Aditi Kedia has a background in industrial and product design from Pratt Institute, New York. She began her career designing kitchen tools for various brands in the home goods and furnishings industry across America, and India. She has been involved in designing luxury tableware, baby, and pet products, and has also sourced and developed new products from manufacturers. As a global citizen who was raised in Kathmandu, Nepal, and has lived and worked in New York, Delhi, and Mumbai, Aditi brings a unique perspective and cultural sensitivity to her work.
She uses design as a medium to share her life experiences with the world and engage in meaningful dialogues. Behind every piece she designs, there lies an anecdote, a story that adds depth and context to her work.
Aditi Kedia, Sthirr Day Bed, 2023 SP : As an industrial designer, your work involves designing different kinds of products and working with different materials. What would be your favorite material or product to work with?
AK : In my role as an industrial designer, I am particularly drawn to creating products that not only address real-life problems but also inspire individuals to view life and challenges from a new perspective. I have a fondness for materials that bear the marks of human interaction, such as ceramics and wood. However, it’s difficult to single out one specific material as my favorite. My preference in materials, as well as my design approach, tends to evolve based on what currently captures my interest and the unique challenges each project brings. Lately, I’ve been delving into the realm of artificial intelligence and exploring the vast possibilities it offers to creators.
SP : How do you approach the integration of intricate craftsmanship, like the woodcarvings in Nepal, into modern product design while ensuring it remains relevant and accessible?
AK : Over time, as the aesthetics of homes have evolved, many handicrafts seem to have remained static, not fully aligning with contemporary aesthetic preferences. Handicrafts, often passed down through generations, are rich repositories of cultural knowledge and stories. They are more than just objects; they are narratives of history and tradition. However, our understanding of society and culture is dynamic, constantly shifting and growing. Therefore, it’s crucial that handicrafts also evolve to reflect these changes.
Now, with the advent of advanced tools and technology, we have the capability to achieve designs that were once impossible. This technological progress opens up new avenues for reinterpretation and reinvention of ancestral crafts. We must continue to find new meanings and expressions for these time-honored crafts, ensuring that they remain relevant and cherished across generations.
SP : The woodcarving heritage in Kathmandu Valley involves meticulous craftsmanship. How do you bring attention to craftsmanship in your designs?
AK I think it begins with having a detailed understanding. My approach is rooted in being curious and a commitment to lifelong learning across various subjects. I believe that being thoughtful and thorough in the design process is crucial, and this means grounding my work in deep research. For instance, in the case of the Dhyan Collection, my collaborator Harshitaa Agarwal and I dedicated a substantial six months solely to researching the regional craft. This in-depth study was not just about understanding the technical aspects of woodcarving but also about appreciating the cultural and historical context behind it. By integrating this extensive knowledge into my designs, I aim to not only preserve but also celebrate the rich heritage of craftsmanship in each piece I create.
SP : Could you share a design challenge you encountered and successfully overcame, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving in your approach to product design?
AK : I tackled an intriguing project recently: designing a foot massager for an Indian Ayurvedic brand. They aimed to modernize a traditional product, making the massage process more user-friendly. The key challenge was to redesign the interaction with the massager to avoid the common issue of hands getting oily during the massage. I reimagined the user experience, focusing on a design that maintains the essence of the traditional massage while adding a touch of modern convenience and cleanliness. This project underscored the importance of problem-solving in design, especially when blending tradition with modern needs.
SP : Designing for small outdoor spaces, as seen in the fireplace project, requires thoughtful consideration. How do you approach designing products for specific environments, and what role does user experience play in your decision-making process?
AK : For me, it all starts with really paying attention to the little things in daily life. I always keep the user at the heart of my designs. The whole idea for the fireplace popped up during those chilly Kathmandu winters. I loved the cozy vibe of fireplaces and how they naturally became a gathering spot. The design for this particular fireplace was born out of a need in my own house – we were looking for something easy to use and space-friendly. It turned out to be a super fun side project. I’m always thinking about how someone’s going to use what I design, making sure it’s not just cool to look at but also a joy to use, especially in a tight outdoor space.
SP : Considering your experience with the coin jar, fireplace, and terracotta cup, how do you see the role of storytelling in design, and how do you aim to convey narratives through your creations?
AK : When I’m designing, bits and pieces of my own memories and experiences often bubble up, and they become a big part of my inspiration. It’s these personal touches that make the design feel authentic. For me, it’s about putting a bit of myself into everything I create. It’s not just about making something look good; it’s about giving it a story, a bit of life that others can relate to or get curious about. So, whether it’s a simple cup or a cozy fireplace, inspired by Mexican Chimnea or the Dhyan collection paying homage to my roots. I try to weave in a narrative that makes each piece more than just an object.
SP : What advice would you like to share for young and emerging art practitioners trying to experiment with different mediums as well as multidisciplinary approaches?
AK : For me personally, maintaining a sense of curiosity and continually acquiring new skills has been immensely beneficial. Often, the projects that truly ignite my passion may not align with my day-to-day professional responsibilities. However, for me, it’s crucial to pursue those interests outside of my main job. Engaging in side projects me to explore and develop in areas I am genuinely excited about. It keeps the creative juices flowing!
Image Courtesy: ADITI KEDIA
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