This ninth edition of El Periscope on industrial design with Damian CalvoDyson's senior designer, helped us highlight the role of the designer in his various functions. His professional trajectory, the different positions he has held, and the companies he has worked for open the doors of this profession that we love so much.
It all started at Normann Copenhagen
As for the Herit Chair, which Damián designed during his internship at Normann Copenhagen with the support of Simon Legald, he stresses that it is difficult to innovate in furniture design such as a chair, where the functionality is already well defined. He explains that behind a design, there must be a compelling narrative for it to become a reinvention and not just another product.
Of the Danish way of working, he emphasizes the importance of finding the key idea, which serves as a narrative and inspiration for creation. He admires the way they work and enjoy the process, as well as their final contact with the consumer.
"Behind a design, there must be a compelling narrative for it to become a reinvention and not just another product," says Damian.
From Michael Young to Jakob Wagner
Mentors, like cities, inspire. As Damien shares, his time in Hong Kong, a frenetic and energetic city, added a dynamic and vibrant touch to his creative approach. In contrast, Copenhagen taught him a more artisanal approach with great attention to detail.
The unmistakable value of Bang & Olufsen design
While working for Bang & Olufsenhe understood the uniqueness of the brand and its products. He tells us about the extensive research, design and trial and error processes behind his creations. This is what makes their products not only good, but also exceptional.
At Samsung, the designer is king
Samsungthe giant company with top-level technicians and engineers, places the designer at the highest level. In fact, everything starts with the design, and the role of the designer is highly recognized within the brand infrastructure, where he worked.
Search for rough diamonds
Behind the big ideas he presented to the company was user research, product analysis, market design trends, and the latest innovations.
"The goal was to connect with the user in the best possible way," says Damian. This allows us to get to know and understand them much better.
Now, as Dyson's chief designer, the engineer is king.
In his most recent position as lead designer at Dysonthe engineer is the one who drives innovation, manages the project and makes it all a reality. Only then does Damian oversee a team of designers with his observations for an engineering-driven idea and work to define the aesthetics of the product.
Adaptation: the key to our times
The guest presents the role of the designer as a professional who adapts to different design languages as required by the project. He emphasizes the importance of constantly adapting in this function.
