We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Ricardo da Silva ("RDS").
A Product Designer with a master's degree in Industrial Design and Visual Communication from the Academy of Fine Arts, Warsaw, Poland has been working for 13 years in the development of products with unique brand values for businesses worldwide. For the efficient implementation of new ideas, the knowledge of different types of media and development techniques always aimed to comprehend and solve the customer´s needs. The challenge has always been to leverage the company's business through the best resources to propel and place them efficiently in the domestic and international market.
Ricardo da Silva Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Ricardo da Silva.
Ricardo da Silva Design - Smartmoov Brand Identity
Ricardo da Silva Design - Oliveira Almeida Brand Identity
Ricardo da Silva Design - Voltbox Speaker Charging Station
Designer Interview of Ricardo da Silva:
DI: 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?
RDS : Graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts, Warsaw, Poland, in Industrial Design and Visual Communication, I have lived and worked across eight cities on four continents in the past 12 years. Having experienced contrasting cultures awakened in me the senses to observe and comprehend the world from various perspectives. I’m an avid autodidact and a dream maker, translating ideas into products, and products into unique experiences.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
RDS : Apart from working in-house for companies, I do freelance projects from my office at home.
DI: What is "design" for you?
RDS : Improve people's lives by providing solutions that meet their daily needs.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
RDS : Everything related to disruptive technology focused on life-changing solutions.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
RDS : The Jaguar XK-E 1960s, due to its airstream style that portrays great elegance and lightness, withstanding until today the test of time.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
RDS : The interior design of a Tramcar called Pesa swing for the Euro 2012 in Warsaw, Poland.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
RDS : So far, Pen, Paper and Clay is the best technology to dive into the initial steps of the design process. In the next steps, when the refinement of the design takes place, the best options are 3D modelling and 3D printing.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
RDS : When I have a complete view of the customer's needs.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
RDS : The Brand Identity. This is the keystone to place the product successfully on the market.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
RDS : Once the full picture of the customer's needs is achieved, I feel a great sense of confidence to meet their goals.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
RDS : I feel relieved when the ideas come to fruition and in the expectation of seeing people interacting with the creation.
DI: What makes a design successful?
RDS : When the product communicates clearly the brand values being easily recognized and embraced by the public.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
RDS : Does it solve the problem? Does it ease people's needs?
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
RDS : Bring people together to cooperate in finding solutions for feasible changes.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
RDS : With the advent of the 4th industrial revolution, highlighting 3D printing and IoT technology, individuals are able to produce their own goods, remodelling their lifestyle in a dynamic and exciting environment.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
RDS : Every product launch I've been involved in.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
RDS : From being exposed to different cultures. Having experienced contrasting cultures awakened in me the senses to observe and comprehend the world from various perspectives.
DI: 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?
RDS : I enjoy the eclectic style, where there is an excellent opportunity to harmonize disparate styles, juxtapose textures and blend distinct cultures.
DI: 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?
RDS : I am originally from Portugal but currently live in Oxford, United Kingdom. The discoverer heritage of Portuguese culture is what defines me as a person and as a professional. This naturally inspires me to look for something new in the world and let that be part of everything I design.
DI: How do you work with companies?
RDS : At the moment I work with a permanent contract and occasionally do some freelance projects.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
RDS : Design is a powerful tool that, when applied well, not only improves people's lives but also elevates the company's recognition. Is a must to choose a professional that is able to walk in the customer's shoes.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
RDS : Client Brief and Brand Immersion, Explore and Research (Insight into the problem), Define and Synthesis (The area to focus upon), Develop and Ideation (Potential solutions), Deliver and Implementation (Solutions that work), Evolve (Monitoring the product on the market for new products and enhancements).
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
RDS : My favourite designs are those that are clean and carry a cultural heritage.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
RDS : I cycle to work while enjoying the beautiful countryside landscape. After that, I come home where I dedicate my time to learn new design skills. During the weekends I spend time with friends and family.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
RDS : Be exposed to different fields of design and then focus on an area where you stand out.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
RDS : On the positive side, designers are in constant contact with the newest trends, technology and can easily acquire knowledge from different professions. Negatives, sometimes the best design doesn't see the light due to a limited budget.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
RDS : Memorable and timeless
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
RDS : Being able to capture crucial information from the client in order to communicate effectively the best ideas.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
RDS : I navigate from traditional tools like Pen, Paper and Clay to more digital tools, like 3D modelling software and 3D printing.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
RDS : I mainly focus on research and sketching, to quickly communicate ideas with the client, in order to mitigate future pitfalls during the design process.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
RDS : Each case should be analyzed independently.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
RDS : How long does it take?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
RDS : All of my past experiences were important to be the designer I'm today.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
RDS : Mainly startups that develop disruptive healthcare products.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
RDS : Health products, as there is nothing nobler to see a solution that really makes a difference in people's lives.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
RDS : I plan to develop my own products.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
RDS : Yes, but they are all under the confidential agreement.
DI: How can people contact you?
RDS : Write to me at hello@rikardophilipp.com or rikardophilipp@gmail.com