Putting People First: The Design Philosophy of Thomas Belhacene
Journeys
Consultant
Culture
Feb 7, 2024
Meet Thomas, a performance product designer who places the human touch at the core of his creative journey!
His story begins at the age of 14 when he made the bold move to relocate to California, determined to enter a prestigious American design school. After sharpening his skills at renowned companies such as Nike, Bugatti and Google X, Thomas opened his own design studio where he constantly pushes the boundaries of design. When asked where he finds inspiration, the designer shares that the people around him are a fundamental source of curiosity and creativity.
Thomas firmly believes in the value of understanding and collaborating with every participant involved in the creative process of a product, asserting that “Design is a collective sport. The key to improving as a designer lies in taking the time to comprehend the role of every actor contributing to a product”. He views design as the outcome of a collective effort, emphasizing the importance of genuine collaboration and shared goals in reaching groundbreaking results.
For the designer, the true essence of design unfolds when individuals come together, bringing their skills and views to the table! According to him, projects can either soar or fail based on the quality of communication. Therefore, Thomas encourages young designers eager to enter the industry to focus on people and prioritize connecting with others, viewing it as an opportunity to gain guidance, knowledge, and growth.
In Thomas’s world, design is more than just aesthetics… It is a subtle blend of connection, collaboration, and communication. Through his creative journey, he not only questions design challenges but also the relationships that inspire every step of the process.
