We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Jacek Mikosz ("JM").
Polish Designer, Chief Product Officer, and Co-Founder of FindAir, based in Krakow. I embarked on a journey fueled by personal observations of the struggles faced by those close to me suffering from asthma. FindAir was born out of a desire to address these challenges through innovative design and technology. Our work has been recognized with numerous awards in startup innovation competitions, a testament to our commitment to creating products that offer win-win situations for all stakeholders. My driving force is to create products that eliminate limitations and empower individuals to reach their full potential.
Jacek Mikosz Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Jacek Mikosz.
Jacek Mikosz Design - Smarthaler Smart pMDI Inhaler
Designer Interview of Jacek Mikosz:
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?
JM : Originating from Kraków, Poland, I began my educational journey in Architecture but soon felt a bit disconnected due to the lack of influence on the results. I found myself stuck in creating visualizations and renders without being challenged by real-world constraints. The competitive environment of architecture initially drew me in but quickly revealed its limitations, prompting my shift toward the dynamic field of industrial design. I simultaneously pursued dual degrees in Architecture and Industrial Design Engineering, which equipped me with a diverse toolkit—perfect for a generalist like myself. I've always approached things with a maker and designer mentality, even before I defined it as design. When I learned about the world of design, everything clicked into place. The blend of creativity and problem-solving that design offers truly motivates me. It's not just about making things look good; it's about improving functionality, enhancing experiences, and providing new insights that can lead to real-world improvements. The feeling of seeing my ideas come to life and help others is incredibly rewarding, and that’s what drives my passion for design. Designing allows me to combine my interests in art, technology, and helping others, which is why I pursued it as a career.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
JM : FindAir, focuses on designing innovative medical devices, particularly those involved in smart monitoring and data capturing. Our primary product is the Smarthaler, a modular inhaler that integrates advanced technology to provide real-time feedback and improve user inhalation techniques. In addition to the Smarthaler, we also develop smart add-ons for monitoring, designed to enhance existing inhalers with advanced data capturing and analysis capabilities. These add-ons help create a comprehensive picture of bio-behavioral data, capturing aspects of behavior that strongly influence biological performance. FindAir is a multidisciplinary team of specialists from various fields, including design, medical, IT, artificial intelligence, and pharmacokinetics. We collaborate extensively, combining our expertise to create products that bridge the gap between technology and healthcare. Our goal is to enhance patient outcomes and provide a deeper understanding of complex health data.
DI: What is "design" for you?
JM : Design is a vehicle for creating change in the environment, society, or behavior. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about solving problems and improving functionality. Design is a skill and a tool that enables us to develop solutions for better communication, optimized workflows, and enhanced creativity. At its core, design is about making a positive impact and improving the way we interact with the world around us. It's a process of turning ideas into tangible solutions that can make a real difference in people's lives. Whether it's through a simple, elegant product or a complex, innovative device, design is about understanding the needs of users and crafting experiences that are both functional and meaningful.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
JM : I am passionate about creating innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. Designing smart medical devices allows me to combine my interests in technology, user experience, and health to create products that are both functional and impactful. In the future, I wish to design more of these innovative medical devices, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible to enhance patient outcomes and deepen our understanding of complex health data.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
JM : When I'm exploring new ideas and experimenting with different approaches. This often happens during the early stages of a project when possibilities are endless, and I'm free to think outside the box. Late nights or early mornings, when the world is quiet, are also prime times for creativity.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
JM : I often feel a blend of anxiety and excitement—anxious because of the enormous possibilities and the pressure to make the right choices, but also excited about the potential of what could be created. The limitless options can be overwhelming, yet they also offer a lot of opportunities to explore new ideas and push boundaries.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
JM : I feel a deep connection to the product, almost like a parent. There's a sense of pride and accomplishment seeing my ideas come to life. However, it's also accompanied by a bit of worry. I wonder if the product will perform at its best and how it will be received and used by others.
DI: What makes a design successful?
JM : Successful design transforms the user’s experience, creating a unique and unexpected relationship with the product. It should solve real-world problems and improve the way people interact with their environment.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
JM : A good design should be easy to use and intuitive for its target audience. Next, I look at its functionality to ensure it effectively solves the problem it was designed for. The attention to detail is also crucial; a clear sense of care and precision in its creation.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
JM : Designers have the power to shape the world around us, and with that power comes the responsibility to ensure their work benefits society and respects the environment. They Should also consider the long-term effects of their products on users and communities. This means creating designs that are safe, and accessible, and improve the quality of life. Additionally, designers have a role in driving innovation that addresses societal challenges,
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
JM : We're seeing a shift from traditional design methods to more interdisciplinary and collaborative processes. Technology, such as AI and generative design, is enabling designers to explore new forms and functionalities that were previously unimaginable. In the future, I believe design will become even more integrated with technology, focusing on creating seamless experiences that enhance everyday life. Sustainability will continue to be a critical focus, with designers finding innovative ways to minimize environmental impact and promote circular economies. Additionally, the role of the designer will expand beyond creating products to shaping systems and services that address complex global challenges. The future of design is about being agents of change, using our skills to drive meaningful and impactful solutions that benefit society and the environment. This means not just serving existing industries but also starting our own ventures and engaging more in social issues, leveraging our unique perspectives to create a better world.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
JM : I immerse myself in different disciplines and experiences. I draw, paint, perform, and explore various forms of art and expression. This not only broadens my perspective but also helps me approach design challenges with a fresh and open mind.
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?
JM : The main characteristics of my design style include a clean and minimal aesthetic, attention to detail, and a commitment to sustainability. I believe that good design should not only look good but also perform exceptionally well and be environmentally responsible. Creating universal and reusable devices or parts helps reduce some of the costs and risks associated with the development process. This approach is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized companies, allowing them to leverage economies of scale and reduce future development costs. Universal and reusable components also have the advantage of being thoroughly tested and proven in various applications.
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?
JM : I live in Kraków, Poland, a city rich in history and cultural heritage. The Polish design philosophy, known for its practicality, resourcefulness, and emphasis on simplicity, significantly influences my work. Polish design often emphasizes minimalism and functionality, avoiding unnecessary complexity. This approach aligns with my philosophy of creating user-centered and functional designs. However, there are also challenges. Limited access to cutting-edge technology and funding compared to some other countries can be a constraint. Small and medium-sized companies in Poland often face higher risks and costs in the development process. This is why creating universal and reusable devices or parts is particularly beneficial.
DI: How do you work with companies?
JM : My primary focus is on solving problems and creating value. I strive to understand their specific needs and challenges, and then develop designs that address those issues effectively. By closely collaborating with the company's team, I ensure that the solutions we create are practical, innovative, and aligned with their goals.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
JM : Everyone has their own unique way of seeing the world, and it's crucial to find your voice. You might never have a moment where everything clicks perfectly, and that's okay. My advice? Don’t limit yourself. Dive into different disciplines, even those outside your core talents. Every experience you have will expand your perspective and sharpen your main skills. Embrace the chaos, experiment fearlessly, and let those diverse experiences shape your own distinctive design style. Be open to learning from everything and everyone around you. Failures and challenges are just as important as successes because they teach you resilience and adaptability. Stay curious, always ask questions, and never stop exploring new ideas.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
JM : Problem-solving skills are essential for addressing challenges and finding effective solutions. Attention to detail ensures precision and quality in the final product. Communication skills are vital for conveying ideas clearly and collaborating effectively with team members and clients. Adaptability is crucial, as the design field is constantly evolving, requiring designers to learn new tools and techniques. Empathy is key, enabling designers to understand and prioritize user needs and experiences, which is fundamental for creating truly impactful designs.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
JM : I allocate specific blocks of time for different stages of the design process, such as research, prototyping, and testing. This helps me stay organized and maintain a steady workflow. Collaboration and delegation are also key; working with a team allows us to share the workload and leverage each other's strengths.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
JM : The time it takes to finalize a design project can vary greatly. It can take anywhere from one day to a couple of years, depending on the complexity and scope of the project. While I aim to complete projects quickly, the limitations of the manufacturing industry often dictate the timeline. Each project is unique, and factors such as research, prototyping, testing, and iterations all influence the overall duration.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
JM : I am especially excited about scaling FindAir and its products. The company itself is like a design project, requiring constant innovation, improvisation, and refinement on a daily basis. Treating the company as a product means we are always working to improve and define it further.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
JM : I work as part of a team. While I bring my own ideas and expertise to the table, collaboration is key to our success. Working with a multidisciplinary team allows us to combine different perspectives and skill sets, leading to more innovative and effective designs. Together, we brainstorm, prototype, test, and refine our ideas to create the best possible solutions.
DI: How can people contact you?
JM : People can contact me through LinkedIn or Instagram, or reach out via the contact information provided on the FindAir website. I'm always open to connecting and discussing design, collaboration opportunities, and innovative projects.