Ram Benderman | Inclusive Industrial Design (B.Des) The DAN Department of Creative Human Design, 2015

"From a very young age my brother and I, who also studied Industrial Design at the Hadassah Academic College, used to play unconventional games that required thinking out of the box. We used to take a few iron rods and a type of snow sled, and create a rollercoaster out of them. We also loved upgrading different types of tree houses. So, from a very young age, creativity and the desire to build and create were a part of us and it was very natural for us to continue in the direction of design at the academy. Today I see myself as more of an entrepreneur and less as a designer. In my third year of studies I took an Entrepreneurship course with Avi Segal. He revealed this field to me and gave me the tools and capabilities that definitely advanced me. The course itself was very practical and I learnt a lot.

I chose to study at the Hadassah Academic College since I felt that the character of the college in the design field was different to the other places; the projects are not as abstract and there is a proper need for them in the real world. In addition, I noticed that most of the college projects are projects that can be quickly introduced into the market and the thought behind them is not far from reality. I think that the uniqueness of the industrial design department as opposed to other places is that the focus is on products that can change and influence people’s lives. Many of the designers go on to design basic consumer products, like a mug or a couch, and for me personally it was important to place emphasis on products that can change and effect society.

I have learning disabilities and had trouble with the theoretical courses, and thankfully, I was offered a tutor, a student from the year above me and it contributed immensely. It gave me tools for effective and correct time management, and today as CEO of the company I constantly manage long and busy schedules. The consideration of the staff in the students that have some difficulties is what helped me make my “great leap” and reach the place I am in today in my career. Additionally, the Project advisor for my final project was very supportive and helped me in making connections during the development of the project itself. In regards to the whole staff, they provide individual and good attention, the secretary of the department is very kind and patient.

My final project MAZU, deals in the design of school bags that incorporate a rescue outfit for third world countries. It was accepted into the 8200 Social Program – a program of 4.5 months that only 10 - 12 entrepreneurs are accepted into after a strict selection process. At the end of the program there is a festive event where all the social entrepreneurs of the program present their projects to potential investors and donors. Taking part in this program is crucial in developing the project and creating the actual product. I think that in order to succeed in the design field and prove yourself as an entrepreneur, it is important to have determination and good people skills, know how to network, believe in your idea, know how to manage your time, and most importantly – be the best in the field you have chosen. You must understand the market, understand the needs of the users in the best way possible and be an expert in what you do.

Presently I am the CEO of the MAZU company that focuses on developing products to save people from drowning in developing countries. My brother is my business partner in this project. I think that today in the crowd funding world, the gap between idea to prototype to final product – is getting smaller and smaller. On the one hand, the competition is larger because there are a lot more options for entrepreneurs to succeed, and on the other hand there is a more efficient platform to get your project into the market."