We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative MELTEM CETINKAYA ("MC").
Observation is the most important skill that makes her a good designer. She always differs from the classic and explores new ways. She asks to change the perspective of the design. Being curious and having the ability to observe brings her closer to the solution of problems and thus, she becomes easier to achieve success. She can contribute to the society by creating more sustainable, more ergonomic, more recyclable projects. Considering different perspectives, she ensures that the design will appeal to everyone. She reveals the hidden by focusing on the details.
MELTEM CETINKAYA Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by MELTEM CETINKAYA.
MELTEM CETINKAYA Design - Aroma Gourmet Filter Coffee Machine
Designer Interview of MELTEM CETINKAYA:
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?
MC : Actually, I started designing with my father. He showed me the disassembly, disassembly and assembly works. And at that moment, I felt that dealing with a product gave me pleasure. Later, the thought that the products I designed could inspire others pushed me towards design.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MC : we are a company that designs the products they need by meeting with brands and focuses on developing both itself and the brand during this design process.
DI: What is "design" for you?
MC : design is actually observation and discovery for me
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MC : I like to design electronic products more
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
MC : I love functional and environmental designs.We have to think about our world too. Therefore, while designing, instead of making a new product for each problem, it is necessary to create a common solution for some problems so that the cost is reduced, not much material is spent
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
MC : turkish coffee machine
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MC : materials with texture, spirit and smell, in short, wood,
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
MC : definitely at night
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
MC : to its functionality
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MC : sometimes very happy , sometimes very crazy
DI: What makes a design successful?
MC : there are multiple factors. did it solve the problem? Was less material used in problem solving? Is it more environmentally friendly now? Does it appeal to the senses? price ? Does it provide equality?
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MC : problem solution
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
MC : we are individuals and in fact we are soldiers responsible for protecting nature and the environment. that's why every new design should be a little more environmentally friendly so that we can always sit in the shade of the tree we love.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
MC : The subject of design raises people's awareness even more. People have turned to more environmentally friendly and more functional products while purchasing products. Therefore, we can now see products as multifunctional. An umbrella can be a car :D
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MC : from observing
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?
MC : plain and minimalist I bought a broom one day and I spent hours working the broom. I was very angry. Even the math problem was easier. I understood very well the importance of simplicity and ease that day.
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?
MC : I live in Turkey and of course my culture influences the design. For example, when I work on a Turkish coffee design, I always add copper plating. This is because Turkish coffee used to be made in copper coffee pots. I like my new designs to wink at the past.My country is located between Asia and Europe and contains many cultures. so you can learn a lot, which is the biggest plus. The minus is that most companies do not know the importance of design and designer.
DI: How do you work with companies?
MC : We ask companies about the project they want. For example, there are cordless vacuum cleaner demands. We are doing market research now. We write down customer expectations. and most importantly, we look at user feedback. our new design takes shape accordingly
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
MC : They should immediately choose a good observer who is excited and constantly in search and the person who can analyze their observations.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
MC : The brief comes. We do research according to the following brief. We look at the pros and cons of the sample projects. We determine the cost. We start looking for how to do it better and present the projects we have prepared
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
MC : paper pen notebook computer camera
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
MC : In the morning, I usually chat with people who are not related to design, this conversation provides me with new problems. then I share it with the team and we start to exchange ideas among ourselves. Then we start observation, research and sketching. Then we add to each other's sketches. we develop a new project
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
MC : try but not same result
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
MC : touching people's lives good But even thinking while sleeping is bad sometimes
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
MC : observation and analysis of the observation result
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
MC : observation and analysis
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
MC : my laptop and sketchbook
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
MC : priority order by determining
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
MC : between one and three months
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
MC : how did you design
DI: What was your most important job experience?
MC : all my experiences matter
DI: Who are some of your clients?
MC : arçelik,arzum,fakir, karacak,vestel
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
MC : I like to design electronic products because it feels endless. You can present technology and design together
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
MC : become a much better designer
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
MC : design - myself technic - team
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
MC : Rechargeable upright vacuum cleaner - our new project will make people very happy because we will do a lot with few parts
DI: How can people contact you?
MC : call me :) +90 05394385884 mcmeltemcetinkaya@gmail.com