We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Juan Manuel Rodriguez Prous ("JMRP").

Juan Manuel Rodriguez Prous is an award-winning designer that helps make the World a better place with their original and innovative creations and advanced design works.

Juan Manuel Rodriguez Prous Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Juan Manuel Rodriguez Prous.

Designer Interview of Juan Manuel Rodriguez Prous:

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?

JMRP : Problem solving has always been a challenge for me since I was a child. The art, the technology and the design have been transversal in my professional trajectory.

DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

JMRP : At Mani we work to adapt companies to the new market realities based on HCD methodologies. Our services are focused on branding, product design, experience design and retail.

DI: What is "design" for you?

JMRP : Design is for me a structural way to deal with problem solving.

DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?

JMRP : Branding and strategic consulting, innovation and design.

DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

JMRP : The design is continually changing and renewing. There are always movements or sources of inspiration, but they are never a mantra for my work.

DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?

JMRP : A product catalog.

DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

JMRP : I do not have any platform or preferred technology. Each project is a challenge from all angles

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

JMRP : In projects with high uncertainty.

DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

JMRP : The biggest challenge is the user experience

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

JMRP : The personal connection between products and customers. Empathy is fundamental in the development of each project.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

JMRP : The satisfaction of continuous learning.

DI: What makes a design successful?

JMRP : The ability to be recognized its value and identity by society

DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

JMRP : The conceptual identity and commercial capacity of the project

DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

JMRP : Designers are responsible for the transformation of our environment at all levels, public, private, business and social. If we want a better world we have the responsibility to design it

DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

JMRP : The future of design is encouraging. It will take a fundamental and transversal position in all disciplines.

DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

JMRP : La inspiración siempre viene del conocimiento profundo del proyecto, su estudio y analisis de objetivos.

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?

JMRP : In MANÎ Design strategic we do not have a definite style. Each project requires a different framework.

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?

JMRP : I live in Spain. The cultural references are always there but the possibility offered by technology allows you to nourish yourself with any information for the conceptual and strategic development of the projects.

DI: How do you work with companies?

JMRP : I always work by building a strong client relationship. That is the key. Know the needs and capabilities of companies, be close to them. Being an active part of the project for them is always very important.

DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

JMRP : To select a good designer, the most important thing is trust with the client. The portfolio is important, but trust is more.

DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?

JMRP : We work with HCD methodologies. First of all we know the business reality and gradually deepen the client's needs and the commercial possibilities of the projects.

DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

JMRP : Think with your head but design with the heart. Deeply analyze the context and the client. The identity and connection of design with society are key to achieving a good result.

DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

JMRP : The most positive is the ability to constantly learn from any discipline, printing, architecture, materials, crafts, packaging, retail, color ... The most negative is the difficulty in sometimes there is for the recognition of the work.

DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?

JMRP : Golden section.

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

JMRP : Analysis, creativity and the ability to develop alternatives.

DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

JMRP : Adobe software tools (indesign, photoshop, illustrator, after effects, premier). Feedly, brand new...

DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

JMRP : You always have to adjust the objectives so that the uncertainty of the result is less. Design management is essential to avoid time problems.

DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

JMRP : Depend, 2-6months.

DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

JMRP : Answering this question. How you could solve this challenge obtaining a high conceptual and commercial impact.

DI: What was your most important job experience?

JMRP : My most important experience was as a consultant in SURGENIA. The success of the project depends exponentially on the analysis prior to the conceptual development of the design.

DI: Who are some of your clients?

JMRP : Small and medium enterprises of any industry

DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

JMRP : I love projects in mature sectors. The possibilities of innovating and developing disruptive innovations.

DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?

JMRP : Design high impact projects. This is always the goal and the line to follow.

DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

JMRP : I always work as a team. It has different perspectives of the problem.

DI: How can people contact you?

JMRP : Through my e-mail: bienvenido@maniestudio.es