work in teams. A good idea can come from anyone.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

The company must let the designer be bold and brave. On the other hand, the designer needs to be very good in argumentation and presentation when the designer presents the final result

Can you talk a little about your design process?

I start by making good old fashion sketches. Then the finalisation process begins after that using 3D making and at the end good professional renderings for the final presentation. Sometimes also prototype making.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

Our curved TV. Our Nespresso coffee machine. Our B&O HiFi. Our Bose earphones and all our Mac items.

Can you describe a day in your life?

I get up 5 o clock. Then i start talking with vendors from Asia. During the day i start the team work with my employees. Talks with clients. Meetings etc. But also i am a "hands on guy" I dont mind getting my hands dirty in the prototype workshop. Actually i love that discipline. Often i end my days at the office arround 19.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

Belive in your self. But most important, be a team player. Share your awards with your team members. make verybody feel special. Be good.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

For a creative person like myself i could not find a better position.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

Be brave and believe in your self - like Mr. Henry Ford said: "If i had asked the clients we would only have had faster horses"

What skills are most important for a designer?

The skill to think totally out of the box

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

Pen and paper, Solidworks, key shot, photoshop, Illustrator etc.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

I use my team to reach my goals. Team work is everything in design.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

This very much depends on the complexity of the task.

What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

How did you come up with that idea ?

What was your most important job experience?

I can not pick one before the other.

Who are some of your clients?

Pininfarina, IKEA, Coop, Accell Group brands and many automotive companies.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

From the very beginning of a process - pen and paper

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

To make a new design studio in the balkan countries.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

I work in teams only.

Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

Soon to be announced ;-) I can tell i work on some new E-vehicles ... ;-)

How can people contact you?

via my email is the best option. brian@hoehldesign.com

Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

Have a fantastic day :-) Be happy

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Designerinterviewspørgsmålene og -svarene publiceret på vores interviewside med designeren Brian Kenneth Høhl kommer fra Designer Interviews, den internationale platform hvor verdens bedste designere, stjernearkitekter, skabere og innovatører interviewes.