Groundbreakin
The Groundbreakin is a cutting-edge podcast that explores the journeys of top designers, creative entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in the design industry. Hosted by Dipaq aka Q, a Creative Director and Founder of Syqi , this podcast is your go-to source for insider insights and actionable advice from the world's top design experts. With a focus on fresh topics and engaging discussions, each episode is designed to help you stay ahead of the curve and build a successful career in the ever-evolving design landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, The Groundbreakin is your essential resource for all things design. Join us on a journey to the forefront of creativity and innovation. We are on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all the podcast listening platforms.
Groundbreakin
#52 - The Design Philosophy Driving Ather | Hardware, Software, and the Golden Decade for Indian EVs : Bikash Jyoti Biswas
In this conversation, Dipaq sits down with Bikash, Head of Design at Ather, whose 11-year journey is a masterclass in building a design-first EV brand from a startup to a public company.
From the early days of an idea to pioneering India's two-wheeler EV space, the guest details their unique approach to innovation: challenging the status quo, designing for an integrated experience (hardware and software in sync), and betting on customer experience over market research.
We dive deep into how Ather successfully fostered a deeply connected community that acts as an advocate and an essential testing ground for new products. The guest also shares the critical cultural elements - freedom with accountability and a non-hierarchical design decision-making process - that has kept the core design team together for over a decade.
This episode is a must-listen for designers, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about how to create a lasting brand by placing value and experience at the core of the product.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- The 11-year journey of building Ather from a startup to a public company and the surprising blessing of "naivete" when challenging automotive norms.
- How Ather used a "build for us" mantra to create an aspirational EV product that went mainstream.
- The vertical integration model and the "story-down" approach that aligns hardware and software design.
- Why engaging with customers early (and even making them spokespeople) is an Ather superpower in building community and gathering genuine feedback.
- Insights on the massive potential and "golden decade" for India's EV market and why the country is poised to become a global export hub for design and tech.
- The mindset every EV brand needs to be timeless: finding a unique foothold that people genuinely care about.
CONNECT:
Find us at [https://www.groundbreak.in] [q@groundbreak.in]
dipaq@substack.com
Supported by Syqi: https://syqi.art/