Meet Ronak Vairamohan | Industrial Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ronak Vairamohan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ronak, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Many people often overlook that industrial design isn’t just about creating visually appealing products. At its core, industrial design is deeply rooted in research, understanding, and empathy for the user. While aesthetics might capture initial attention, they rarely sustain long-term engagement without thoughtful consideration of functionality and purpose. A product’s true value lies in the experience it deliver, how seamlessly it integrates into the user’s life, solves problems, and enhances daily interactions. Good design balances form and function, ensuring it not only looks great but also works effectively and leaves a lasting positive impact.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
IMy design journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, followed by three years at a multidisciplinary design firm in India. During this time, I worked on projects like designing biomechanic hands for amputees and HCI screens for electric vehicles. Despite these accomplishments, I felt that my work lacked the broader impact I aspired to, something that could reach and improve more lives. This realization led me to pursue an MFA in Industrial Design at SCAD, Savannah, with the goal of becoming a designer who contributes to global innovation. It has been a challenging and transformative journey, especially as an immigrant navigating the complexities of starting anew in a foreign country. Though the search for the right opportunity has been a winding path, I remain hopeful and determined to bring my ideas to life and make a meaningful impact in the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
f I had a week with a friend visiting me in Atlanta, I’d start by taking them to the Coca-Cola Factory, the Civil Rights Museum, and Millennium Park to immerse ourselves in the rich history of the city. Later, we’d indulge in the diverse culinary scene, making sure to stop by my favorite ramen bar, Jinya. One of the unique aspects of Atlanta is the hidden trek trails right in the middle of the city, so I’d make sure we explore some of those. Though I haven’t explored the nightlife much, I’ve heard the nightclubs here offer great ambiance, so I’d drag my friend to experience some crafted cocktails to cap off our trip. It would be a perfect mix of history, nature, food, and fun!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My thesis project, Tatva: Purified Water from Air, was a significant milestone in my design journey, blending innovation with sustainability. The project aimed to address water scarcity by creating an efficient system to extract and purify water from atmospheric moisture. I am proud of the impact it has, both in terms of design and its potential real-world applications. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my professors, whose guidance, feedback, and support were instrumental in shaping this project. Their encouragement and expertise were vital in pushing me to explore new possibilities and refine my approach throughout the process.

Website: https://www.ronakv.com

Instagram: ronakv_desq

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronak-vairamohan/