First Published in
South African-born auto designer Keith Helfet has produced iconic designs for Jaguar Cars. Helfet completed his BSc in mechanical engineering at the University of Cape Town in 1974 then studied for his MA in automotive design at the Royal College of Art, London. His designs include the XJ220, XK180 and XK8. He set up Helfet Design in 1993 to offer a comprehensive design consultancy service to customers such as Elscint, which manufactures a wide range of sophisticated computer-based medical imaging products.
What differentiates the design process at Helfet Design?
The design process that we have created is a unique blend of art and technology. By sculpting our design themes in automotive modelling clay, or 3D design software, we have unlimited creative freedom. Surface data captured from the clay or the digital data supports component packaging and engineering feasibility. This applies the technical disciplines required to ensure engineering quality and precision.
What are the main challenges you face when bringing a concept from the relative freedom of clay or software, to a practical real-life vehicle or other product?
Incorporating the multitude of often conflicting requirements of engineering, marketing, production, cost, and legislation – particularly some of the idiot-proofing requirements, without losing the design plot.
What are the main projects Helfet Design will work on in 2007?
Helfet Design is currently undertaking two major projects – an MRI design for a US company, and a project with a South African company.
What are your expectations of the Design Indaba Conference?
I expect the Design Indaba to be an interesting, and hopefully inspiring, mix of design thinking in South Africa and the international scene.
What are some key messages you’d like to convey at the Design Indaba? Could you share some aspects of your presentation?
As a designer, the ultimate prize for me is to create objects of desire. My message will be about the commercial power of emotionally appealing products and the link between design and emotion.
What are the main lifestyle influences affecting your designs at the moment?
Listening to music on the beach – not easy in Warwickshire.
What is the best moment of the day for you?
Sundowners – less ideal in Warwickshire.
What kind of music do you listen to?
A fairly broad mix, with jazz fusion at the centre.
What books do you have on your bedside table?
Books are usually replaced by my iPod.
How has your South African background impacted on your design work – and, in turn, how did moving abroad grow your work?
Both so fundamentally that I could not easily summarise in a few sentences
South African-born auto designer Keith Helfet has produced iconic designs for Jaguar Cars. Helfet completed his BSc in mechanical engineering at the University of Cape Town in 1974 then studied for his MA in automotive design at the Royal College of Art, London. His designs include the XJ220, XK180 and XK8. He set up Helfet Design in 1993 to offer a comprehensive design consultancy service to customers such as Elscint, which manufactures a wide range of sophisticated computer-based medical imaging products.
What differentiates the design process at Helfet Design?
The design process that we have created is a unique blend of art and technology. By sculpting our design themes in automotive modelling clay, or 3D design software, we have unlimited creative freedom. Surface data captured from the clay or the digital data supports component packaging and engineering feasibility. This applies the technical disciplines required to ensure engineering quality and precision.
What are the main challenges you face when bringing a concept from the relative freedom of clay or software, to a practical real-life vehicle or other product?
Incorporating the multitude of often conflicting requirements of engineering, marketing, production, cost, and legislation – particularly some of the idiot-proofing requirements, without losing the design plot.
What are the main projects Helfet Design will work on in 2007?
Helfet Design is currently undertaking two major projects – an MRI design for a US company, and a project with a South African company.
What are your expectations of the Design Indaba Conference?
I expect the Design Indaba to be an interesting, and hopefully inspiring, mix of design thinking in South Africa and the international scene.
What are some key messages you’d like to convey at the Design Indaba? Could you share some aspects of your presentation?
As a designer, the ultimate prize for me is to create objects of desire. My message will be about the commercial power of emotionally appealing products and the link between design and emotion.
What are the main lifestyle influences affecting your designs at the moment?
Listening to music on the beach – not easy in Warwickshire.
What is the best moment of the day for you?
Sundowners – less ideal in Warwickshire.
What kind of music do you listen to?
A fairly broad mix, with jazz fusion at the centre.
What books do you have on your bedside table?
Books are usually replaced by my iPod.
How has your South African background impacted on your design work – and, in turn, how did moving abroad grow your work?
Both so fundamentally that I could not easily summarise in a few sentences
