We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Himanshu Shekhar Soni ("HSS").
Himanshu Shekhar Soni is an Industrial Designer from India.His inspiration is a mixture of every-day life events, feelings, emotions, music, visual arts, maths and science. His design solves problems through design processes and delivers concepts and solutions through an artistic approach,working with beautiful material and attention to detail,showcasing a craft, following one simple rule: Form Follows -Function.Broad skill base in design from conceptual thinking/ideation, user interface design, CAD development, through to manufacturing. he has been practicing design for past 10 years in the field of Industrial Design & Development and also have diverse experience in designing different product category like Consumer durable, Consumer electronics, Bathroom equipment, Toy design, Packaging health Care & beauty, Cosmetic, Writing Instrument etc.
Himanshu Shekhar Soni Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Himanshu Shekhar Soni.
Himanshu Shekhar Soni Design - TipTip Faucet
Himanshu Shekhar Soni Design - Soulmate Perfume Primary Packaging
Designer Interview of Himanshu Shekhar Soni:
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?
HSS : I was originally on the career path to become an engineer. I loved drawing, sketching, and creating junk sculptures since childhood, always enjoying being creative. The stereotype of the starving artist was the only idea I had of a future in art—and I definitely didn’t want that. I had never heard of industrial design until just after graduating in engineering. In college, I excelled in mechanical engineering, but one interaction with a senior colleague changed my perspective. I looked at him and thought, ‘I will never be that excited about engineering.’ From that moment on, I could only imagine a monotonous future with an adding machine stuck to my fingertips. I began researching industrial design to make sure it wasn't a dying field—haha! I visited design schools, met designers, and quickly fell in love with the idea that a creative person could make a living doing what they love.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
HSS : My design studio is a space where creativity meets innovation. We specialize in industrial design, focusing on creating products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and user-centric. The studio is built around collaboration, bringing together a team of passionate designers, engineers, and thinkers who are dedicated to solving problems through design. Our work spans a variety of industries, including consumer electronics, home appliances and sustainable products. We take pride in developing solutions that are innovative, sustainable, and emotionally engaging. We believe that design should enhance everyday life and create meaningful experiences for users. In our studio, we emphasize a hands-on approach to design, starting with initial concepts and sketches, then moving through prototypes and user testing, ensuring that each product is optimized for its intended purpose. We also stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and design trends, ensuring that our work remains fresh and forward-thinking. Our studio is not just about creating products it’s about fostering an environment that encourages creativity, growth, and collaboration. We continuously strive to push boundaries and explore new ways of solving design challenges, with the goal of making a positive impact on the world through thoughtful, sustainable design.
DI: What is "design" for you?
HSS : Working with beautiful materials, paying attention to detail, considering the user experience, and showcasing craftsmanship are what fuel my designs. It’s the combination of these qualities that sparks emotion. I want someone to pick up a product and appreciate it for the feel of the material, its structure, composition, and the thought behind every detail. I want my designs to have personality and speak for themselves."
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
HSS : All kinds of works from the different product category, from the smallest products to the biggest spaces. I love challenges
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
HSS : find Stefano Giovannoni's Magic Bunny, Cico Egg Cup, and Philippe Starck's Juicy Salif particularly captivating. I admire how their expressive designs skillfully play with symbols and metaphors, tapping into the subconscious. These objects transcend their functional purposes, offering a narrative quality that is both intriguing and thought-provoking. The way they merge art, design, and storytelling creates a deeper emotional connection with the user, making them not only visually striking but also conceptually rich.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
HSS : I have designed first time a door styling for a single door Refrigerator.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
HSS : My favorite material is wood, particularly in its natural form, as it combines warmth, versatility, and sustainability. I love working with wood because it has an organic quality that allows for both elegance and functionality in design. It also ages beautifully, adding character over time. As for platforms, I’m drawn to CAD software for product design and 3D modeling tools. They allow me to visualize ideas in detail and make precise adjustments before creating physical prototypes. I also enjoy using physical prototyping methods, where I can translate digital concepts into real-world, tactile products. In terms of technology, I am particularly excited about the integration of smart technologies into everyday products, especially in home appliances and consumer electronics. The intersection of design and technology has endless possibilities, from enhancing user experience to creating sustainable, energy-efficient solutions. These materials, platforms, and technologies inspire me to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and forward-thinking.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
HSS : I feel most creative when I identified any problem to solve it or have a great inspiration.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
HSS : Working with beautiful materials, attention to details, user aspect and showcasing a craft. I want that my designs will tell a story and to give the experience the user.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
HSS : Curiosity, Fun, and Excitement to realized & build my ideas
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
HSS : I feel proud and excited when my designs are realized
DI: What makes a design successful?
HSS : successful design its like delicious food that cooked with the proper proportion of essential ingredients, This is an analogy. Its same successful design condenses a system of details into just the right thing for a particular situation be it an intuitive use, user aspects, an awe-inspiring form, a memorable experience, color combination, a flexible solution, etc. and out of all most essential ingredient to consider contextual design aspects in product design.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
HSS : Visual looks, User aspect and the design story behind it.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
HSS : the product design stage is critical from the point of view of public responsibility. Design decisions impact production processes and often the content of the industrial waste. Effective design strategies should anticipate growing environmental concerns and responsibilities, sustainable design to eliminate or minimize the negative environmental impact.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
HSS : The design field is constantly advancing and evolving. Designers are now expected to know far more than they once did. Two emerging trends are set to shape the design field in the coming years. First, the societal and environmental changes our planet is experiencing will require new design solutions that are cost-effective, localized, and user-centric. Second, within the technology sector, the industry-wide shift to cloud, social, and mobile services is democratizing access and lowering barriers to entry. The good news is that these two seemingly intractable challenges, combined with new and innovative solutions that can come from anywhere, are converging creating the perfect opportunity for designers to apply their expertise to impactful solutions for a better future.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
HSS : My last exhibition was at India Design ID in New Delhi last year, where I showcased innovative consumer products and sustainable designs. For my next exhibition, I aim to hold it within the next year, possibly at a global platform like Design Miami, where I can present emotion-driven and sustainable design solutions to a wider audience.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
HSS : Nature is my main inspirations combine with a sense of intuition.Although the source of my creativity is fueled by many things such as nature, travel, personal transformation, textiles and all things colorful, I find my deepest well of inspiration simply in the process of creating something out of nothing.
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?
HSS : I do not have a fixed design style, the style is mainly dependent on the specific product categories or brand language, but some interesting ideas, simple design, minimalistic form, attention to details and design of the ornamental, these are I try to pursue.
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?
HSS : I live in New Delhi, India; A beautiful country with so much history and diverse culture with Unity in diversity. The cultural heritage of my country affects my work in many ways that make it unique. It gives my work a voice true to my background and experiences here as well as my experiences abroad. my country's old heritage and culture have inspired many lines in my work! There are no pros and cons in being in this country or that, there are just new perspectives, and that is always a healthy thing in the design world.
DI: How do you work with companies?
HSS : I try to have deep cooperation and get involved in different stages of bringing ideas to life. A bridging role between aspects particularly related to the ideation and creation of a product for example prototyping and testing, Manufacturing and subsequent product development stages, for example marketing, and product launch.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
HSS : When working with a designer, companies should focus on clear communication and mutual respect. It's important to provide a well-defined brief that outlines the project goals, expectations, and any constraints, but also to allow room for creativity and innovation. A collaborative approach ensures that both the company’s vision and the designer’s expertise are aligned. To select a good designer, companies should look for these key traits: 1. Portfolio and Experience: Review the designer’s portfolio to ensure their style, experience, and capabilities align with your needs. The portfolio should demonstrate a range of work, with examples relevant to your industry. 2. Problem-Solving Ability: A good designer doesn’t just focus on aesthetics—they solve problems. Look for someone who can understand the challenges your company faces and develop functional, user-centric solutions. 3. Communication and Collaboration: The best designers are excellent communicators, able to present their ideas clearly and work well with other teams (like engineering, marketing, etc.). Collaboration is key to integrating design into the broader business goals. 4. Passion for the Project: A designer who is genuinely excited about your project will deliver better, more thoughtful designs. It’s important to find someone who shares your company’s values and vision. 5. Flexibility and Adaptability: The design process often involves feedback and iterations. A good designer must be open to revisions, able to adapt to new ideas, and work under evolving requirements. By considering these factors, companies can find a designer who will not only meet their needs but also contribute to the long-term success of the project.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
HSS : For the design process, I start with research and images and then I work on sketches, the overall design then after the use of software to achieve the final results.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
HSS : Chair, Toys, Puzzles, Pens, Kitchen accessories , Electronic Gadgets
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
HSS : My day starts with planning and prioritizing—reviewing emails, to-do lists, and catching up on design news to stay inspired. I then focus on creative work, like sketching and refining concepts, while balancing client meetings and project management tasks. Throughout the day, I take small breaks for inspiration, whether it's stepping outside or browsing design books. The little wins, like solving design problems or receiving positive client feedback, keep me motivated and excited. I embrace both the routine and the surprises each day brings, finding joy in the creative process.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
HSS : Get an experience, understand how the design and technical development process take place to take it from raw sketch to prototype to production and Listen to themselves and believe they capable of anything .work harder than anyone to gain the skills and always continue to raise the bar in what they do.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
HSS : The positive aspects include satisfaction from work, creativity, idea transform to reality with the power of thought. Designers get the honor of designing a collection of numerous designs for different clients. Designers often feel that the most wholesome part of the career is knowing the people and being able to make something precise for them.The negative aspects also concern clients. Unfortunately, not all clients realize the importance of design. Some would be easy going and giving complete freedom to the project, however, the disadvantage of the designer is facing the tough clients who are rarely satisfied with the idea, plans or budgets.Creating a design is a partnership, where the designer and the client have to work together. However, in the real world, it’s not always so.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
HSS : My "golden rule" in design is: "Design with empathy, keeping the user at the heart of every decision." This means understanding the needs, emotions, and context of the people who will interact with the product or service. A successful design is one that not only looks good but also solves real problems, enhances the user experience, and creates a meaningful connection between the product and its user.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
HSS : I believe that the skills that are most important for a designer are imagination and sense of detail, quality dialogue & perception, sense of material and ability to synthesize.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
HSS : My design toolbox is a mix of software, hardware, and resources that help bring my ideas to life, ensuring both functionality and creativity in every project. Here’s a look at what's inside: Software and Applications: Creo and SolidWorks for precise 2D and 3D modeling, especially for product design and mechanical parts. Rhino 3D modeling and prototyping. Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, corel draw) for visual design, branding, and presentations. SketchUp and Blender for quick conceptualizations and visualizations. KeyShot for rendering and visualization of designs in realistic environments. Hardware: 3D printers for rapid prototyping and testing designs. Laser cutters for precision material cutting, ideal for creating models and mock-ups. Tablets and styluses for sketching directly onto digital platforms. CNC machines for accurate material fabrication. Books & Resources: "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman for user-centered design principles. "Sketching: Drawing Techniques for Product Designers" by Koos Eissen for sketching and visualization techniques. "The Elements of User Experience" by Jesse James Garrett for understanding user interaction with products. Design magazines like “Core77”, “Dezeen”, and “Designboom” for keeping up with trends. Sources of Inspiration: Nature: Organic shapes and patterns often inspire my design approach. Art: Fine arts, sculptures, and historical designs offer unique perspectives. Travel: Visiting different cultures and observing daily life opens new creative ideas for practical design. User Feedback: I often rely on user feedback and insights from research to guide the design process. This combination of tools allows me to translate creativity into functional, user-centric designs with the flexibility to adapt to any project needs.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
HSS : To manage my time effectively as a designer, I: Prioritize tasks by breaking down projects into smaller steps and focusing on deadlines and dependencies. Set realistic deadlines with clear milestones to stay on track and allow for adjustments. Use time blocking to dedicate specific hours for tasks like sketching, meetings, and research. Leverage tools like Trello and Asana to stay organized and manage tasks. Avoid perfectionism early on, focusing on getting ideas down quickly before refining them. Take regular breaks to stay refreshed and maintain creativity. By staying organized and balanced, I ensure my design process is efficient and productive.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
HSS : The length of time for designing an object from beginning to end depends on the project itself.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
HSS : the most frequent question as a designer is "from where do you get inspiration ?"
DI: What was your most important job experience?
HSS : My most important job experience was working on the design of a single-door refrigerator for the Indian market at Dixon Technologies. This project was particularly challenging due to the space constraints, the need for localized design solutions, and creating storage for dry items in a refrigerator. I had to balance functionality, cost-effectiveness, and user-centric design, ensuring the product met local needs while maintaining high standards of innovation. The experience helped me sharpen my problem-solving skills, and I gained valuable insights into manufacturing processes, market needs, and consumer behavior. This project stands out not only for its technical and design challenges but also because it taught me how to adapt design solutions to specific cultural and environmental contexts a lesson that continues to influence my approach to design today.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
HSS : Some of my notable clients include: Electrolux Parker Hindware Havells Kelvinator BPL Reliance Dixon Technologies Luxor Videocon These companies span industries like consumer electronics, consumer durables, sanitary ware, and appliances, providing me with diverse opportunities to work on a wide range of design challenges, from product development to innovation.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
HSS : I particularly enjoy industrial design and innovation-focused projects, especially those that blend functionality with aesthetics to create meaningful user experiences. Working on consumer electronics, appliances, and user-centered product design excites me because these areas allow me to solve real-world problems while shaping products that enhance people's daily lives. What draws me to this type of work is the opportunity to create tangible solutions that are both practical and visually appealing. I enjoy the challenge of balancing form and function, especially when designing for local markets with unique cultural and environmental factors. Projects that allow me to innovate and push boundaries, while being deeply rooted in user needs and emotional design, are the ones I find most rewarding.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
HSS : My future plans revolve around expanding my design portfolio with a focus on sustainable innovation and user-centric design solutions. I aim to work on projects that not only meet the needs of today’s market but also anticipate future trends, particularly in areas like smart products and sustainable consumer goods. Next, I’d like to explore collaborative design ventures with companies that prioritize sustainability, technology, and circular design. I’m particularly interested in projects that integrate emotional design and sensory experiences for example, creating products that engage users on a deeper emotional level, such as sensory-driven experiences that stimulate emotions through touch, feel, and scent. Ultimately, I aspire to mentor young designers and foster a creative environment where innovation and impactful design can thrive, helping shape the future of design in ways that contribute positively to society and the environment.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
HSS : Most of the time, I work alone but working as a team in my company helps me to understand the power of ideas from other individuals, but working alone give you a clear sets of thoughts , freedom and direction without interruption, and with team members, you will have chance to evaluate the ideas and possibly adding better parts, improvised idea to it I do a piece of my work that can be collaborated with others' share of work.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
HSS : Yes, I currently have a few exciting works-in-progress that I’m deeply engaged in: Sustainable Consumer Products: I am working on a project that focuses on creating eco-friendly, user-centric appliances. The goal is to integrate sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies without compromising design aesthetics or functionality. This aligns with my interest in creating products that have both long-term environmental impact and practical utility. Smart Home Solutions: Another ongoing project involves the development of smart home products that improve user convenience while being energy-efficient. This includes integrating IoT (Internet of Things) to create seamless, intuitive devices for everyday living, blending technology, user experience, and sustainability. Emotion-Driven Products: I am also exploring designs that incorporate emotional design principles, aiming to create products that evoke specific emotional responses. This might involve designing products with sensory experiences—like combining texture, smell, and touch to establish a deeper connection with the user. These projects reflect my drive to work on designs that have impact, are innovative, and are centered around the future of sustainable design.
DI: How can people contact you?
HSS : soni.him@gmail.com
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
HSS : mostly covered