Interview with Doug Garven

Doug Garven ("DG") interviewed on Sunday, 19 May.

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

DG : I have been a Product Designer for 32 years, most of which have been in the Durable Medical Equipment industry designing wheelchairs. I graduated from Kent State University in Kent, OH and had an automobile accident while in school that left me paralyzed from the chest down. After graduation, I wasn't looking to become a wheelchair designer but the obvious connection kind of lead me to becoming one.

How did you become a designer?

DG : My mom was an Artist and my dad an Engineer, so, growing up, I had a penchant for drawing and numbers. My dad suggested I study Industrial Design in college, but I thought I wanted to be an Engineer. After two years of Engineering, I realized I was not enjoying it and promptly switched.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

DG : I spend a lot of time in the concept development phase of a project, lots and lots of ideations! Most of my designs, especially wheelchairs, have a strong functional component/need that in most cases drives the design direction chosen. I like to make sure the functionality of a design is never lost. I would say I am equal parts physical (sketching, physical models) and technology (3D modeling and rapid prototyping).

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

DG : This depends on what stage of the project a design is at. In the beginning, I feel a sense of relaxation and adventure, exploring new ways of trying to solve the problem at hand. This can become anxiousness and nervousness, especially as a deadline approaches. And this eventually turns to happiness and a sense of pride once a project is complete, especially seeing how a good design can affect and improve someone's daily life.

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

DG : Good questions! There are some obvious ones like being a good listener and seeing the big picture of the most important problem a specific design project is trying to solve. Empathy is a good one that allows you to think of solutions from the perspective of the intended user to help ensure functionality, ergonomics and general ease of use. I hate to say it but a lot of these come with age and lessions we learn from life!

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

DG : Having been a Product Designer for over 30 years and just completing what has been my ultimate, dream design project (the CR1). I have transitioned roles withing my company to that of the Principal Product Manager for TiLite wheelchairs and I am enjoying my new role, in a new department, overseeing the future direction of our products and what comes next.

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

DG : Be careful to not be so tunnel-minded on a certain design direction that you lose your ability to objectively listen to differing opinions. It's an easy trope to fall into, something any designer can relate to. There's also the need for sticking up for something you believe strongly in! Finding that right balance point between the two will help you gain the trust and respect of your peers.

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

DG : The first part of this I inadvertently answered above. As for a pro-tip, I realize it isn't very original and easier to say than do but do something you're passionate about. It will show in your creative output, life's too short.

What is your day to day look like?

DG : My daily routine usually starts with what's going on in the world (news wise) and then what's new on the Formula 1 website and then I start my day. I guess starting with something I thoroughly enjoy sets my mind for the day. During the day, find the time to take a break and disengage your mind, even for a short period. I find this helps a lot when having trouble finding a creative solution. A good lunch can also help stimulate your mind or break up the monotony of a boring day.

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

DG : In the product design world, I think keeping up with what's in-fashion and current design trends from other industries are important. They can certainly be an influence in your work but shouldn't define it, otherwise you risk stamping it with a built-in time clock. Remember, good design is timeless.

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

DG : I think good design solves a problem or fulfills a need in an attractive package. There should be clean lines, a purity of form that helps communicate what an object is or what it is supposed to do. Good designs are not overthought or too complex visually, at least for me personally.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

DG : Is the design solving the problem both functionally and aesthetically, are you happy with it? What do other's think, it's important to get outside input. Also know that a design can continue to get updated after it launches, sometimes a project's scope is too big to be able have everything ready at launch.

What is your biggest design work?

DG : My biggest design and the work I am most proud of has been the TiLite CR1. It was the result of over 30 years of ideas from other design projects that were great ideas but didn't fit the particular project they came from. It was a realization of all these ideas, a brain dump if you will. New materials, new technologies and challenges that came with them. All in a uniquely styled package, which is hard to do for something that has existed as a product since the late 1800's.

Who is your favourite designer?

DG : I'm a huge car guy so my list is very automotive heavy. Pinin Farina, Marcello Gandini, Ferdinand Porsche and Adrian Newey are the big names in my book. If there was one person though that I could share a glass of wine with and talk design, it would be Leonardi da Vinci for sure!

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

DG : I like visiting cities and seeing the different architecture, both new and old. I think older, historical buildings of importance need to be saved and preserved. There is a history and culture that they reflect that gets lost if they are torn down and replaced. Seeing them in pictures is not the same as being able to experience in-person.

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

DG : I like to think I have become easier to work with over the years, certainly in my new role as a Product Manager and trying to help communicate the needs of new products. Working together as a team to keep the different departments focused on the primary goal of a new product has been a challenging and rewarding new career direction.

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

DG : Designing wheelchairs has been a very rewarding career, especially as a chair-user myself. It can be rewarding on different levels depending on the project, sometimes it's self-rewarding if it's a design I know I will use personally. Most of the time, it's designs for other types of disabilities and there's a level of satisfaction in seeing your design being used by an individual and knowing that you helped them to be able to function and improve their quality of life.

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

DG : I have only been to one previous design award and that was very early in my career. So this is kind of a full-circle moment for me to have won an A' Design Award and I am very much looking forward to meeting a bunch of new people at the awards ceremony. I think that, above all else, is the coolest opportunity these contests offer. The ability to see and experience so many other like minded individuals and to see all of the exciting and creative designs across all of the different industries.

Doug Garven Profile