Poonam Bir Kasturi — “Most valuable lesson learnt: To never assume that solutions are what save the world.”
Poonam is the powerhouse product designer behind Daily Dump, where the vision is to change Indian mindsets around waste. Started in 2006, Daily Dump uses design to innovate specifically for the Indian context and has since become a household name. They have a range of products and kits that aim to make waste management everyone’s business. We spoke to Poonam about the importance of design in her life.
Fill in the blank: Being a design professional is rarely boring.
Fill in the blank: A designer must learn to “see” the hidden connections.
What is a designer’s unique strength as a change-maker?
They can frame the issue in a different way.
What is the most valuable (design) lesson you’ve learnt from someone who is not a design practitioner?
To never assume that solutions are what save the world.
What would you say are the defining values of Indian design? Does it differ from the global narrative?
Yes, it is rooted in relationships and world views that do not celebrate only one kind of expression.
Being creative is largely about having the courage to fail repeatedly. Could you give an example from your own experiences of a project that failed?
I have failed so often and even now Daily Dump is not a success, at best — its work in progress, really. This is not modesty, it’s a reality check on the ground where we work daily. So failure is part of my life and I am grateful for it, it keeps me wanting to learn new ways of doing my work.
The products you make are participatory- encouraging alternative behaviour that might require more time and effort than standard practice. How does one motivate the consumer to become a part of the solution?
It is hard and just needs consistent effort to retell the story in different ways. Also putting out the knowledge in a radically transparent way helps build a movement that supports the need to change.
What is your pet peeve as a design professional?
Designers are not using Design enough to solve collective issues.
How has being in Bangalore enriched your creative process? What have you learnt from the city?
I was born here — Daily Dump would have failed miserably if I had started in any other city. Bangalore supports start-ups that are different with great affection and generosity.
And finally, to wrap up — How do you spend a perfect Sunday in Bangalore? Any recommendations or must-trys?
I curl into a chair, have tea, chat with my family and just be at home. I recommend that to everyone.
Follow Daily Dump on Instagram @dailydumpcompost
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compostwali
Twitter @compostwali
Daily Dump website: http://dailydump.org/
This interview is a part of a series of conversations with designers from Bengaluru called ADI Diaries. You can find more interviews here.
