This ninth edition of El Periscopio on industrial design with Damián Calvo, Lead Designer at Dyson, helped us elevate the role of the designer in its various functions. His career path, the different positions he has held, and the companies he has worked for open the doors to this profession that we love so much.
It all started at Normann Copenhagen
Regarding the Herit chair, which Damián designed during his internship at Normann Copenhagen with the support of Simon Legald, he emphasizes that it is difficult to innovate in furniture design such as a chair, where functionality is already well-defined. He explains that behind a design, there must be a compelling narrative for it to become a reinvention rather than just another product.
From the Danish way of working, he highlights the importance of finding the key idea, which serves as the narrative and inspiration for the creation. He admires their approach to working and enjoying 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 rather than just another product,” says Damián.
From Michael Young to Jakob Wagner
Mentors, like cities, inspire. As Damián 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 & Olufsen, he understood the exclusivity of the brand and its products. He tells us about the extensive research, design, and trial-and-error processes behind their creations. This is what makes their products not just good, but exceptional.
At Samsung, the designer is king
Samsung, the giant company with top-level technicians and engineers, places the designer at the highest level. Indeed, everything starts with design, and the designer's role is highly recognized within the brand's infrastructure, where he worked.
Finding rough diamonds
Behind the great ideas he presented to the company, there was user research, product analysis, design market trends, and the latest innovations.
“The goal was to connect with the user in the best possible way,” says Damián. This makes it possible to know and understand them much better.
Now, as Lead Designer at Dyson, the engineer is king
In his most recent role as Lead Designer at Dyson, the engineer is the one driving innovation, managing the project, and making everything a reality. Only afterward does Damián supervise a team of designers with their insights for an engineering-driven idea and work to define the product's aesthetics.
Adaptation: The key in 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 highlights the importance of constantly adapting in this role.
