I am thrilled to share with you all that New York Art Life Magazine has chosen to feature, an interview with the incredibly talented designer Nahid Shirzadkhan this week! As an experienced industrial designer, design consultant, and architect, Nahid has made a name for herself in the design industry. Her ability to identify emerging design opportunities and market gaps has allowed her to pioneer innovative archetypes that push the boundaries of creativity and functionality.
With nearly two decades of study, practice, and professional experience, Nahid is a true expert in her field. She has honed his skills and knowledge to become a master at her craft. Her passion for design shines through in every project she undertakes, and it is truly inspiring to see how she uses her expertise to impact the world positively.
Her focus on animal health and welfare sets Nahid apart from other designers, specifically for beloved pets like cats and dogs. Her dedication to this cause is evident in the solutions she crafts. Nahid understands the importance of our furry friends in our lives, and she believes they deserve the best care possible. Through her designs, she aims to improve the lives of pets by creating products that enhance their well-being and address their specific needs.
Nahid’s innovative approach to pet product design is truly remarkable. She combines her knowledge of industrial design with her understanding of animal behavior to create unique, functional, and aesthetically pleasing solutions. Her designs not only cater to the needs of pets, but also strengthen the bond between pets and their owners by focusing on the pets’ needs. By striking this balance, Nahid ensures that her creations are practical and desirable, inspiring a new wave of pet product design.
In the interview with NYAL MAGAZINE, Nahid shares insights into her creative process, her inspirations, and her vision for the future of pet product design. It is a captivating read that showcases Nahid’s passion and expertise. I am confident this interview will inspire both aspiring designers and animal lovers. This interview is a must-read for anyone interested in design, pets, or those who are simply seeking inspiration from a talented individual making a difference in the world.
New York Art Life Magazine: With substantial design experience as a talented industrial designer, your expertise is deeply rooted in the foundational knowledge passed down by your father, a pioneering mechanical and industrial engineer in the design industry. His influence sparked your passion for design from an early age, instilling in you a deep understanding of the core principles that drive successful industrial design. How has your father’s mentorship shaped your approach to design and influenced your decision-making throughout your career?
Nahid Shirzadkhan: My journey in design was further shaped by my formative experience within my family’s business. This experience provided me with invaluable insights into the practical aspects of industrial design and allowed me to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of the industry. Working within my family business exposed me to the technical aspects of design and allowed me to collaborate with other professionals and understand the importance of teamwork in achieving design success.
Throughout my career, I have worked on numerous projects, all of which have enabled me to work across various sectors. I have consistently pushed boundaries and challenged traditional design norms. I believe in creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and user-friendly.
New York Art Life Magazine: Currently, you serve as a Senior Designer at TEAMS Design Chicago which is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious design studios in the world, with a global presence, over 20 nationalities represented, and nearly 70 years of experience in the industry. The studio has received over 1,000 prestigious design awards, further highlighting its reputation for excellence. The client roster of TEAMS Design Chicago is equally impressive, with renowned companies such as Bosch, Dremel, Essilor, Electro Voice, Bissell, Wahl, Werner, among their satisfied clients. Your affiliation with such esteemed clients and design studio solidifies your position as one of the top designers in the industry. How has working at TEAMS Design Chicago as a member of a diverse team influenced your design approach?
Nahid Shirzadkhan: As a Senior Designer at TEAMS Design Chicago, my role enables me to leverage my experience and expertise across various industries, including Beauty, Pharmaceutical, Aviation, and more. The diverse team at TEAMS, creates a multicultural and collaborative environment that greatly impacts my design approach. This global perspective fosters the exchange of ideas and design philosophies, allowing me to draw inspiration from different cultures. The rich diversity within the studio enhances my ability to create innovative and impactful designs that are globally relevant and compelling.
New York Art Life Magazine: Working in a design studio like TEAMS Design Chicago Inc. is a dream for any designer. This type of environment allows most people to express creativity in unimaginable ways. Teams Design USA Inc. has been recognized for its exceptional design work multiple times, earning it the prestigious iF Design Award on five occasions. Their expertise and innovation were particularly evident in their work on the “Suntek 40V Lithium Garden Tool Range product”, which garnered high acclaim. In the same year, they also received the iF Award for their designs of the “Bosch Tronic 8500i” and “Siemens SICHARGE D products”. In December 2021, Dremel launched the world’s first smart brushless rotary tool, the 8260. Developed in collaboration with TEAMS Design, this tool became part of Dremel’s new cordless lineup and sold out within 11 days of its launch. TEAMS also partnered with Essilor to design the Click-Check, a smart solution addressing global vision issues. Recognized with three IDEA 2020 awards and supported by the iF World Design Guide, the Click-Check has made a significant impact on social issues.
This demonstrates their consistent ability to deliver outstanding designs across various product categories. Could you share more about your role and some of the exciting projects you’ve worked on at TEAMS Design USA Inc.?
Nahid Shirzadkhan: As Lead Senior Designer at TEAMS Design Chicago Inc., I manage global and international projects, particularly with clients at PERLab Kearney. I support their business practices through design-to-value and design-for-manufacturing programs. In the studio, I oversee project planning and execution, ensuring the creation of visually compelling strategic designs for product development. My role involves conceptualization, data analysis, and creative direction, leveraging my expertise in design concepts. Additionally, I manage projects and prepare outreach materials, including concept designs, 3D models, and prototypes, for trade shows and client meetings to attract potential clients.
New York Art Life Magazine: Throughout your career as a designer, you have been drawn to your greatest passion—animals, particularly dogs. Ever since childhood, you have been deeply connected with these furry companions. So, it was only natural for you to direct your profession towards something that combined your love for design and your attachment to dogs.
Nahid Shirzadkhan: Indeed, from a young age, my love for animals was boundless, but it was my beloved dog Toffee, who came into my life ten years ago, that transformed my perspective on design. This profound experience led me to a question: “Can design promote equal moral consideration for all living beings?” Driven by this question, I delved into multi-species ethnography, striving to see the world through the eyes of non-human creatures. In a world that is increasingly complex and dynamic, I understand that design can play a crucial role in maintaining cohesion and addressing diverse needs. I believe that effective design is rooted in empathy and a comprehensive consideration of all living beings.
Embracing this mindset, I dedicated my second master’s in Industrial Design at UIC to developing innovative products aimed at reducing pet anxiety, strengthening the bond between humans and pets, and preventing abandonment. My journey as a designer focused on animal welfare has been deeply fulfilling. The joy I experience from knowing my work positively impacts the lives of animals and their owners is immeasurable. By blending my passion for design with my love for dogs, I have created products that are not only visually appealing, but also enhance the well-being and happiness of our furry companions.
New York Art Life Magazine: One of your brilliant design projects that I would like to highlight is the one that focuses on the critical problem of dog bites in the United States. This project specifically addresses the issue of dog bites caused by family dogs with no history of aggressive behavior. What motivates you to address the rise in dog bites in the U.S.?
Nahid Shirzadkhan: Dog bites can lead to life-changing injuries and psychological trauma, especially for Children. It is alarming to know that each year more than 31,000 children have to visit the emergency room due to dog bites, excluding infants and toddlers under 5. These statistics emphasize the seriousness of the problem for humans and dogs alike. Family dogs are our best friends, but they can bite when provoked, threatened or afraid. The main reason behind these incidents is often the lack of understanding of how to behave around dogs, particularly among children. For over two decades, there has been a persistent need for improved education on dog bite prevention. My project aims to address this gap by raising awareness and educating both children and parents on appropriate behavior around dogs. By addressing this critical issue, this design has the potential to prevent hundreds to thousands of children from enduring the horrendous experience of a dog bite, as well as families dealing with tearing a dog out of a home for its natural response to an unwittingly provocative behavior on the part of a child – leaving other siblings impacted by the loss of the dog as well.
New York Art Life Magazine: Let’s talk about the lovely Toffee Toy!
Nahid Shirzadkhan: The Toffee Toy, named after my beloved dog, is a groundbreaking educational innovation focused on promoting safe interactions between children and dogs. Designed to encourage a more inclusive and empathetic perspective on inter-species relationships. This toy helps children, families, and communities recognize dogs as individuals with distinct personalities, preferences, and needs. It fosters a sense of community, where everyone contributes to promoting safe interactions and responsible pet ownership, viewing animals not as mere objects or accessories, but as living beings deserving of respect and understanding. A key feature of the Toffee Toy is its pairing with an augmented reality (AR) app. This app provides parents with real-time feedback and guidance to ensure that interactions between their children and dogs are safe and enjoyable. The Toffee Toy aims to reduce dog abandonment and promote responsible pet ownership by educating children early on about proper interactions with dogs. This education helps instill a sense of empathy and understanding toward animals, which in turn can prevent situations where dogs are abandoned or mistreated due to misunderstandings or a lack of knowledge about canine literacy.
New York Art Life Magazine: You had the unique opportunity to meet Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, a highly respected veterinarian and one of the world’s leading experts in animal behavior. Dr. Dodman is a co-founder of the Center for Canine Behavior Studies, where you currently serve as a Lead Design Expert and contribute to the Be Bite Smart initiative. Could you share more about this exciting experience and the contributions you’ve made to the project?
Nahid Shirzadkhan: In November 2022, I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Nicholas Dodman to discuss my work on animal health and welfare. Impressed by my designs, Dr. Dodman invited me to join the Center for Canine Behavior Studies (CCBS). Over the past two years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work alongside experts dedicated to improving the understanding of dog behavior and promoting humane, science-based solutions for behavioral problems. My primary role at CCBS has been contributing to the Be BiteSmart℠ initiative, which aims to educate children on reducing dog bites. As a Lead Design Expert volunteer for Be BiteSmart℠ initiative, I played a pivotal role in advancing the program by translating scientific research into accessible educational materials. I played a key role in developing the Be BiteSmart℠ brand, including the logo and promotional videos. My collaboration with FableVision, known for its work on the iconic Sesame Street series, on the first episode of the Be BiteSmart℠ video animation series, “Paws to Prevent with Charlie and Alex,” received praise from FableVision Producer Jill Letteney for my contributions to animation design and storytelling. Recognizing the need for additional reinforcement, I created interactive coloring books to complement the video series, helping children understand and retain key messages through hands-on activities. However, one of my major projects is the development of a groundbreaking, age-appropriate smart device application to educate children about responsible dog interactions and body language. This app combines technology and education to provide a secure, interactive learning platform aimed at reducing dog bites by fostering canine literacy. Through these experiences, I’ve witnessed firsthand the significant impact that education can have in preventing dog bites.I’m honored to share that the design of the Be BiteSmart℠ app has advanced to the final round of the Ceva Santé Animale global competition. This competition aims to harness the expertise and creativity of individuals, startups, and organizations to address critical issues in animal health and enhance pet well-being. Out of countless global entries, only nine projects were selected, and Be BiteSmart℠ is thrilled to be one of the three finalists in the Apps and Digital category.
New York Art Life Magazine: In 2023, you were honored to be one of the USA Midwest District Finalists for the IDSA Merit Awards, a prestigious recognition in the field of design. This commendation highlights your exceptional skills, innovative contributions, and dedication to advancing design excellence. This accolade celebrates your achievements and sets a benchmark for aspiring designers in the Midwest region. How would you describe this spontaneous achievement?
Nahid Shirzadkhan: I was truly honored to be a finalist. This recognition has rewarded my commitment to design, validating the countless hours devoted to refining my craft. Being acknowledged at such a prestigious level motivates me to push boundaries further and innovate. I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase my work and the encouragement it provides, reinforcing my dedication to excellence in design.
New York Art Life Magazine: You are a pioneer and expert in designing functional objects that enhance the bond between dogs and their owners. What will you foresee as significant advancements in this sector?
Nahid Shirzadkhan: In 2023 alone, Americans spent $147 billion on their pets, dominating the global market. This highlights a growing emphasis on creating products that address both basic needs and the enrichment of the human-animal relationship. Innovations such as interactive toys, ergonomic leashes, and smart collars will continue to enhance the quality of life for dogs and their owners. Looking ahead, technology will play an even more integral role, with advancements in AI-driven devices that can monitor a dog’s health in real time, provide tailored exercise routines, and alert owners to potential health issues. Additionally, tech-enhanced training tools will support behavioral correction through personalized training experiences. This holistic approach will not only strengthen the bond between dogs and humans but also ensure that dogs remain trusted and valued companions in their homes for life.
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