Interviews with Igor Dydykin
Designer profileDesigner of the Day Interview
5 July 2021
Igor Dydykin, designer, born 1990 in Russia. Graduated Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University with a degree in Industrial design, 2014. Graduated MA Product Design at Sheffield Hallam University, 2016. Was an intern in the Design Futures (Sheffield, UK) doing product design of medical equipment for AXIS and steering wheel and gearbox for LandRover 2014-2016. With multidisciplinary SHU Racing Team (Sheffield, UK) designed the Formula Student racing car for Silverstone International Competition 2015-2016.
I always loved the work that is visible - when you put effort, imagination and you get something completely new, interesting. A big role in my development as a designer was played by my family. As a child, I attended art school, where I received my first drawing, sculpture, and artistic thinking skills.
And even during high school, the family helped organize my studies at the RENAULT-AVTOVAZ design centre, where I saw all the stages of creating a car from an idea to a prototype, talked with professional designers and modellers.
This helped me a lot during my studies in industrial design at the Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg, and then in obtaining the MA Product Design in Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
Recently, with my wife, Anzelika, we created DYDYKIN Studio, where we plan to create our own projects and provide design services around the world. We are at the beginning of a big journey!
And even during high school, the family helped organize my studies at the RENAULT-AVTOVAZ design centre, where I saw all the stages of creating a car from an idea to a prototype, talked with professional designers and modellers.
This helped me a lot during my studies in industrial design at the Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg, and then in obtaining the MA Product Design in Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
Recently, with my wife, Anzelika, we created DYDYKIN Studio, where we plan to create our own projects and provide design services around the world. We are at the beginning of a big journey!
For me, the main thing in design is the meaning of the project so that the product makes a positive contribution to this world or helps a person become better. Any technique, tool and inspiration can be applied.
I am glad when I see examples of good design and I am probably too critical of things that seem imperfect to me. In most cases, I try to express my emotions and comments in the form of sketches and new ideas for the next projects.
My grandfather's example made me think in broad categories, he was not afraid to dream and saw possible ways of developing different areas for many years to come. I think communication with him influenced my vision of design, as the need to anticipate future trends and offer my own version of its development.
I love when design helps create a deeper connection between people, the environment, and the things we own. My aim is to find the most effective, convenient, and beautiful way to solve the problem. Design things that stimulate human to growth, increases his abilities, creating new experience increasing life quality.
One of the projects I dream about is a design of a playground for children and adults. While the best I've seen in this area is doing the Danish company MONSTRUM.
One of the projects I dream about is a design of a playground for children and adults. While the best I've seen in this area is doing the Danish company MONSTRUM.
Practice, study new, practice more – study more! Stay yourself, no one is interested in copies. Be yourself.
The great phrase was said by Michael Jordan: “Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” So and I will not stop, if I walk on my path.
After morning physical activities and breakfast, I contact with my team and we discuss current projects, then together with my wife co-work on business process improvements, depending on the day-type I do several type of activities in the studio, but every day I finish with setting plans for the next day, week, month etc. Planning is time-consuming, but it worth it.
I do a search, analyze and discuss other’s designs through social media and professional platforms like Designer, Behance etc. My team also brings on the table new designs they discovered. We communicate and share thought with each other. However, our focus is on identifying areas we can improve. Our own lives are our prime inspirations.
I think good design is invisible design. All we don’t notice and naturally continue to use it, is probably a good design. And does it correspond to the purpose for which it was made or not.
We understand it when design satisfies the need. The need/the challenge/the problem should be solved by the design. When it happens – design is ready.
I am proud of each of my design works. But Domik Ptashki was the most significant, as it was the design I started with my professional way. Today, we are in the process of setting the production to sell it worldwide. The feedback is great, and people want that new level of communication with Nature. We are happy to create it.
The most influential to me are Dieter Rams, Marc Newson and Philippe Starck.
I try to live my life the way I feel it is right. And my design is the answer on problems that rises from my lifestyle. I design for those who are like me – active, human-oriented, family-oriented people with dreams and desire to convey this world to a better Future. Life inspires me. I change locations to challenge myself, to learn more, to study my abilities and see where else I can be helpful.
Our team consists of talented guys living in Russia, many underestimate their qualities, professional level and perspective on the international arena. With the right approach, we can show our benefits for the international design market, especially as builders of cultural bridges between east, south and west.
I buy software for talented guys, I invite them to participate in studio projects. I give lectures and meetings with students and schoolchildren on the topic of design thinking and professional orientation.
I look forward to when the borders will open and when the award will take place, then I will be able to share my impressions. For me, participation in competitions is an investment in the development of my studio. I am deeply convinced that the recognition of my work at a competition of such a scale as A’Design will allow my potential clients to see me, get acquainted with my vision, as well as my real clients to be even more convinced of the right choice. The Designer of the Day for me is an honor, an opportunity and one more step towards my goals: to help people live better.
Design Interview
23 June 2021 · Nagrada Award
The key idea was to create an award that can be used in online chess tournaments where there is no way for participants to receive the award in person. The award should be easy to transport to the winners.
The award is the face of any competition. It contributes to the popularization of the tournament, attracts more participants, her image is spread in the media and social networks. Having studied the awards and cups of various tournaments and the peculiarities of playing chess, the idea was born to create a collapsible cup symbolizing the transformation of a pawn into a queen, as a recognition of growth and reaching a new milestone. Such an award can be delivered to the recipient in a standard mailing package. Having studied the conditions of transportation, we realized that the object must be sufficiently strong and compact, for this stainless steel was chosen. Specialists from Grega, a steel company, helped us develop the technology and produce a trial batch of awards.
We are ready to offer this project as a reward for tournaments so that Nagrada finds its application and becomes a worthy prize for its winners
The project began in March 2020 in Togliatti and ended in May 2020 in Togliatti.
The project was developed for Dydykin Studio. The reward allows to gain new experience. Receiving a physical award in an online tournament creates a sense of personal satisfaction for the results achieved and enhances self-esteem.
Together with our partner, Grega, we are working on the issue of producing and customizing awards for individual customer requests. We will be happy to offer both ready-made rewards and develop unique versions for tournament organizers.
We aimed to create a more sustainable connection between people and organizations in the online space. Nagrada becomes an attribute that connects the player at the computer, the organizer and other participants in the tournament. The awarded person has respect for the organization and the persons who have appreciated his merits and made the appropriate decision.
For the development of the production technology and the manufacture of a trial batch of awards, we turned to Grega, a company specializing in working with steel.
Nagrada is suitable for organizers of chess tournaments, creative events and competitions, where it is important for participants to show their intellectual and creative abilities.
Nagrada consists of two flat pieces of a pawn and a queen, which are inserted into each other through narrow slots that form a single reward. 3mm thick stainless steel was chosen as the main material, as it provides the necessary strength, stability and attractive appearance. Thanks to the soft transitions and smooth corners, the figurine looks safe. The cup can be easily customized for the desired style, it can be completely or partially covered with color, graphics and inscriptions. The award has a significant weight of 570 grams, which allows the recipient to better feel its value, at the same time, these parameters are great for transporting folded in a standard A4 mail bag.
Nagrada in translation from Russian means - reward, encouragement of a person for his achievements.
During the development of this project, manual sketching, vector design in Adobe Illustrator, cardboard and stainless steel prototyping were used.
The design of the award epitomizes pawn-to-queen promotion as a recognition of mastery.
Our team included: project manager Ludmila Sapalova, product photographer Anzelika Dydykina and Sergey Grekov from the Grega company specializing in working with steel.
Stainless steel is used in the manufacture of the award. By means of waterjet cutting the product is given the intended shape. Then hand sanding and polishing is applied. If necessary, engraving is done with text and image. The final form of the award gets after electrochemical polishing and manual finishing of the product.
We investigated the awards and cups of various tournaments and the peculiarities of the game of chess. After examining the conditions of transportation, we realized that the reward should be strong and compact enough so that it can be safely delivered to the recipient in a standard mailing package.
We paid the greatest attention to the clarity and accuracy of the manufacture of awards, so that when the parts are closed, all the elements are well joined.
Having experience of interaction with the A 'Design Award competition, we were interested in how the international jury would evaluate this award, so it was decided to submit this project to the international competition.
We had tremendous pleasure working on this project. We learned to play chess, studied many features of the use of stainless steel in production and attracted talented people to our team.
We would like to thank the A’Design team for their timely feedback and the opportunity to grow professionally within your community.
Design Interview
22 June 2021 · Stool Glavy Roda Chair
In the old days, the place where the king, prince or head of the family sat was distinguished in a special way. In our time, this tradition has changed, but the need to take responsibility for yourself and your family remains. In the studio, we decided to create a meaningful chair design that embodies the key qualities of the head of a modern family: decency, organization and self-discipline.
The Stool Glavy Roda design embodies the qualities inherent in the head of the family: decency, organization and self-discipline. Right angles, circular and rectangular shapes, combined with decorative elements, maintain a connection between the past and the present, making the chair a timeless object.
We will be pleased to offer this project to the company that shares our values and is ready to take up full-scale realization of this design.
The project began in February 2019 and ended in December 2020.
Stool Glavy Roda was one of the first projects implemented inside Dydykin Studio, from the first sketches to the prototype. Igor Dydykin: "The idea to put more meaning into design came when I was studying Russian style at an industrial design course in St. Petersburg, then we thought about a deeper meaning conveyed in objects through form, ornament, material and texture."
Our design was made for Dydykin Studio and is not yet produced. We are ready to consider options for cooperation.
I like to put more meaning into the object, which is not obvious, but it will definitely work. Stool Glavy Roda is austere and laconic, elements of ornamentation that adorn the chair are typical for many nationalities, which makes this object international. The design and ergonomics are designed to serve the family from generation to generation.
To strengthen the project, we turned to the Neverovs' carpentry workshop for the development of furniture, where the craftsmen helped to determine the right material, solve the problem of design and layout, and also implement a prototype of a new product.
The laconic design allows the chair to organically fit into the interior of a modern house or apartment, it is well suited for a work area or office. The simple construction of a wooden chair will last a long time, passing from generation to generation.
Stool Glavy Roda is ascetic, devoid of curvaceous forms and decor, but demonstrates the strength and determination of the owner. To keep the design of the chair up-to-date for longer, we cleaned it of stylistic elements, chose a three-legged layout for better stability, determined the optimal position of the armrests and backrests to ensure an ergonomic fit, and a recess for the hand is provided in the back for easy movement of the chair.
Stool Glavy Roda is translated from Russian as a chair of the head of a clan, a chair for a person who is responsible for himself, for his clan, for his family.
Several methods were used to create this prototype: manual sketches, polystyrene modeling to test proportions, and creating a 3D model for structural analysis. The three-dimensional ornament on the back of the chair was made on a CNC milling machine. All elements of the chair: legs, seats, backrest, were made and assembled by hand in a specialized workshop.
The large and small ornament on the back embodies the sign of the Sun, inherent in many peoples and nationalities, at the request of the owner, any word, coat of arms or symbol can be placed on the back.
Our team included: project manager Lyudmila Sapalova, 3D engineer Nikita Trofimenko, product photographer Anzelika Dydykina and woodworker Sergei Neverov, who helped develop the chair design and production technology.
We used Adobe software for idea development and visualization, and basic woodworking tools were used to create layouts and prototypes in the workshop: a circular saw, grinders, a milling machine and a CNC machine.
Conducted a study of chairs and thrones of different nationalities from the pharaohs of Egypt to the end of the 19th century, in order to understand what techniques were used to emphasize the greatness and importance of a person. These places were often accompanied by rich decorations, expensive materials and sacred symbols. The key qualities of the people sitting on the throne were severity, organization, self-discipline, responsibility for themselves and for their people.
Seeing the whole project turned out to be a difficult task, despite the outward simplicity of the form. We had to test everything on full-size models.
We are a young and ambitious studio that strives for quality design all over the world. For this reason, we strive to participate in international competitions, which allows us to learn and improve the quality of our projects.
Thanks to this project, we met talented people in Russia, some of them became members of the project team. We decided to create a world-class product, for this we had to improve our communication and critical thinking skills in order to go beyond the boundaries of the usual understanding of things.
We would like to thank the A’Design team for their timely feedback and the opportunity to grow professionally within your community.
Design Interview
28 June 2020 · Domik Ptashki Birdhouse
Due to the monotonous lifestyle and lack of sustainable interaction with Nature, a person lives in a state of constant breakdown and internal dissatisfaction, which does not allow him to enjoy life to the fullest. It can be fixed by expanding borders of perception and gaining new experience of Human-Nature interaction. The birds that surround us everywhere give us the opportunity to get this experience, almost without leaving our usual living space.
Create harmonious conditions for a comfortable life of birds next to humans. So that birds can nest, raise offspring and protect green spaces from pests.
We would like to find a company that shares our attitude to nature, which would take up the production of the birdhouse.
The project began in February 2019 and ended in December 2019.
Using the principles of design thinking, the project team moved away from designing a traditional birdhouse. It was studied the ideal nesting places for birds in nature; searched for successful examples of artificial birdhouses; interviewed the ornithologist, PhD, senior researcher at Zhiguli Reserve Galina Lebedeva. Birdhouse samples were made for testing in the garden.
Our design was made for Dydykin Studio and is not yet produced. We are ready to consider options for cooperation.
Why birds? Birds protect the environment from insect pests; their singing gives a person pleasure, peace and beneficial effects on his mental health. The project of a birdhouse is an opportunity to create a useful neighborhood and try on the role of an ornithologist-researcher, observing and taking care of the birds.
We learned about the many subtleties of choosing and working with wooden prototypes in the Neverov’s wood workshop
Owners of private homes and parks in northern Europe and North America, those who love and care for nature.
For some reason, many people think that if they live in a square house, then the birds should live in the same. We decided to change this mindset. The birdhouse is close to a natural hollow, and its round shape reduces the effects of rain, snow and wind. Due to the low center of gravity, the birdhouse can be firmly fixed between the branches without damaging the tree.
Domik Ptashki is a Russian name, literally translated as - Birdhouse - the traditional name of an artificial bird residence.
We started by exploring places where and how birds live in nature, and studied artificial analogues. At the concept stage, we drew a lot of hand-made sketches, made the first mock-ups of polystyrene and paper. When we found the key idea, we created it in 3D and prepared drawings for prototyping in a wooden workshop.
We left the traditional forms of birdhouses and tried to create the most comfortable house for birds. At the same time, we tried to make it look attractive and convenient for a person to maintain.
In our team worked: researcher Ludmila Sapalova, 3D-engineer Nikita Trofimenko, product photographer Anzelika Dydykina, nature photographer Vladimir Dydykin and model-maker Sergey Neverov who helped develop birdhouse manufacturing technology.
The birdhouse must withstand climatic changes and temperature extremes from -30 to +30℃. Only correctly selected wood, manufacturing technology and protective coating can make it resistant to natural factors.
We studied the ideal bird nesting sites in nature; looked for successful examples of artificial birdhouses; conducted interviews with an ornithologist, researched the materials suitable for the manufacture and tested protective coating.
The main difficulty was to find a balance in the design. On the one hand, a product should be as close as possible to natural habitats of birds, it should be safe for the environment, do not have bright colors and smells. On the other hand, it must have a stable structure to withstand climatic changes and extreme temperatures from -30℃ to +30℃. Moreover, the design should be attractive and easy to maintain for people.
Domik Ptashki participated in ADD AWARDS where took the second prize in product design nomination, and we decided to try our hand at a higher-level competition
Thanks to this project, we met talented people in Russia, some of them became members of the project team. We decided to create a world-class product, for this we had to improve our communication and critical thinking skills to go beyond the usual understanding of things. We also improved the material base, Adobe CC and Fusion360.
During consultations with an ornithologist, we were surprised at what subtleties to consider when designing and placing a birdhouse: the height of placement and the distance between the houses should be sufficient so that the birds do not quarrel with each other for food. It was necessary to strengthen the entrance to the nest to protect the chicks from predators and birds. Woodpeckers, magpies and crows can destroy it to get to the chicks or to take a birdhouse.
Design Legend Interview
5 July 2021
Graduated from Tolyatti School of Fine Art in 2004. Graduated from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University in 2014 with a degree in Industrial design. The course included a range of different disciplines from sketching and model making to study engineering, ergonomics, bionics and materials.
Graduated MA Product Design course in Sheffield Institute of Arts, Sheffield Hallam University in 2016. Studying on the MA it was constantly challenged to think differently about design and creatively push boundaries, while developing the skills needed to become more imaginative and professional designer.
I did a 3-month internship in the RENAULT-AVTOVAZ design center creating SUV concept exteriors for local market 2011 (Togliatti, Russia). Was an intern in the Design Futures doing medical equipment for AXIS and concept steering wheel and gearbox for LandRover 2014-2016 (Sheffield, UK). With multidisciplinary SHURacing Team designed the Formula Student racing car for Silverstone International Competition 2015-2016 (Sheffield, UK). Worked on the regional Project Office at Samara Technical University participating in design and analysis sessions 2017-2018 (Samara, Russia). In 2018 founded my own studio with my wife, Anzelika.
Graduated MA Product Design course in Sheffield Institute of Arts, Sheffield Hallam University in 2016. Studying on the MA it was constantly challenged to think differently about design and creatively push boundaries, while developing the skills needed to become more imaginative and professional designer.
I did a 3-month internship in the RENAULT-AVTOVAZ design center creating SUV concept exteriors for local market 2011 (Togliatti, Russia). Was an intern in the Design Futures doing medical equipment for AXIS and concept steering wheel and gearbox for LandRover 2014-2016 (Sheffield, UK). With multidisciplinary SHURacing Team designed the Formula Student racing car for Silverstone International Competition 2015-2016 (Sheffield, UK). Worked on the regional Project Office at Samara Technical University participating in design and analysis sessions 2017-2018 (Samara, Russia). In 2018 founded my own studio with my wife, Anzelika.
I always loved the work that is visible - when you put effort, imagination and you get something completely new, interesting.
A big role in my development as a designer was played by my family. As a child, I attended art school, where I received my first drawing, sculpture, and artistic thinking skills.
And even during high school, the family helped organize my studies at the RENAULT-AVTOVAZ design center, where I saw all the stages of creating a car from an idea to a prototype, talked with professional designers and moddelers.
This helped me a lot during my studies in industrial design at the Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg, and then in obtaining the MA in Product Design in Sheffield Hallam University in UK.
Recently, with my wife, Anzelika, we created DYDYKIN Studio, where we plan to create our own projects and provide design services around the world. We are at the beginning of a big journey!
A big role in my development as a designer was played by my family. As a child, I attended art school, where I received my first drawing, sculpture, and artistic thinking skills.
And even during high school, the family helped organize my studies at the RENAULT-AVTOVAZ design center, where I saw all the stages of creating a car from an idea to a prototype, talked with professional designers and moddelers.
This helped me a lot during my studies in industrial design at the Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg, and then in obtaining the MA in Product Design in Sheffield Hallam University in UK.
Recently, with my wife, Anzelika, we created DYDYKIN Studio, where we plan to create our own projects and provide design services around the world. We are at the beginning of a big journey!
After school, when I needed to choose a university, I failed the preliminary exams for Industrial Design at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and my family began to dissuade me, recommending to choose something else. But this failure only inspired me, and gave me confidence that this is what I want to do next!
We create objects and creative solutions as a context for changes in which a person gains a new experience and begins to think in a new way. We create items for active families, design lovers and conscious consumers. Generally speaking, you can trust us to invent simple things that work well.
I'm not a legend yet, I'm still young designer pushing personal borders and making my best every day.
Open-mindedness and Flexibility. Usually designers work on perspective, and what we use now was designed 3-5-15 years ago. So, great designer living today knows how the World will change positively and negatively in future; and they need to be flexible to influence habitual approaches today.
I think good design is invisible design. All we don’t notice and naturally continue to use it, is probably a good design. And does it correspond to the purpose for which it was made or not.
Design is kind of navigator in business process, we use navigator to reach the desired point avoiding unwanted obstacles and difficult areas. Good design plays the same role in the process of creating a new product for business, showing the best development options, minimizing costs and, most importantly, achieving the intended goal.
One of the areas of my interest is the creation of objects for children, since the foundation of an adult is laid in childhood, it is important to be able to create conditions for cultivating a full-fledged personality. Observing my son, I see the importance of safe, multifunctional and natural surrounding environment for his wellbeing.
Playground for children and adults. While the best I've seen in this area is doing the Danish company MONSTRUM.
Honestly tell yourself about your desires and strive to realize them as early as possible. Then there is a chance that you will not be torn from internal thoughts and feelings about a nonexistent project.
The most influential to me are Dieter Rams, Marc Newson and Philippe Starck.
To be honest I'm not a big fan of things. I pay more attention to the effect that they have on society and how these design approaches change this society. From this position, the works of Dieter Rams and Philippe Starck are most pronounced for me.
I think, it is the birdhouse "Domik Ptashki", because it is simple and functional.
Do nothing, the one who seeks to achieve something always does way too much. It is better to stop and hear your inner needs and then return to your business on a new level.
I had found ways to become a designer anyway.
Design is a tool for creating a context of changes in a person and surrounding environment.
I am who I am because of great support of my family.
My family and my inner voice.
See question 3:
After school, when I needed to choose a university, I failed the preliminary exams for Industrial Design at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and my family began to dissuade me, recommending to choose something else. But this failure only inspired me, and gave me confidence that this is what I want to do next!
After school, when I needed to choose a university, I failed the preliminary exams for Industrial Design at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and my family began to dissuade me, recommending to choose something else. But this failure only inspired me, and gave me confidence that this is what I want to do next!
Today’s formats are Behance portfolio, or A’Design award strong enough for self-presentation.
We have a project Stoyka for exercise at home or the office. This project may be especially relevant for those who want to stay fit and develop their abilities even during a pandemic when they are recommended staying at home.
To convey this World further in a better condition than inherited!
That I’ll do my work today better than yesterday.
Do less things, create more values!
It's a secret.
Project Domik Ptashki gave a feelling of satisfaction, as it’s clear, useful and naturally fit today’s world.
One of the useful directions of the design of the future is to create a connection between Human and Nature. When we stop opposing ourselves to our natural environment, we have a chance to discover something new.
Shape simplicity and technology difficulty.
Depending on the complexity of the project. When fully included in the process from 2 weeks to 3 months
Сonducting in-depth analysis
"That every man must convey this World further in a better condition than he inherited!"
Both are possible.
Strong enough, we use Internet doing research and team communication; apply modern software Adobe CC and Fusion 360.
Black pen and list of paper, Adobe CC and Fusion 360
It’s better to know from design books, personally I think it influences customers perceptions and using-experience.
No expectations, I'm interested in their unique opinion.
«Oh, wow! I'm not alone on this path”
I am happy with my team, but I would like to co-work with Alessi.
Roger Bateman, course leader at Sheffield Institute of Arts, his attitude, professional approach and open-mindedness inspired me to move forward.
Dieter Rams: As Little Design As Possible. Autor: Sophie Lovell
Nothing special, just doing my best.
Probably with my grandfather Konstantin Sakharov, he was a great person with the unique way of thinking that was far ahead of his time.
As a step on my way to company development.
Ask my wife, Anzelika, she is responsible for it.
There is no such thing yet.
When I see or feel the difference between yesterday and today, to keep a diary is a good practice for it.
Nothing like that, just played LEGO a lot.
It will definitely differ from our time, but in which direction it will be better or worse, it depends on our actions today.
I set all my vision, skills, and tools to create client-oriented design service to produce designs that will help their consumers.
Designer Interview
22 April 2020
I always loved the work that is visible - when you put effort, imagination and you get something completely new and interesting.
A big role in my development as a designer was played by my family. As a child, I attended art school, where I received my first drawing, sculpture, and artistic thinking skills.
And even during high school, the family helped organize my studies at the RENAULT-AVTOVAZ design center, where I saw all the stages of creating a car from an idea to a prototype, talked with professional designers and moddelers.
This helped me a lot during my studies on industrial design course at the Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg, and then in obtaining the MA degree in Product Design in Sheffield Hallam University.
Recently, with my wife, Anzelika, we created DYDYKIN Studio, where we plan to create our own projects and provide design services around the world. We are at the beginning of a big journey!
A big role in my development as a designer was played by my family. As a child, I attended art school, where I received my first drawing, sculpture, and artistic thinking skills.
And even during high school, the family helped organize my studies at the RENAULT-AVTOVAZ design center, where I saw all the stages of creating a car from an idea to a prototype, talked with professional designers and moddelers.
This helped me a lot during my studies on industrial design course at the Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg, and then in obtaining the MA degree in Product Design in Sheffield Hallam University.
Recently, with my wife, Anzelika, we created DYDYKIN Studio, where we plan to create our own projects and provide design services around the world. We are at the beginning of a big journey!
DYDYKIN Studio was founded in 2018 by me and my wife, Anzelika. We met each other during studies in the UK, where we studied Product Design and Arts. The idea of the company arose when in the country house needed to renew birdhouses. Having studied existing analogues and not finding a suitable option, I assembled a team with the task of designing new eco-friendly birdhouses. I realized that I could design it in more sustainable and natural manner than the known birdhouse concepts. My wife, Anzelika, helped with the presentation, and it became a really nice product that the birds and the family (and the team) became very happy with. This project led us to form DYDYKIN Studio. Now 6 people are working in the studio, creating designs so that everyone in the world can see the benefits and evaluate the quality of our work. We are constantly learning, expanding our horizons, and we are pleased to transform this knowledge into projects for people.
Design is a tool for creating a context of changes in a person and surrounding reality.
Today we are engaged in the creation of items for home and office. We also create tools / equipment that develop human abilities and allow you to get new experience, something that makes you go beyond the usual perception. A separate area of my interest is the creation of objects for children, since the foundation of an adult is laid in childhood, it is important to be able to create conditions for cultivating a full-fledged personality.
I won’t say any definite favorite, but I like the invisible design (like paving slabs with guides for the blind). They are invisible to others, but at the same time super important for their functionality, as they give a large freedom to people with disabilities.
All we don’t notice and naturally continue to use it, is probably a good design.
All we don’t notice and naturally continue to use it, is probably a good design.
During my study and work experience in various places, I took part in various projects: from building cases for electrical devices to the exterior of a car. The start of our business was the birdhouse project Domik Ptashki.
I like to draw objects by hand, make small layouts to understand the idea and transfer my thoughts to paper, then create a 3D object in Fusion360, and prepare a prototype for testing and finalizing the final version of the product. In projects, we prefer to use more natural materials: metal, wood.
Alone with myself in a state of inner peace. Then, with the correct formulation of the challenge, various creative solutions come naturally.
I am constantly engaged in research, looking for an answer to the question why should it look like this? This semantic frame helps to keep yourself within the framework of the task. In parallel, I organize the work of the team, building communication between professionals is a very important aspect of our projects.
Calmness and a surge of strength.
A sense of accomplishment and an understanding that everything is going right.
When design takes its place in the society.
Does it correspond to the purpose for which it was made or not
The designer is able to program the life of the product. The better designers understand this, the stronger their influence. With such a powerful tool, individual awareness comes to the fore as the consequences can be very different.
One of the useful directions of the design of the future is to create a connection between Human and Nature. When we stop opposing ourselves to our natural environment, we have a chance to discover something new.
In 2019, our project participated in International Professional Prime ADD AWARDS for Architects, Designers and Decorators in the Product Design nomination. Among more than 200 projects, it first entered the Short List of the best projects, and then won the Second Prize among all the nominees. The memorable marble figurine was handed over by designer Dima Loginov at the ceremony in St. Petersburg.
The fulfillment of different roles in life and the surrounding Nature are synthesized in our projects, transforming into something unique.
For myself, I do not highlight any direction. Design for me is an influence tool. I like to actively organize and influence the space where I am and I help people who ask me to do this.
Now our family lives in a picturesque area near the city of Togliatti, not far from the Volga River in southwestern Russia. We are pleased to observe the nature around us, I think it has a greater impact on us than any cultural heritage.
When the first enquiry satisfied for both sides, we meet with the client, to discuss their dreams and goals, limitations, creative opportunities and market realities.
The main focus on the Portfolio since it is precisely this style, this way of thinking that you can acquire. And on Communication, to what extent this process is adequate and understandable for you.
Design project at DYDYKIN Studio consists of 4 stages
1 Start of the Project. At the first meeting with the client, issues important for the project are discussed: dreams and goals, limitations, creative opportunities and market realities.
2 Creating a Concept. At the beginning, a research is conducted in order to see hidden opportunities and find the best creative solutions. Then they are converted into sketches, the best of which are selected by the client for further design development.
3 Attention to Details. All elements of the concept are being worked out: visual appearance, ergonomic features and functions of the new product.
4 Project Transfer. After the meeting with the client to make final edits the finished project is systematized and transferred to the customer together with guidelines for its use. We are convinced that creating good design is impossible without love and respect for projects and people for whom they are created.
1 Start of the Project. At the first meeting with the client, issues important for the project are discussed: dreams and goals, limitations, creative opportunities and market realities.
2 Creating a Concept. At the beginning, a research is conducted in order to see hidden opportunities and find the best creative solutions. Then they are converted into sketches, the best of which are selected by the client for further design development.
3 Attention to Details. All elements of the concept are being worked out: visual appearance, ergonomic features and functions of the new product.
4 Project Transfer. After the meeting with the client to make final edits the finished project is systematized and transferred to the customer together with guidelines for its use. We are convinced that creating good design is impossible without love and respect for projects and people for whom they are created.
Fireplace tulikivi, roulette, multitool with everything I need, Dyson handheld vacuum cleaner and sound system Bang & Olufsen.
After morning exercises and breakfast, together with the administrator I check the current affairs of the projects, form a plan for the day. Further, depending on the stage of the project, we start researching, developing sketches or modelmaking. After lunch, we discuss the intermediate results with the team and generate the next steps for the project development.
Today, when any information has become readily available, the main source of your own development is your inner world. The sooner and in more detail you can study yourself, the more clearly you can formulate what you can give to this world.
The advantage of design is the ability to really influence the surrounding reality by creating a new context; the disadvantage is poor communication between design and business, which causes many problems for both sides.
Always understand what you are doing and what it will lead to in the future!
The ability to verbalize your needs, the ability to visualize your ideas and bring projects to the full implementation.
Black pen, Adobe CC, Dieter Rams book, and everyday walking.
20% of the time is taken by the organization of the teamwork; 50% goes to the analysis of my own actions (systematization, active ordering of thoughts, ideas), since I always have to clearly see what we are doing. The rest of the time is spent on acquiring the diverse experience to support creativity.
Depending on the complexity of the project. When fully included in the process from 2 weeks to 3 months.
Often people ask me: - “what are you doing as a product designer?” I like the description that “Product Design is a look for opportunities to make products that fill a need, when other products don't”.
For me, the experience of working in the SHURacing team at Sheffield Hallam University on a race car project was important. I liked the feeling of a team of different people charged for a single result.
These are companies in the following areas:
1) Items for life and mood, accessories
2) Environment, furniture for home and office, storage systems
3) Tools, inventory, new experience. Activity, freedom of movement, rest
4) Children's spaces, furniture, toys
1) Items for life and mood, accessories
2) Environment, furniture for home and office, storage systems
3) Tools, inventory, new experience. Activity, freedom of movement, rest
4) Children's spaces, furniture, toys
At the end, see in real life how our design works!
Make friends with companies that share our values, from which we have something to learn. Reach the level of the best companies in the field of design and establish the implementation of our projects with partner companies.
We are family-based company realizing individual approach with engaging professional team of graphics, 3d engineers and visual designers.
We have a project STENA for exercise in a home or office. This project may be especially relevant for those who want to stay fit and develop their abilities even during a pandemic, when they are recommend stay at home.
Dydykin.mail@gmail.com and by phone +7 917 952 94 49
I want to express my gratitude to the team A' Design team for the feedback and an attentive approach to our project.