Yves Behar
Yves Béhar
Yves Béhar (IPA: [iv be.aʁ]; born 9 May 1967) is a Swiss-born American designer and entrepreneur renowned for his innovative approach in industrial design and sustainable solutions. He is the founder and principal designer of Fuseproject, a design and branding firm established in 1999 that integrates product design, branding, and technology across a diverse range of industries.
Early Life and Background
Béhar was born in Lausanne, Switzerland to a German mother, Christine Béhar, and a Sephardi Jewish father, Henry Béhar. His father's ancestry traces back to a community expelled from Venice and resettled in Turkey. Yves Béhar pursued his education in design and later moved to the United States to further his career.
Career and Major Works
Béhar's design philosophy combines functionality with sustainability, often addressing social issues through design innovation. Some of his most notable projects include:
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OLPC XO Laptop: Béhar played a key role in designing this low-cost laptop aimed at transforming education for children in developing nations. This project earned him the prestigious INDEX award.
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SodaStream Source: In collaboration with SodaStream, Béhar designed a line of soda machines emphasizing environmental sustainability.
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August Home: Together with entrepreneur Jason Johnson, Béhar co-founded this smart home company known for its innovative locks and doorbell cameras.
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Telo Trucks: As the Chief Creative Officer, Béhar was instrumental in the founding of this company, which focuses on next-generation transportation solutions.
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Juicero: Béhar’s studio, Fuseproject, undertook the industrial design for this juicing system based in San Francisco.
Social Impact and Recognition
Béhar's work extends beyond traditional design boundaries, actively engaging in social impact projects. He is notably involved in the SPRING Accelerator program, which supports entrepreneurs developing products and services for adolescent girls in poverty-stricken areas worldwide.
His contributions to design and innovation have not gone unnoticed. In 2011, Béhar was named Designer of the Year by Conde Nast Innovation and Design Awards for his work on the PUMA Clever Little Bag, a sustainable packaging solution.
Media and Public Appearances
Yves Béhar's influence and forward-thinking approach have been highlighted in various media outlets. He was featured on a 2012 episode of CNN's The Next List, underscoring his impact on design and technology.