Industrial design is a fascinating and ever-evolving field.
It's where ideas take shape, transforming from concepts into tangible products that can revolutionize industries and improve our daily lives.
Whether it's the sleek lines of a new car, the ergonomic design of a piece of furniture, or the innovative features of a tech gadget, industrial design plays a crucial role in ensuring that these products are not only visually appealing but also highly functional and user-friendly.
At Lineo Engineering, we understand the critical importance of working with trained industrial designers to achieve outstanding results in product development. Industrial design isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about solving complex problems, optimizing user experience, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The process involves several key steps, including research, concept development, prototyping, and refinement—all of which require a deep understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and user needs.
In Romania, we are proud to be at the forefront of product development innovation. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our collaboration with some of the industry's most talented professionals, such as Mihail Nechita.
Mihail is not only a skilled industrial designer but also a visionary thinker who brings a unique perspective to every project he works on. His insights and expertise are invaluable to our mission of delivering cutting-edge products that stand out in the global market.
In the following interview, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Mihail Nechita's approach to industrial design, the influence of his Romanian heritage on his work, and his thoughts on the future of the field. At Lineo Engineering, we are dedicated to harnessing this level of expertise to drive innovation and deliver exceptional products to our clients.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in industrial design?
I've always been someone who loves to think and explore how things work, but industrial design wasn't on my radar initially—mainly because I didn’t even know it existed! Once I stumbled upon it, though,
I was hooked.
What really ignited my passion for industrial design were the sketches. I remember coming across these incredible drawings online—concepts for cars, furniture, shoes, and more. They were so much more dynamic and intriguing than traditional art, like still-life paintings of vases and fruit.
The way these sketches captured ideas in such a cool and innovative way fascinated me. It was like a light bulb went off in my head, and I thought, “This is what I want to do.” From that moment on, I knew I had to dive into the world of product design and make it my career.
2. How does your Romanian heritage influence your design aesthetic and approach? How do you feel Romanian designers are mapped within the global design industry?
As a Romanian, I believe our heritage gives us a unique edge in the design world.
We often have to create a lot with very little, which sharpens our resourcefulness and adaptability.
In product design, where a broad knowledge base and a flexible mindset are crucial, this resourcefulness is invaluable. Growing up in Romania, where we often had to make the most of limited resources, deeply influenced my design aesthetic. It instilled in me a respect for materials and pushed me to think creatively about how to use what’s available. This mindset has shaped my approach and aesthetic choices, focusing on efficiency and innovation.
Romanian designers are starting to make their mark globally, and we have a few trailblazers who are putting our country on the design map. It’s encouraging to see this, as it shows that you can build a successful career in this field here. I’m hopeful that as more Romanian designers gain recognition, it will inspire others to join the industry and help make Romanian design a recognized and respected name worldwide..
3. Design can cover so many industries. How did you decide to specialize in the product development field?
For me, choosing product design was a no-brainer—it’s the ultimate field that brings together so many fascinating disciplines! Product design is like a crossroads where art meets architecture, nature meets transportation, and chemistry meets metalworking and even baking. It’s an endless journey of creativity, where you’re constantly learning about the world around us and the technologies that push our species forward.
What I love most about product development is that it's like a two-way mirror: you get to reflect on the past while simultaneously peeking into the future of what’s possible. There’s really no other field quite like it!
4. What do you consider the most challenging aspect of industrial product design, and how do you tackle it?
The most challenging aspect of industrial product design is staying up-to-date with everything. From mastering the latest 3D CAD software to tracking trends in colors and textures, and keeping tabs on new manufacturing technologies that can suddenly become cost-effective—there's always something new to learn.
To tackle this, I make it a habit to read design blogs, follow the latest industry news, and commit to daily improvement, even if it’s just a small step forward. It’s a never-ending process, which can be both a blessing and a curse. I often catch myself zoning out, thinking about how to solve the next big challenge. Another critical aspect is ensuring that the products I design have a purpose and aren’t just contributing to waste. It’s about finding that balance between innovation and responsibility, which keeps me driven and focused.
4. What do you think is the future of industrial design, especially with the rise of new technologies?
I'm optimistic about the future of industrial design, and I firmly believe in the importance of the human touch.
While AI is the hot topic right now, I see it as just another tool—a powerful one, but a tool nonetheless. It has the potential to push designers to new heights, helping us create even more innovative solutions to real-world problems. Where humans still have the edge is in our ability to come up with brilliant, unexpected solutions to the challenges we face every day.
The bigger the problem, the more impactful the result. As new technologies emerge, I believe we have a responsibility to use them wisely—to improve lives and make a positive difference across the globe.
5. Can you share a project you are particularly proud of and explain why?
One project I’m particularly proud of is a recent one where I believe I finally nailed the balance between nature-inspired design and functionality.
I often liken design to cooking—finding that perfect blend where you’re neither too literal nor too abstract is key.
This project stands out because it seems to have hit that sweet spot, and it’s on track to make it to market!
For me, the ultimate test of a design is seeing it on store shelves or, even better, in people’s lives where they can use and enjoy it. That sense of accomplishment is truly what makes the effort worthwhile.
I approach collaboration with great enthusiasm, especially when working closely with engineers and addressing manufacturing constraints. It often feels like a dynamic ping-pong game of problem-solving, where new issues arise and need to be tackled creatively.
I make it a point to listen carefully to others' perspectives, as their insights are invaluable. At the same time, I defend my design concepts with the same passion as if they were my own children, but I strive to do so with logical reasoning and critical thinking. It’s crucial to choose your battles wisely and recognize that the final product is always a compromise.
Balancing the need to hold on to key ideas while being open to letting go of others is essential for successful collaboration.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring industrial designers?
Be a fan of the game!
Be passionate about the field and immerse yourself fully. Master the fundamentals so well that you know when and how to creatively push the boundaries.
Develop your basic skills to a high level and focus on improving your communication, both visually and verbally, when presenting your ideas.
Discover and cultivate your unique style, and continuously refine it. Trends may come and go, but a solid foundation and a distinctive personal touch will set you apart. Even though I’m still early in my career, I keep these principles in mind and they guide me every step of the way.
Thank you for taking the time to explore the world of industrial design with us. We hope Mihail Nechita's insights have given you a deeper appreciation for the creativity, skill, and dedication that go into shaping the products we use every day.
At Lineo Engineering, we are proud to collaborate with such talented professionals, and we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation. Together, we're not just designing products—we're crafting the future. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.
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