1. What made you pursue a career in product design? Started studying graphics, wasn’t enough to get my teeth into so I started studying industrial design. Wanted a challenge I suppose and got exactly that.

2. Where, and what, did you study?
Technikon Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa – Industrial Design.

3. What did you enjoy about this course?
Hands-on approach to design, strong bias toward traditional industrial design.

4. What are the most important things you have learned since starting work, which you did not learn at college?
Not to be precious about the work that you have done, be prepared for change. Design is constantly in flux and you will need to adjust your thinking at every turn to succeed.

5. With hindsight, are you glad you did this course?
Yes.

6. Did you manage to gain any work experience before you left college? How did you get it, and what did it teach you?
Yes, RAD product development in JHB. Got the job via college. Learnt basic design skills.

8. Other than specific skills, what do you think makes a good designer?
As previously mentioned, the ability to adapt and accept change at a drop of a hat. Open-mindedness.

9. What do you enjoy most about working in product design?
Being involved in a variety of different projects and product areas.

10. Are there aspects of the work you don’t enjoy?
Not really, no.

11. If you could go back in time, would you still follow a career in product design?
Yes.

12. Which product design skills do you find you use most?
Sketching, foam modelling, Styling, Conceptualisation, product photography and pretty much most front end stuff.

13. Which part of the design process do you enjoy most?
Developing a product that has been well thought out.

14. What piece of work are you most proud of?
B&Q Power tool range (some of it anyway) - Monitor ipod product.

15. Finally... If you could give just one piece of advice to a student of product design, what would it be?
If you are completely dedicated to product design then carry on if not try something else.