I'm Kaj Ransvi EF, born in 1968 in Sweden with ties to both Sweden and Finland. Currently residing in the South of Sweden, I previously spent almost a decade living in the Caribbean.
I have been in the design industry for 30 years now and have worked in different fields.
I have always loved details and shapes in products, buildings, and arts in nature. I don't think I made a choice to become a product designer; it just became a part of who I am.
For the last 30 years I have been designing unique and luxurious properties, private villas, hotels and restaurants worldwide. I simply adore taking existing products and making them better!
I've always been heavily involved in product design, especially when working on interior and furniture. Whether it's drawing furniture or creating better-looking light switches, I enjoy the whole process. One of my notable successes was redesigning a lighting product that wasn't working well. My improved design earned recognition with multiple awards.
To me, the epitome of good design lies in the meticulous harmony of every detail, from size and color to texture and proportions. Witnessing a well-crafted design elicits a sense of tranquility in the mind, bringing about a relaxed state.
On the contrary, encountering elements, such as an item being out of proportion, can occasionally trigger nervousness. It might sound unconventional, but I'm that person who finds it second nature to stroll around and reposition things that don't align correctly.
Many characterize my design as a blend of boldness and sophistication—perhaps a bit perplexing, yet not entirely. It's a design style that can be described as burlesque in its essence but meticulous in its attention to detail—an intriguing combination.
Take, for instance, "The Sneaker," a design I crafted featuring raw black snake-printed skin and glossy gold details. It strikes a balance suitable for both skaters and formal occasions. Notably, this sneaker clinched several accolades! For me, the allure lies in creating designs that are both daring and refined.
The approach varies based on the project, but typically, when commencing a new endeavor, I gather the necessary information and then allow it to incubate for about two weeks. During this period, though seemingly dormant, my brain engages in a peculiar process, working out the details. Upon resuming the project after this reflective period, it usually comes together seamlessly.
Described as a savant, I attribute this to having Asperger's syndrome—a powerful tool for me. My brain continually captures images from my surroundings, facilitating the rapid identification of suitable shapes, colors, and materials.
An additional advantage is its perpetual search for information, analyzing trends and details across all media. I believe many designers who stay one step ahead of the market possess similar skills.
Winning awards serves as a significant personal and professional boost. Beyond enhancing my identity as a designer, it provides a valuable spotlight for the company in the media. We leverage the recognition extensively in our advertising efforts.
Competing on a global scale with exceptionally talented designers, earning an award signifies that my skills and ideas stand out, evoking a sense of pride.
Having lived in the Caribbean for a decade, I've witnessed firsthand the impact of global warming. Motivated to inspire change in our approach to pollution and consumption, I created "The Reminder" watch. This timepiece serves as a symbolic statement, urging us to reconsider our ecological footprint.
"The Reminder" is not just a watch; it's a reflection on climate change. Its exterior mimics the earth's weathered surface, adorned with laser-cut gold details symbolizing the beauty of our planet. The sapphire glass, covering the date display with a cyclop lens, emphasizes the significance of each day—represented by the solitary number 11, signifying the time for change, often referred to as "The eleventh hour."
The design subtly addresses global issues, featuring an inspiring strap with printed messages about combating pollution and global warming. An intricately designed earth map on the crown completes the visual narrative. From afar, the watch appears clean, but up close, its captivating design sparks meaningful conversations about environmental consciousness.
Kaj Ransvi EF, born in 1968 in Sweden with connections to both Sweden and Finland, currently resides in the southern part of Sweden. Having spent nearly a decade in the Caribbean, he has accumulated 30 years of experience in the design industry, working across various fields.
Read more about this interview with Matthew Smith from the United States, the Silver Winner of the 2023 NY Product Design Awards.