Viviana Degrandi
Industrial Designer
Milan, Italy
Industrial Designer
Milan, Italy
Q & A
What led you to becoming a designer?
I decided to do this kind of work when I was in middle school. I always liked to think of how to make everyday life better by making little adaptations that can change how people use an object. I like studying gestures, body language, and the rituals associated with the objects in our daily lives. We repeat all those little movements hundreds of times unconsciously. They actually form the essence of an object, expressing a romance with the user.
How does that impact the products you create?
I want to design products that tell new stories. Products that are special in their simplicity — a kind of poetics of the everyday. I think that objects around us should be our friends, helping us with our daily tasks. I hope that in my own small way, I can help people feel better.
Why do you focus on kitchen and household items?
I am passionate about these kinds of products because they are very linked to the lives of the users. I think that an object that is used every day deserves meticulous attention during design and implementation. A well-designed object can turn an ordinary moment into something special. On the contrary, a poorly designed object creates problems and can even become your enemy.
What is your design philosophy?
My work experience of recent years has seen me involved in a variety of different projects, always exciting regardless of the raw materials, where my goal has been to innovate without altering the nature: small, silent revolutions that have resulted in higher quality, better usability, lower production costs and simple aesthetics that allows the object to speak for itself.
What was the inspiration for the light you designed on Gantri?
It was originally inspired by glass fishing floats, like the Japanese once used. You can hang the light on your wall or put it on your table. When it's on a table, it almost seems like the sphere is floating on water. I wanted to create a light that was versatile, flexible, gentle, and simple — one that would fit in any room of the home.
What is your work space like?
I share a studio with 2 other designers: a children's book illustrator and a magazine designer. It’s a very culturally stimulating environment, and there’s a constant exchange between us. It gives me energy and inspiration for new design concepts.
I always liked to think of how to make everyday life better by making little adaptations that can change how people use an object.