Interviste con Robson Marques de Pontes

I was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and pursued a degree in product design. Later, I specialized in CAS and have been working in the car design industry for the past 20 years.

I honestly believe it couldn't have worked any other way. I was the type of kid who loved drawing during math classes, taking things apart to see how they worked, and racing my bicycle back home.

I explored different fields before design. I studied engineering, but since I spent most of my math classes drawing, it didn't quite work out. Then I tried architecture. While I loved working with the human scale, I found it a bit too political for my taste and realized it wasn't the right fit for me.

For the last 10 years, I have primarily been involved with premium and supercars. However, lately, I have been considering some shift towards yacht design.

Well, I would not call myself that, but my advice for those starting out would be to persist. The design world is a very competitive field.

I have personally worked with a handful of great designers. They all have in common the ability to manage projects and collaborate effectively with their teams. They have a comprehensive, 360-degree view of the entire project and are always target-oriented.

Good design must possess at least one of three qualities: timelessness, the ability to meet a need, or strong emotional appeal. When a design embodies all three qualities, I consider it truly great design.

Good design enhances user experience, boosts functionality, and creates a positive impression, ultimately leading to increased satisfaction, efficiency, and success. Investing in good design ensures better usability, higher engagement, and long-term value.

I would design an eco-friendly, classic car-inspired trimaran yacht that combines luxury with advanced propulsion systems. This yacht would provide a comfortable and efficient platform for marine exploration in high style.

I dream a lot, but designing an eco-friendly trimaran yacht with advanced propulsion is something I would love to try.

Empathy, understanding and prioritizing the user's needs and experiences ensures that every design decision enhances usability, satisfaction, and overall impact.

I personally admire the old school where styling, engineering, and craftsmanship were seamlessly integrated. Legends like Marcello Gandini, Giorgetto Giugiaro, Ettore Bugatti, and Ferdinand Porsche exemplify this timeless approach to design.

I am fascinated by the lines in a Porsche 911 and how the same design silloute still desirable after more than 60 years.

I am fascinated by the lines of the Porsche 911 and how its silhouette remains desirable after more than 60 years, proving that true elegance endures.

In my view, the best way to learn is by seeking knowledge from those who are already experts in the field.

That's an excellent question which I never took the time to explore it in more detail

First, I don't consider myself an artist, nor a designer. I see myself more as a problem solver. Second, I have been interested in all sort of products and how they work, especially vehicles, since my childhood which brought me to study Industrial Design. But I can't really say I learned about cars and car design while at school. I have learned and I am still learning it on a daily working basis.

I am a freelancer, when I am not working from my office at home, I am supporting different OEMs in their own design studios.

For me "design" is about solving emotional matters in a visual and materialistic manner in order to improve or add to people's lives.

Anything to take people from "A" to "B", with or without wheels, interiors or exteriors, which invites people and houses the human scale, or which is made to contrast against it.

The Porsche 911, it is simply sexy. Besides, if something has been out there for more than 50 years, it is surely something special.

Helped with a face-lift for a mass production car of a well-known OEM in Brazil.

I like to work back in forth between traditional and the computer world, but I solve most of my design doubts in 3D, preferably with the support of virtual reality.

Solutions come in different ways at different times, but usually they come when I am no longer thinking about, or have rested from a specific design problem to solved.

The package - everything I have to, or want to, incorporate in the design. From there, I try to connect the dots.

I try to put myself in shoes of the potential consumer of that product. What is he or she looking for when using the product?

I feel there is no turning back, people will either like it or not.

For me, a successful design must please a lot of people, but "successful design" doesn't necessarily mean a "good design".

Is it desirable? Does it have perceived quality? Does it attend the necessities of the potential consumer?

I see design as a tool to attend the needs of target groups that might have target matters to be addressed. Therefore, my responsibility very as much as the number of these different groups and their respective matters.

In my opinion, after being the exclusivity of a minority, then being popularized for the masses, design is now starting its third phase as a more individualistic subject with the help of new technologies such as 3D printing.

As a product designer, every realized project I helped with becomes a different exhibition.

Everywhere. Sometimes from different things that have not relation with each other whatsoever, but together they make sense somehow.

I have always been attracted to forms that describe speed and sensuality, muscle and bones. But at the same time, to ergonomics and to the touch. Perhaps, one could say that I appreciate a design "from" human scale "to" human scale.

I am originally from Brazil, but I am currently living in Germany. I spent most of my life living in different countries and I believe this gave me an upper hand when comes to compare and understand different cultural heritages.

Usually as a contractor, freelancer or consultant.

Design accounts for a very small part of the overall development cost of a new product. Still, many companies are yet to understand the power of design as a solid investment for their products and services on a mid-to-long term. Choosing good professionals with the necessary know-how and experience is a must, but selecting a professional committed to understand the client's needs could be the game changer factor.

Input, research, idealization, output, feedback and refinement. CAS modeling, virtual reality, package verification, presentation, feedback and refinement. Physical modeling and or prototyping.

I'd rather not give names, but most of my household items are of a simple and clean design.

My routine changes according to projects and locations. But usually, during weekdays, I wake up very early, take a nice breakfast and go to work. I try to spend my nights with the company of a nice reading. And weekends belong to the family.

Keep pushing.

In one hand, you are in constant contact with the latest trends, technologies and methodologies, and you are always looking for the best way to solve specific problems. In the other hand however, you will find yourself confronted with the, sometimes, grueling task to defend your ideas and convincing others.

Form enhances function.

A good balance between creativity and rationality with lots of perseverance.

Cheap pen and paper, a few markers, digital illustration, 3D modeling, CGI, VR, different books, internet and pretty much anything that can add to the process.

I try to make the best use of technologies that provide me with a back-and-forth-non-linear process which allows me to do different tasks at the same time and thus exploring a broader variety of ideas.

I depends on the product's complexity, on the client's demands, or any other possible variant.

From a client, how long does it take to...? From a non-design related, can you draw me?

Every job experience is important for me.

The major OEMs in the automotive industry in Brazil, Asia and Europe.

Transportation design. Think of a globalized world without locomotion.

To explore other possibilities within other industries and potential clients and partners.

Yes, but they are all under confidential agreement.

Write me at roby_pontes@yahoo.com