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Interviews med Linkup ST

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Designlegende Interview

49 spørgsmål

I always loved creativity, but I also had a strong technical side. I studied applied mathematics and first worked as a developer. Later I moved to interface design, where I could mix logic with creativity.

Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

I always loved creativity, but I also had a strong technical side. I studied applied mathematics and first worked as a developer. Later I moved to interface design, where I could mix logic with creativity.

What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

I like helping people through design. It’s not only about how it looks but also about solving problems and creating emotional connections.

Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

It was my choice. Design allowed me to combine analytical thinking with creativity.

What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

I work in product and interface design. In the future, I want to focus more on AI-powered experiences and next-generation digital products.

What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

Go beyond visuals. Learn user research, design psychology, and how design supports business goals.

What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

A good designer solves problems. A great designer challenges assumptions and creates solutions that change the game.

What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

Good design works. Great design works and also feels effortless and emotional. I look at both data and user feedback.

What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

Good design increases sales, loyalty, and user satisfaction. It directly supports business growth.

What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

I would help designers discover their uniqueness, work on mindset, and grow into industry leaders.

What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?

A platform for learning sign language so everyone can communicate on a basic level with deaf people. Also, I want to create a research center on design psychology.

What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

Mixing engineering thinking with empathy. I see design through both data and emotions.

Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

Jony Ive, who shaped Apple’s design language with simplicity and elegance.

What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

I enjoy award-winning works for their innovation. Also, I like how Apple under Marko keeps pushing for clean, emotional design.

What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

Each project is special. I value Reverso because I worked on it for years and felt deeply connected. Also, Linkup ST's branding, which reflects our true vision.

How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

I developed empathy, communication, and analytical skills. I also learned how design impacts business.

If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?

I would probably work in development or product analytics.

How do you define design, what is design for you?

Design is the mix of aesthetics, function, and human psychology that shapes experiences and behavior.

Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

My environment: my team, my parents, and friends. Their support was essential.

What helped you to become a great designer?

Constant learning, persistence, connecting business and empathy — and going where it feels scary.

What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

Doubts in my skills, finding my style, and resisting industry clichés to build my own voice.

How do you think designers should present their work?

Not only visuals, but also logic: research, impact, and how it solves business and user needs.

What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

We are creating a line of flagship design services that combine beauty, function, and business impact.

What's your ultimate goal as a designer?

To create products that truly change people’s lives and help form a strong design culture.

What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

They expect confidence and innovation. But clients value it most when you dive deep into their business problems, not just show expertise.

How does design help create a better society?

It makes things simple and accessible. Design removes barriers and builds more inclusive environments.

What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

I am growing our design department and exploring how to make it stronger and more innovative.

Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

Reverso, for helping millions of users, and Linkup ST's branding, which became a real reflection of us.

What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

More focus on quality, psychology, and emotions, less on shallow trends.

Where do you think the design field is headed next?

Toward combining AI, neuroscience, and design. Future interfaces will anticipate user needs.

How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

From weeks to months, depending on complexity. Some projects are long-term, where we keep improving continuously.

When you have a new design project, where do you start?

With research: users, market, and business goals. Then I create concepts based on that.

What is your life motto as a designer?

Don’t fall in love with your design. Always see where it can be better.

Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

Design sets trends when it’s authentic and bold. Trends just follow strong ideas.

What is the role of technology when you design?

Technology is a tool. It should serve people, not the other way around.

What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

Figma, Miro, ProtoPie, Google Analytics, Hotjar. Hardware: MacBook Pro.

What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

They express the brand and create emotional context that completes the functional design.

What do you wish people to ask about your design?

“How did you come up with this? What inspired this idea?”

Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

Yes, co-design is powerful. My ideal partner is someone with different thinking, like a strategist or analyst.

Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

My team, clients on challenging projects, and design peers from the industry.

Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

“The Design of Everyday Things,” “Emotional Design,” and books on psychology and behavioral economics.

How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

Through learning, awards, and reflecting after each project, plus real-world practice with users.

Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

I once interviewed Donald Norman on YouTube and spoke with Krug about redesigns. I’d also love to talk with Jakob Nielsen and Alan Cooper.

How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

It’s nice, but it’s about teamwork and proof we’re on the right path, not fame.

What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

Color: Terracotta

Place: Lviv and Paris

Food: Smoothie bowls

Season: Early autumn

Brand: Apple for consistency and attention to detail.

Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

Once, a client brought a paper prototype to show animation speed. He pulled paper on a string to imitate UI motion. It was funny but worked perfectly.

What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

Seeing our design make a real impact and getting positive feedback from users.

When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

I was into both math and art. I programmed young but also acted in theater and painted. Nobody knew which path I’d take.

What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

Technology will blend so well into life that it becomes invisible, giving us more time for conscious living.

Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

Design is logic plus emotion. My biggest wish is for designers to see their work truly changes the world.

Designerinterview

40 spørgsmål

I’ve been engaged in creativity my whole life, but I also have a strong technical background. I studied applied mathematics and started my career as a developer.

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

I’ve been engaged in creativity my whole life, but I also have a strong technical background. I studied applied mathematics and started my career as a developer. However, I was always drawn to the creative side, which naturally led me to design. This combination of technical expertise and creativity gave me a strong boost in interface design, where I can merge structured, data-driven approaches with artistic vision.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

At Linkup Studio, we’re a full-service digital agency built for businesses that want to scale smart. We work across three main tracks — Design, Software, and Marketing.

What sets us apart is our design-driven approach, which is rare for software companies. Our award-winning design team not only crafts beautiful interfaces but also aligns design with business objectives. This combination allows us to build smarter, high-performing digital products.

What is "design" for you?

Design is about creating a holistic experience that merges aesthetics and function, forming an emotional connection between the brand and the user.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I love working on strategic design — exploring user behavior, forming hypotheses, and then validating them through thoughtful, impactful solutions.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

Over 12 years in design, I’ve worked on 150+ projects, each with its own uniqueness. For example, Reverso, one of the world’s most popular translation tools, holds a special place for me. Over the past three years, we’ve transformed its user experience, which has been incredibly rewarding.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

It was a digital catalog for an Italian fashion brand. This was my first real design project and marked my transition from development into design.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

I draw inspiration from the research of Don Norman and Nielsen Norman Group, whose work continuously pushes forward design best practices and user psychology.

When do you feel the most creative?

When faced with challenges like entering a new market or achieving seemingly impossible metrics — moments when design can truly influence something meaningful.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

First, usability. Then, the visual layer that creates an emotional connection with the brand.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

I feel joy, passion, and excitement.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

A mix of pride, happiness, and satisfaction.

What makes a design successful?

Its usefulness for both the user and the business.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

Designers must create solutions that are inclusive, ethical, and sustainable — improving lives, supporting accessibility, and reducing digital waste.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

Designers have a responsibility to create solutions that are inclusive, ethical, and sustainable. We must consider accessibility, minimize digital waste, and design experiences that improve lives rather than distract or exploit.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

As AI takes over more practical tasks, the future of design lies in emotion — balancing function and emotional resonance. That’s what will set human-created design apart.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

I work in interface design, so our projects often appear in curated design showcases online. Recently, our works were featured in an exhibition organized by Red Dot Awards in October.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

From observation and visual exploration. Inspiration can come from unexpected places — even outside the digital world.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

My design style is minimalistic, functional, and emotionally engaging. It focuses on clarity, storytelling, and precision — blending simplicity with emotional impact.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

I live in Ukraine, which has a highly developed digital design industry. The creative environment here pushes me to constantly grow and innovate.

How do you work with companies?

I’m the Co-founder and Chief Design Officer at Linkup Studio. We partner closely with clients, immersing ourselves in their context to ensure our design aligns with their growth goals.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

Seek designers who are curious, adaptable, and collaborative. Skills matter, but mindset and growth potential often make the biggest difference.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

We have tailored frameworks for different services. For every product, we choose the most suitable approach to maximize impact — combining research, analytics, prototyping, and iteration.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

A ceramic stingray-shaped lamp

Unique dishware and vases

A waterfall-style bathroom faucet

A bee-shaped incense holder from Bali

A balcony wall mural in dot-work style

Can you describe a day in your life?

Morning journaling, yoga/stretching, breakfast, and taking my daughter to kindergarten. My workday lasts until evening, after which I enjoy time with my daughter, visiting galleries, working out, or meeting friends for coffee or hookah. I always close the day with music on vinyl and journaling.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

Don’t let fear block your creativity. And don’t fall in love with your designs — stay open to improvement.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

I love the excitement of creating something new. A minor downside is the pre-presentation nervousness that never fully goes away.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

Design with purpose. Every element should either be functional, tell a story, or evoke emotion.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Critical thinking, empathy, storytelling, research, visual aesthetics, and understanding data and psychology in design.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

Figma, Miro, ProtoPie, Google Analytics, Hotjar.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

We use clear planning, syncs, and resource tracking within our team to maintain balance and efficiency without burnout.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

For digital products, improvements and metric monitoring can last continuously for years.

What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

"Did you study design?"

What was your most important job experience?

Leading the design strategy for products with millions of users, learning how design drives both engagement and business growth.

Who are some of your clients?

Our clients include TATA, Reverso, Bosch, Impact, Boba, Freestone, and many others.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

I enjoy projects with complex ecosystems, where design influences both user experience and measurable business performance.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

Creating innovations in design and conducting research on the intersection of design, AI, and emotional engagement.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

We work as a team of highly talented designers, combining expertise to deliver stronger outcomes.

Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

I’m collaborating with IT Cluster Ukraine to develop and implement a bachelor’s program in digital design across universities.

How can people contact you?

Via our website, LinkedIn, or Behance.

Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

Thank you — everything was comprehensive and fulfilling!

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