The beauty of design lies in its natural feel

Legendary inventor and industrial designer Sir James Dyson talks about form, function, his design philosophy, and why he hates imitators

- Abhishek Baxi

British inventor and entrepreneur Sir James Dyson's engineering breakthroughs have reshaped consumer technology as we know it today. Best known for creating the world's first bagless vacuum cleaner, Dyson, 78, has built a global company that champions design-driven problem-solving, while his eponymously named foundation aims to support budding inventors and innovators working on physical products.

During a recent interaction with Mint on the sidelines of the launch of the company's latest vacuum cleaner, the Dyson PencilVac, in Tokyo, the British inventor offered glimpses into the philosophies that drive him and the company that bears his name.

THE AESTHETICS OF ENGINEERING

Dyson has always championed engineering—not as an abstract concept but as a provider of real-world solutions. In previous interviews, he has emphasized the value of hands-on experience and learning by doing, often reiterating that many educational systems stifle creativity by focusing too much on theoretical knowledge and not enough on practical application.

But beyond the practicalities of engineering, what role do aesthetics play in Dyson (the company's) design philosophy, with its focus on functionality, practicality, and minimalism?

On the table in front of us, Sir James has a bunch of components, contraptions, and motors, which he picks up often to make his points. "Technology must define a product's shape, but the beauty of its design lies in its simplicity and natural feel," he says, describing his ideal product as one that "feels like a fruit"—organic yet precise, pleasant to hold while delivering on its function efficiently.