We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Seyedsajad Jalalsadat ("SJ").
Seyedsajad Jalalsadat, an industrial designer, began his design journey during childhood with a passion for car design inspired by playing Grand Turismo. His dream to design for BMW shaped his path, leading him to study Industrial Design at Tehran Markaz University. Starting at the age of 15, he worked in industrial environments, gaining valuable experience in understanding market needs and industry dynamics, which significantly contributed to his growth as a product designer. Since 2016, Seyedsajad has been creating innovative designs. In 2023, he joined Hobo, where his dedication resulted in winning multiple international design awards, including A’ Design Award and New York Design Award. Additionally, five awards were secured at IDA 2024. These accomplishments mark only the beginning of his journey in design, with much more to come.
Seyedsajad Jalalsadat Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Seyedsajad Jalalsadat.
Seyedsajad Jalalsadat Design - Infinito Light
Designer Interview of Seyedsajad Jalalsadat:
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?
SJ : As far back as I can remember, I’ve always loved creating. Like so many kids who found joy in playing with LEGO, I was hooked but I rarely followed the instructions. Instead, I’d mix parts from different sets, building new creatures and gadgets, or constantly turning each piece into something it wasn’t meant to be. Beyond that, I’d always find myself doodling cars and spaceships in the margins of my schoolbooks. I even imagined an entire car brand called Nitro, where I was the designer. Eventually, I discovered the world of industrial design and began studying it four years ago.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
SJ : Currently, I’m working at Hobo Lighting, a company founded by Mr. Mohammad Mostafa Sharifian Mehr. Last year, we won a Bronze A’ Design Award together for the Modulo project, and we’ve also managed to secure several other awards. Mohammad is exceptionally strong in product engineering, and I can confidently say that Hobo is the top specialized lighting company in my country we produce some of the finest lights out there. That said, in the near future, I’m really eager to establish my own design studio, ideally alongside collaborating with or better yet, designing for major brands.
DI: What is "design" for you?
SJ : For me, design is the greatest joy in life it’s pure creation. In a thorough and professional process, we first search for the problem, observing everything with meticulous attention. We don’t just put ourselves in the user’s shoes; we step into the problem itself, and with great care, we solve it, answering the questions that have long gone unanswered. To me, design is about creating solutions, overcoming challenges, and shaping the future. We carry a spark of the Creator’s spirit within us, drawing the timelines of what’s yet to come.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
SJ : I’ve always preferred to keep my hands in all areas of design, rather than limiting myself to a single path. At the moment, I’m working in lighting, but my true passion lies in transportation design especially automotive design, with a childhood dream of working for a brand like BMW. Still, I’m not willing to confine myself to lighting, transportation, or anything else. If I have an idea for fashion, jewelry, or even architecture, I don’t want to hold it back. Sometimes, I even find myself imagining musical instrument designs!
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
SJ : If I answer from the heart, the first product that comes to mind is the BMW 428i Coupe F32, produced between 2013 and 2020. Its Zeus blue color was simply stunning in every way, and every time I see one on the street, I just want to pull up a chair, pour myself some matcha tea, and admire it for hours. Maybe even rev the engine a bit or run my hands along its bodywork. But if I think logically, the iPhone lineup from the 2G to the 4S era under Steve Jobs was, in my view, one of the most flawless designs in history. Nothing at the time could match that level of design perfection so much so that I actually have an iPhone 4S mounted on my wall like a piece of art, and I look at it every day.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
SJ : The first professional project I did for a company was Project 7 for Hobo an outdoor stand light. I was fully focused on it, and honestly, the only real challenge was making it waterproof.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
SJ : Aluminum is my favorite material, and recently, I’ve been fascinated by 3D printing technologies, especially for metals like aluminum. It’s truly groundbreaking, and with the rapid progress of technology, we should expect even more integration of AI and 3D printing, leading to incredible transformations in the industry. As designers, we need to keep updating our knowledge and stay ahead to make the most of these innovations.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
SJ : I get most creative when driving, at crowded parties, or in noisy environments I find concerts and stadiums to be great for sparking new ideas. Since these places aren’t always accessible, I use headphones and music for brainstorming and sketching, especially between midnight and 4 AM. The external noise combined with internal solitude creates a unique focus for me. However, for collaboration, I believe having a partner or a design team works best when there’s genuine warmth and communication, not just cold professionalism.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
SJ : I don’t focus on a single point instead, I try to concentrate on whatever aspect of the design I'm working on at the moment, because if you think in a one dimensional way, it limits your creativity.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
SJ : Pleasure!
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
SJ : Any word to describe this feeling would diminish it, much like when, as a parent, you hold your child for the first time.
DI: What makes a design successful?
SJ : A successful design is one that you pour your soul into, the kind that you personally want to have first, and proudly announce wherever you go, 'Hey! I’m the creator of this masterpiece.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
SJ : The key question is, when solving a problem or performing a task, does this product introduce another problem? Or are the forms used in this product truly necessary in that place, or was an unnecessary step added to the production process? Earth only has 30% of its life in a living form. These things matter for the future.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
SJ : God knows how much the environment around us, and the products within it, not only affect their functionality but also their appearance, influencing people's minds. And yes, the designer is responsible not just for the peace of mind that comes from the correct functionality of their products but also for maintaining an aesthetic that creates a sense of comfort and calm in the user's eyes, all while ensuring no harm to the environment. This should be the designer’s greatest responsibility, or rather, their top priority.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
SJ : I believe design is moving in a positive direction, with the growing focus on sustainability and green design. It’s especially valuable to see students and emerging designers embracing this approach. If this attention continues to increase, we can gradually and consistently help save our world from destruction and guide it toward a better path. Designers play a key role in shaping public taste and trends across all design fields, so their influence is powerful over time.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
SJ : I have not held an exhibition yet, but I look forward to organizing one in the future to showcase my work and connect with 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?
SJ : I constantly observe the objects around me, even those used by others, and reflect on their strengths and weaknesses. I often pick up and examine items, thinking about how they could be improved. My first focus is always on how they can make people more comfortable and happier. Then I consider how nature, culture, or existing forms in human life can inspire the product’s improvement.
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?
SJ : My design approach focuses primarily on sustainability and green design, which naturally leads me toward minimalism. I also embrace deconstruction and human-centered design. For me, it’s essential that my creations not only function well but also provide visual and emotional comfort. My goal is to design products that bring people a sense of well-being, peace, and ease in their daily lives.
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?
SJ : I currently live in Iran, a country with immense potential for product improvement and innovation. While some challenges exist in terms of development opportunities, the country’s rich culture, diverse traditions, and breathtaking nature offer endless inspiration. The unique blend of history, symbols, and local lifestyles continually fuels my creativity and design thinking.
DI: How do you work with companies?
SJ : My first step is to study the story and background of the partners. I then research the brand’s history and symbols. If there’s a brand slogan, I consider that highly important as well. Once I have a clear understanding of the brand, I analyze its challenges and needs. I then begin the design process, using the brand’s own language and identity to enhance its products in the most effective way.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
SJ : The most important quality when selecting a designer is having a broad, multi dimensional perspective someone who doesn’t approach a problem from just one angle and is genuinely curious about the company’s challenges. Only after that should you focus on their skills and other qualifications.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
SJ : A deep understanding of the brand, its values, and the needs of its users is the starting point of my design process it forms the foundation upon which I build every stage of development.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
SJ : The framed, disassembled iPhone 4S on my wall exemplifies design perfection compact, precise, and beautifully engineered. Microsoft’s ergonomic mouse, despite its plastic shell, shows clear ergonomic intent. The Sony XM5 meets daily needs with quiet efficiency. Apple Pencil (2nd gen) is elegantly functional, though heat buildup warrants improvement. The Xbox controller remains a standard in long term ergonomic comfort.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
SJ : I usually wake without an alarm unless duty demands it. My day begins with a shower, breakfast, and a quiet mental reset. At work, I move from ideation to team discussions, followed by development. Evenings are spent in traffic, listening to music, podcasts, or catching up with a friend. Once home, I develop personal projects with music in the background, ending the night with a series or a round of FC25.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
SJ : Just love it and do it!
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
SJ : The only drawback, as a designer, is the weight of responsibility that comes with the work. A designer’s creation inevitably impacts the world for better or worse and that alone is a profound burden. There's also the pressure of public reception; a few negative reactions can be deeply discouraging. But, like professional footballers, designers must stay focused and prove their value over time. As for the positives being a designer means being a creator. And creation, in my view, is the most fulfilling and elevated experience one can have. It's the very essence of Maslow’s peak.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
SJ : For every problem that arises in the design process, there’s at least one, if not several, solutions. My golden rule in design is simple: the work must get done, and no excuse is acceptable for veering off course or neglecting the required performance. Sometimes, problems become our saviors, and with the right solution, we can create a new path and an even better design.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
SJ : Creativity, boldness, optimism, being constructive, having an open mind, and embracing challenges and problems loving the hassle! Be a creator.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
SJ : Paper and pen iPad Pro with Apple Pencil and Procreate Lenovo Legion or ASUS ROG laptop (ASUS for the office, Lenovo for home) SolidWorks KeyShot Photoshop Illustrator InDesign Premiere Pro
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
SJ : I try to advance up to three projects in one day. To give a simple example: In the morning, ideation for one project, modeling for another at noon, and rendering and presenting a third project in the afternoon.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
SJ : Approximately 3/4 months, both intermittently and intensively, even up to 30 days.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
SJ : The question of where ideas come from whether inspiration or thinking well, it’s clear that design follows a process. But occasionally, there are moments of inspiration, like when you're about to sleep, which is still a result of overthinking the relevant issues, naturally.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
SJ : For Design world, it’s the Infinito project, but for me, it’s the Modulo and 7 projects my first projects where I was directly involved in both the design and production.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
SJ : Hoboteam!
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
SJ : Almost the entire process is enjoyable for me, but brainstorming, sketching, and group ideation are the most rewarding. Then, product modeling brings me a special sense of calm, and finally, rendering offers me endless joy as I see and create the final result.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
SJ : I prefer to focus on non lighting projects alongside lighting, and aim to present more projects if time management allows. I might even apply for a few major brands if I have the time.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
SJ : In my view, teamwork is always better than working alone. I’ve had an excellent team with Mohammad Mostafa Sharifianmehr so far, and I still do. But for the years ahead, alongside him, I would like to have other talented teams for new projects.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
SJ : I prefer to discuss the design of projects after they are completed and presented to the world.
DI: How can people contact you?
SJ : At the moment, I’m active across all major social media platforms. However, my preferred method of communication is via my professional email: Bayerstarkdesign@gmail.com. That said, I also dedicate time each day to check and respond to business inquiries on social media, so I’m accessible there as well.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
SJ : For now, I don't have an opinion on this topic :) Perhaps in the near future.