SKIP NAVIGATION
close

A Humble
Idealist

Designers in Sao Paulo

This is a key visual image for content of SDLA.
  • This is Andre Felipe Tanaka’s profile photo.
    Andre Tanaka

    Designer, SDLA

In Sao Paulo, different cultures and heritages from all over the world mix together in a chaotic yet cohesive way. Behind this seemingly messy environment lies a diverse youth with firm beliefs toward inclusiveness, environmental issues; and social well-being.

  • This is a photo of SDD designers working together.
  • This is a photo of SDD designers working together.

You live in Brazil, known for its rich diversity. I’d like to hear about your personal preferences.

Andre I love traveling, visiting new places and experiencing new foods and cultures (which can be done going abroad or simply visiting different neighborhoods in Sao Paulo). This all somehow boils down to expanding the scopes of my experiences and learning to be more empathetic about people with different backgrounds than mine. Some might think it’s unusual to see a Brazilian with a Japanese last name, but I’m just one of many Millennials here in Latin America with a mixed heritage, and that’s something I’m very curious about; how different cultures adapt and influence each other even in the smallest things, like food for instance.

As a Millennial, I’d imagine social media is a big source of influence for you.

Andre I do draw a lot of inspiration from social media because it is huge for Latin American Millennials. But I also like to get inspired by the non-digital world. For example, I’m passionate about architecture and frequently take inspiration from it. I especially like the works of Latin American architects like Oscar Niemeyer, Lina Bo Bardi, Luis Barragán and Alejandro Aravena. When I examine how architecture interacts with the cities and people around it, with its geometries and colors, I cannot help but feel a sense of awe. This delicate balance between organic and geometrical shapes or neutral and saturated colors is something that deeply influences me.

  • This is a photo of SDD designers working together.
  • This is a photo of SDD designers working together.

I think that’s a great source of inspiration. Have you applied it in actual products or services?

Andre Last year, we had the opportunity to design a local version of the Galaxy J Series smartphones’ packages to appeal to Millennials in Brazil and Argentina. We opted to go for a minimalist approach with a twist, like in Latin American modernist architecture. We followed the basic layout provided in the global design guideline for the Galaxy J Series package and added neon colors in the product logo and on the sides of the package to create a fun and clean design.

What do you think is the standard of a good design?

Andre In my opinion, a good design is about understanding the context. A good design today might be evaluated differently ten years from now, when natural resources in our planet will be more depleted. That’s why a good design is not just about capturing the needs of consumers, but also about being integrated into specific socio-economic, political and environmental contexts to prove its worth.

I feel like this philosophy hits home more for a Samsung Electronics Designer who is active in a global scene.

Andre That’s right. Working as a designer for a global brand such as Samsung Electronics means you have to consider millions of users all around the world, and that can be quite difficult. Interacting with designers and customers from totally different backgrounds and life experiences challenges me to expand my horizons and grow in humility.

“I want to be a designer who has a sense of responsibility for the future and the environment, paving the path toward doing what is right.”

“I want to be a designer who has a sense of responsibility for the future and the environment, paving the path toward doing what is right.”

샌프란시스코 도시 이미지입니다.

What kind of designer do you want to be remembered as?

Andre A designer who overcomes his biases to be more inclusive. I want to be remembered as a designer who doesn’t just try to give the ‘right answers’ but also knows how and when to ask the right questions.

Tell us what is most important when designing.

Andre Collaboration. It’s not only important, I think it’s mandatory. Everyone gains so much by working together with other teams and sharing different skills and experiences. Having a horizontal organization and an open culture are key elements for a successful design.

What kind of role do you want to play as a designer?

Andre I’m interested in sustainability and the preservation of natural resources. I want to be a designer who has a sense of responsibility for the future and the environment, paving the path toward doing what is right.

Tell us what is most important when designing.

Andre Collaboration. It’s not only important, I think it’s mandatory. Everyone gains so much by working together with other teams and sharing different skills and experiences. Having a horizontal organization and an open culture are key elements for a successful design.

What kind of role do you want to play as a designer?

Andre I’m interested in sustainability and the preservation of natural resources. I want to be a designer who has a sense of responsibility for the future and the environment, paving the path toward doing what is right.

  • This is a photo of SDD designers working together.
  • This is a photo of SDD designers working together.

What kind of designer do you want to be remembered as?

Andre A designer who overcomes his biases to be more inclusive. I want to be remembered as a designer who doesn’t just try to give the ‘right answers’ but also knows how and when to ask the right questions.

Close