Doug Garven

Specialized in Engineering Design.

Doug Garven

About Doug Garven

Doug Garven is a product designer with over thirty years of experience in the Durable Medical Equipment industry, both using and designing manual wheelchairs. An Industrial Design graduate from Kent State University, an automotive accident left him a T6 paraplegic. As an avid motorsports and yacht racing enthusiast, Garven uses his passions to inspire his four-wheeled creations and is always looking to push the boundaries of convention and think of new ways to solve and improve the mobility for those in need.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Engineering Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Engineering
CR1 Wheelchair

CR1 Wheelchair

Engineering Design

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Interview with Doug Garven

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 been an Industrial Designer since graduating from Kent State University in 1992. As a kid growing up, my mom was an artist and my dad was an engineer, so I had an affinity for both drawing and problem solving. Knowing this, my dad was the one who thought Industrial Design would be a great career choice for me. I thought I wanted to be a Mechanical Engineer and spent two years in that program which I was not enjoying. So, after two years I switched majors and have been a designer ever since.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Permobil, a Swedish company, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Investor AB. Permobil was founded by Dr. Per Udden in 1967 and was built around the idea that every person has the right to have his or her disability compensated as far as possible by aids with the same technical standard as those we all use in our everyday lives. Today, Permobil is present in more than 17 countries around the world and has over 1600 employees.
What is "design" for you?
Design for me has several meanings, both functional and aesthetic. It represents the essence of something, the heart and soul of what something is or does and how that is communicated and interpreted by an individual.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I enjoy problem solving, taking a need and creating a functional device that solves that need in a visually pleasing form.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
My most favorite design that I have created has been the CR1. It was a unique project that doesn’t come around very often for designers, the opportunity to create a flagship product, from the ground up, with the only limits being your imagination. It represents everything I’ve learned in my professional career and showcases many ideas and concepts I’ve had over that time but didn’t have the opportunity to try.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
One of my first design projects were some hospital bed control panels. I did pages and pages of different button design concept sketches, different shapes and layout configurations. To this day, if I’m ever in a hospital or see a bed on tv I’m looking at their sideguard control panels to see how they look.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
My favorite material is carbon fiber. It has an unmatched strength to weight ratio and can be created in almost any shape or form. My favorite technology is manufacturing and in terms of product applications is automotive.
When do you feel the most creative?
I would say I am most creative in the late morning or early evening hours.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
Functionality, always making sure it works first, a true believer in form follows function. That doesn't mean that aesthetics aren't as important, I believe they are. But, you can have the most aesthetically pleasing design and if it doesn't function the way it is supposed to you will eventually be disappointed.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I have never been asked that before, I would say mostly a calm, analytical, relaxed feeling, not really an emotion I realize. At least at the early stages of a project, that can turn to frustration and stress as a project progresses, or doesn't progress and deadlines approach!
What makes a design successful?
A successful design does the job it was intended to do in a clean and elegant manner.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
What was the design intended for and how successfully does it accomplish that goal.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I think a designer's responsibility to society and the environment is dependent upon what the end product is and how many of them will be used.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
In the product design world, there is an ever growing push towards using recylable materials and I believe this trend will continue where applicable.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
Inspiration can come from anywhere, sometimes it's seeing something man-made, sometimes it's something in nature, you never know!
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 am more of a minimalist, I like simple, clean designs that showcase a purity of form.
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 Nashville, TN, USA and I would say our country's heritage plays a part in what you as a person are exposed to which of course is going to influence what you see, think and do as a person. I have lived abroad several times in my life and do think those outside cultures and experiences have helped shape me both as a designer and as a person.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Finding that right fit can be difficult, especially for a young designer. It goes both ways of course, but making sure a potential designer is the right fit is very important for their happiness which will be reflected in the quality of work they produce.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
It's rather simple, I like to familiarize myself with all of the input criteria and know what is being asked for me to create. I also like to see previous examples or other products in the market to know what is expected.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
I have 1974 Porsche Carrera, that is at the top of the list, followed by a Marcel Breur Milla chair, some hanging sculptures by local artists and lot's of fine art pieces on the walls.
Can you describe a day in your life?
It isn't very exciting, usually it's wake up, go to work, come home, go to bed, repeat.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
Find something that you love doing, it will make your days go so much easier and make you a happier person.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Being able to make a difference in the world or improving someone's life is very rewarding. The downside to becoming a designer that they don't tell you in school is it can be very difficult to find employment.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
Clean and simple, don't overly complicate your work, especially for product designers.

Designer of the Day Interview with Doug Garven

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I have been a Product Designer for 32 years, most of which have been in the Durable Medical Equipment industry designing wheelchairs. I graduated from Kent State University in Kent, OH and had an automobile accident while in school that left me paralyzed from the chest down. After graduation, I wasn't looking to become a wheelchair designer but the obvious connection kind of lead me to becoming one.
How did you become a designer?
My mom was an Artist and my dad an Engineer, so, growing up, I had a penchant for drawing and numbers. My dad suggested I study Industrial Design in college, but I thought I wanted to be an Engineer. After two years of Engineering, I realized I was not enjoying it and promptly switched.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I spend a lot of time in the concept development phase of a project, lots and lots of ideations! Most of my designs, especially wheelchairs, have a strong functional component/need that in most cases drives the design direction chosen. I like to make sure the functionality of a design is never lost. I would say I am equal parts physical (sketching, physical models) and technology (3D modeling and rapid prototyping).
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
This depends on what stage of the project a design is at. In the beginning, I feel a sense of relaxation and adventure, exploring new ways of trying to solve the problem at hand. This can become anxiousness and nervousness, especially as a deadline approaches. And this eventually turns to happiness and a sense of pride once a project is complete, especially seeing how a good design can affect and improve someone's daily life.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Good questions! There are some obvious ones like being a good listener and seeing the big picture of the most important problem a specific design project is trying to solve. Empathy is a good one that allows you to think of solutions from the perspective of the intended user to help ensure functionality, ergonomics and general ease of use. I hate to say it but a lot of these come with age and lessions we learn from life!
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
Having been a Product Designer for over 30 years and just completing what has been my ultimate, dream design project (the CR1). I have transitioned roles withing my company to that of the Principal Product Manager for TiLite wheelchairs and I am enjoying my new role, in a new department, overseeing the future direction of our products and what comes next.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Be careful to not be so tunnel-minded on a certain design direction that you lose your ability to objectively listen to differing opinions. It's an easy trope to fall into, something any designer can relate to. There's also the need for sticking up for something you believe strongly in! Finding that right balance point between the two will help you gain the trust and respect of your peers.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
The first part of this I inadvertently answered above. As for a pro-tip, I realize it isn't very original and easier to say than do but do something you're passionate about. It will show in your creative output, life's too short.
What is your day to day look like?
My daily routine usually starts with what's going on in the world (news wise) and then what's new on the Formula 1 website and then I start my day. I guess starting with something I thoroughly enjoy sets my mind for the day. During the day, find the time to take a break and disengage your mind, even for a short period. I find this helps a lot when having trouble finding a creative solution. A good lunch can also help stimulate your mind or break up the monotony of a boring day.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
In the product design world, I think keeping up with what's in-fashion and current design trends from other industries are important. They can certainly be an influence in your work but shouldn't define it, otherwise you risk stamping it with a built-in time clock. Remember, good design is timeless.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
I think good design solves a problem or fulfills a need in an attractive package. There should be clean lines, a purity of form that helps communicate what an object is or what it is supposed to do. Good designs are not overthought or too complex visually, at least for me personally.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Is the design solving the problem both functionally and aesthetically, are you happy with it? What do other's think, it's important to get outside input. Also know that a design can continue to get updated after it launches, sometimes a project's scope is too big to be able have everything ready at launch.
What is your biggest design work?
My biggest design and the work I am most proud of has been the TiLite CR1. It was the result of over 30 years of ideas from other design projects that were great ideas but didn't fit the particular project they came from. It was a realization of all these ideas, a brain dump if you will. New materials, new technologies and challenges that came with them. All in a uniquely styled package, which is hard to do for something that has existed as a product since the late 1800's.
Who is your favourite designer?
I'm a huge car guy so my list is very automotive heavy. Pinin Farina, Marcello Gandini, Ferdinand Porsche and Adrian Newey are the big names in my book. If there was one person though that I could share a glass of wine with and talk design, it would be Leonardi da Vinci for sure!
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
I like visiting cities and seeing the different architecture, both new and old. I think older, historical buildings of importance need to be saved and preserved. There is a history and culture that they reflect that gets lost if they are torn down and replaced. Seeing them in pictures is not the same as being able to experience in-person.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I like to think I have become easier to work with over the years, certainly in my new role as a Product Manager and trying to help communicate the needs of new products. Working together as a team to keep the different departments focused on the primary goal of a new product has been a challenging and rewarding new career direction.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Designing wheelchairs has been a very rewarding career, especially as a chair-user myself. It can be rewarding on different levels depending on the project, sometimes it's self-rewarding if it's a design I know I will use personally. Most of the time, it's designs for other types of disabilities and there's a level of satisfaction in seeing your design being used by an individual and knowing that you helped them to be able to function and improve their quality of life.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
I have only been to one previous design award and that was very early in my career. So this is kind of a full-circle moment for me to have won an A' Design Award and I am very much looking forward to meeting a bunch of new people at the awards ceremony. I think that, above all else, is the coolest opportunity these contests offer. The ability to see and experience so many other like minded individuals and to see all of the exciting and creative designs across all of the different industries.

Extended Interview with Doug Garven

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I have been a designer for over 30 years in the Health Industry, designing durable medical equipment and specializing in high-tech, ultralight manual wheelchairs. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design from Kent State University.
How did you become a designer?
I enjoy the challenge of creating something new and original, to take something that would be considered ordinary and turn it into something really cool!
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I chose to become one after two years of studying Mechanical Engineering and realizing I was more into the creative side of things than the physical mechanics of making it function.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I design high-end manual wheelchairs and as a chair user myself, that will always have a place in my heart and occupying space in my brain thinking of ways to do differently. I enjoy the creative, problem-solving side of new projects and not just the form development.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Find something you enjoy doing and work hard at trying to be the best you can be at it. There has to be a passion involved with what you do, otherwise you will just be going through the motions and not enjoying what it takes to succeed.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
That level of dedication and personal involvement, to not be satisfied with "good" and pushing yourself to make it "great"!
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
A clarity of form and purpose is a fundamental of really good design. There should be no question about what something is, at least not when it comes to product design.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design helps to make the world a better place! This can be through solving a problem, improving someone's life or even just improving their mental well being.
What is your day to day look like?
Wow, I'm not even sure how to answer that question. I would love to work on integrating accessible design solutions better into new architecture to eliminate physical barriers and make it not be a detraction to the overall aesthetic.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
That is a tough question as the TiLite CR1 was my dream project I've been wanting to do and spent the last 30 years gaining ideas for from other design projects.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Every design should have a feeling, an underlying emotion to it and it is up to you to try and communicate that.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
Leonardo da Vinci, some automotive greats like Marcello Gandini, Battista Farina and Ferdinand Porsche. Also some furniture designers like Marcel Breuer.
What is your biggest design work?
I am a big car enthusiast so lots of automotive designs, especially classics like a Ferrari 250 GTO or a Porsche 911. If we're talking furniture the Wassily Chair stands out in my mind. All of these designs are timeless and still look beautiful by today's standards.
Who is your favourite designer?
The TiLite CR1 carbon chair I am most proud of. It is a design driven by its functionality that created a purity of form that is a first for a product category that dates back to the late 1800's.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Rely on your strengths but focus and practice on your weaknesses. Don't be afraid to learn from others.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
I define design as how something is created, how its form is defined by its function.

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