We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Caglar Araz ("CA").
Caglar Araz, a seasoned Lead Product Designer at Veo Technologies, brings a unique blend of discipline and creative innovation honed during his tenure at LEGO. An alumni of Aarhus University with a Master of Science in Digital Design, Caglar consistently merges user research with design to drive engaging user experiences. His passion projects have garnered over six million reactions, demonstrating his impact in the digital design space. With a proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration, Caglar’s commitment to quality and improvement sets him apart in the ever-evolving world of UX design.
Caglar Araz Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Caglar Araz.
Caglar Araz Design - Nicotine Cessation AI Mobile App
Designer Interview of Caglar Araz:
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?
CA : I discovered my passion for design as a teenager while playing video games. Frustrated with the clunky user interfaces, I began designing and customizing my own, significantly enhancing my gaming experience. This early interest in improving user interactions sparked my journey into the world of design.
DI: What is "design" for you?
CA : For me, design is about simplifying life. It should make tasks easier, reduce stress, and bring us closer to the people and activities we love. A good design helps us achieve our goals effortlessly, without adding any negative elements to our experience. In a world filled with digital noise and clutter, design should be a beacon of clarity and utility.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
CA : I thrive on designing complex, interactive experiences that require a deep understanding of both physical and digital realms. My expertise lies in user interface design, where I can create intuitive and seamless interactions that enhance user satisfaction.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
CA : One of my favorite designs is the mechanism of the AirPods Pro case. The satisfying click when you open and close the lid is a perfect blend of accessibility and durability. It’s a small detail, but it significantly enhances the user experience.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
CA : I have a particular affinity for Apple’s ecosystem due to its seamless integration and user-centric design philosophy. The consistency across devices and platforms provides a reliable foundation for innovative design.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
CA : I feel most creative when I step away from my computer and take a walk. Observing the world and reflecting on my projects often sparks new ideas. Additionally, watching users interact with the products I’m designing provides invaluable insights and inspiration.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
CA : I prioritize functionality and usability. A design must serve its purpose efficiently and be easy for users to navigate. These elements form the backbone of a successful user experience.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
CA : Designing is an emotional journey, filled with both highs and lows. The process can be challenging, but persistence often leads to elegant and simple solutions. Speaking up and choosing the right battles is crucial, but ultimately, the satisfaction of solving a problem outweighs the struggles.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
CA : When my designs are realized, I feel a temporary sense of relief, quickly followed by new ideas for improvement. The desire to refine and enhance never truly goes away, as there’s always room for betterment.
DI: What makes a design successful?
CA : A successful design is one that provides a seamless and enjoyable user experience. It meets user needs effectively while being aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
CA : The overall user experience is paramount. I immerse myself in the product as if I were a user, evaluating its functionality, usability, and emotional impact.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
CA : Designers have a responsibility to create solutions that positively impact society and the environment. It’s important to design with empathy, considering the broader implications of our work on people and the planet.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
CA : The design field is rapidly evolving alongside technology. While technological advancements are exciting, it’s crucial to ensure they contribute positively to humanity. The future of design lies in balancing innovation with ethical considerations, creating solutions that enhance our lives without adverse consequences.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
CA : Inspiration can come from anywhere – nature, architecture, everyday objects, and even conversations. I stay curious and open-minded, constantly observing and absorbing the world around me.
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?
CA : My design style is all about simplicity. An interface should do exactly what it’s meant to do, no more, no less. I believe in minimalism and clarity, ensuring that every element serves a purpose and enhances the user experience.
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?
CA : I live in Denmark, and the minimalist design philosophy here greatly influences my work. Danish design emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and elegance, which aligns perfectly with my own design principles. The clear and effective communication seen in our road signs is a prime example of how minimal design can be incredibly powerful.
DI: How do you work with companies?
CA : I’ve mostly been an in-house designer, closely collaborating with stakeholders on multiple projects. This approach allows me to deeply understand the company’s goals and create solutions that align with their vision.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
CA : Companies should look for designers who are passionate about their craft and bring a unique perspective. Effective communication and a willingness to understand and align with the company’s vision are crucial traits in a good designer.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
CA : My design process is structured yet flexible. I start by identifying the most significant pain points in the user experience and focus on solving those first. I create mood boards, sketch ideas, and iterate continuously, always keeping the user at the center of my process.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
CA : HomePod, Wii Remote, USB-C, my aluminium-framed bed, and LEGO MINDSTORMS.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
CA : My day starts with a morning walk to clear my mind. I spend the first part of my workday reviewing and iterating on designs. Afternoons are usually dedicated to meetings and collaborating with my team. In the evening, I take some time to relax and find inspiration through various activities like reading or playing video games.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
CA : Focus on what you’re passionate about. Don’t try to fit into a mold of what you think companies want. Your unique perspective and passion are what will set you apart. Always be curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take risks.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
CA : Positives include the satisfaction of creating something that improves people’s lives and the constant opportunity for creativity. Negatives can be the emotional ups and downs of the design process and the pressure to constantly innovate.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
CA : “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
CA : The most important skill is understanding what you’re passionate about and how you can bring that to the table. Additionally, empathy, care, creativity, and the ability to communicate effectively are crucial.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
CA : My toolbox includes software like Sketch, Figma, and Adobe Creative Suite. I also rely on physical sketchbooks for brainstorming and mood boards for inspiration. Books and online resources are invaluable for staying updated with the latest design trends.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
CA : I manage my time by breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable pieces and prioritizing the most impactful ones. Staying organized and setting clear goals helps me maintain focus and productivity.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
CA : The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the project. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the scope and iteration cycles involved.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
CA : People often ask how I come up with design ideas and stay creative. My answer is that inspiration is everywhere, and staying curious and observant is key.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
CA : Working at LEGO early in my career was a transformative experience. It taught me how to navigate complex projects with various stakeholders and deepened my understanding of creating designs that resonate with users.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
CA : This is confidential.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
CA : I prefer designing for complex problems that require a blend of physical and digital solutions. These projects challenge me to think holistically and create cohesive user experiences.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
CA : I aim to continue exploring the intersection of physical and digital design, pushing the boundaries of user experience. I’m excited about the potential of emerging technologies and their impact on design.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
CA : I often work as part of a team, collaborating with other designers, developers, and stakeholders. However, I also value solo time to deeply focus on design problems and generate ideas.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
CA : Due to confidentiality, I cannot share any information.
DI: How can people contact you?
CA : You can find my contact information on my portfolio site: caglar.co.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
CA : Yes, I believe that a designer’s role is not just to create beautiful interfaces but to solve real problems. Our work should always aim to improve the user experience and positively impact the world.