Çağlar Şahin
A 1995 graduate of the METU Department of Industrial Design, Ekrem Çağlar Şahin is an experienced product designer with over 30 years of active involvement in every stage of the product development process. He continues his work as a co-founder of Harduyu Design Consultancy, which he established in 1997, while also sharing his knowledge with the next generation as a lecturer at the TOBB ETÜ Department of Industrial Design since 2013. His career spans a wide range of innovative projects, from the defense industry to solutions for SMEs. He remains passionate about the complex journey of transforming an idea into a tangible product.
Simple, Functional, and Colorful: Opto
The Opto Pouf design was born from the simple idea: “Wait comfortably.” The first prototype, designed with clean and comfortable lines, brought to life the novel concept of a pouf with an integrated tabletop. The design aimed for simple manufacturing, material efficiency, and easy diversification. Its colorful appearance and functionality have made it a preferred solution for users for many years.
My Design Approach
I see the design process as a journey, from the birth of an idea to the moment the product meets the user. Throughout this journey, I aim to balance aesthetics and functionality while seeking to use the potential of materials in the most efficient way. I consider every new project an opportunity to create meaningful and lasting solutions that will add value to the user’s life.
