Interview with Daniel de de Burgos Bengoechea

Daniel de de Burgos Bengoechea ("DDDBB") interviewed on Friday, 17 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

DDDBB : I just arrived in this industry and I arrived accidentally. I am a Physical Education teacher, inventor and designer. As an inventor I have won the gold medal at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions Show (2023). My invention stands out mainly for its design that gives it great multifunctionality.

How did you become a designer?

DDDBB : I am an instinctive, unconventional designer. I don't have design studies. I am an inventor and designer but my profession is a Physical Education teacher.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

DDDBB : For me the basis is simplicity using the concept of less is more, seeking functionality, aesthetics and simplicity in the design, ignoring the superfluous.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

DDDBB : The design must be dreamed and then transformed into an illusion to reach the final idea that will give rise to the design. When you transfer your idea to the physical prototype and check that everything works, it seems to me to be the most exciting moment, it is the key moment. It fascinates me when new ideas arise during the creative process.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

DDDBB : Illusion, perseverance, creativity and personality. The Argentine car builder and designer Horacio Pagani served as a great inspiration to me. It is my first experience in design, my learning has been self-taught.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

DDDBB : I really don't know what the future may hold for me. I would like to be remembered as a creative, accessible and practical designer.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

DDDBB : For me, the basis of success is enthusiasm, perseverance and faith in oneself. The road has not been easy and we must overcome adversity. The best designer is the one who corrects a design the most times, since it means that he never abandons it.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

DDDBB : They must always trust themselves since there will be people who do not trust them, however, it is important to be self-critical with our designs to improve.

What is your day to day look like?

DDDBB : I wake up early, do sports in the morning and later go to school to teach the children. What excites me most about the day is when I come up with a new idea and put it into practice.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

DDDBB : To tell the truth, I don't follow trends, my designs are instinctive and pure. I don't know how to explain it, maybe I have a natural talent for it.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

DDDBB : When a product is simple, aesthetic and functional, adapting to the majority of users, we can say that we are looking at something really good and successful.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

DDDBB : When I see that the design is aesthetic, functional and simple, where nothing clashes. Once I realize that everything is in order, I finish the design. I eliminate superfluous design elements that cause distraction to the eyes.

What is your biggest design work?

DDDBB : My Slide Roller PRO project is a patented multifunctional fitness device with a very special design since it replaces 15 devices and adapts to all ages. The goal was to increase the possibilities of exercising at home with a single device.

Who is your favourite designer?

DDDBB : I don't have a favorite designer but probably the most iconic designer has been the German Dieter Rams since I consider that his 10 principles of good design have inspired many designers. I am quite inspired by Italian fashion designers like Giorgio Armani since they have a sophisticated, sober and elegant style.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

DDDBB : I don't have a favorite city. My creative processes are influenced by music, sports and reading. Design should be a facilitating element in people's lives. Design has helped me understand the ergonomics of products, however, it is a field with a lot of room for improvement.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

DDDBB : I work in the educational system as a Physical Education teacher. It is not difficult to work with me since I respect the work of others.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

DDDBB : Everything that involves helping people seems beneficial to me. I am a new designer and I just came into this world unexpectedly.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

DDDBB : The three benefits of participating in these awards would be: prestige, the possibility of establishing relationships and contacts with other winners and expanding your international experience. Awards grant prestige, recognition and quality standards to your work, providing a qualitative leap in your career. It is a huge honor to be able to receive these awards.

Daniel de de Burgos Bengoechea Profile