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Artur Konariev

CanadaMobile

Interviews with Artur Konariev

Read the interviews with Artur Konariev: understand their philosophy, creative process and award-winning work.

Designer Profile

Designer of the Day Interview

18 questions

Over the past ten years, I have been working with some great companies and developing new products. I have also been able to work side by side with them to create new projects for my own company.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

Over the past ten years, I have been working with some great companies and developing new products. I have also been able to work side by side with them to create new projects for my own company.

I love working on projects that I can contribute to. I am passionate about design and I work hard to improve my skills. I am a senior product designer that specializes in a user-friendly interface, design thinking, and creative direction.

Aside from being a designer, I also can create a prototype and manage the entire process of a project, including testing and documenting the entire process. For instance, I designed a mobile app to support and manage medical, sports, and military exoskeletons for Roam company, and among my clients, I have LG Uplus and Helen Marlen.

How did you become a designer?

I’ve never really had a career in any other field or seriously considered another one. I was fortunate to grow up with computers and the internet at home and knew I wanted to work with them as a career.

The design seemed like a good balance between complex problem solving (science and technology) and the open-ended activity (arts) that I enjoyed. Despite being an introvert, I am incredibly fascinated by observing how people and communities think and behave and I knew the design had a huge influence on that.

Now I have two degrees that help me interact with the design process. One of these is a cognitive psychology degree and the other is a philosophy degree that helps me interact with the design. After graduating from a product interface design course, I went on to study Human-centered Design and UX. The idea of design thinking is to change lives for the better.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

I would describe the design process in 10 simple words (at the same time steps): Understand, Discovery, Research, Mindmapping, Low-fidelity wireframe, Analyze, High-fidelity prototype, Design, Launch, Testing. Of course, behind each of these words are complex processes and design sub-steps.

All of them are important, and I always try to follow them since they are 70% successful; the rest must be covered by empathy, idea, innovation, and detailed work.

I like creating concepts in general. At first, I work on the overall idea. I like all the processes on the way of turning this idea into something meaningful and functional at the same time. I never get bored with this routine.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

I have never thought about the various emotions that come with the design process. However, through the various phases of a project, I can easily identify some of the triggers that can affect me. According to a psychology concept known as flow, one is in a state of being in which they are fully engaged in an activity. This process helps me do my job and improve my sense of time.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

I never stop exploring myself. Every new task opens up new sources in me. I would say I value simplicity. For me, the design is about communicating feelings through visual sensations and unique experiences. The design provides an opportunity to create distinction, in visual communication, service, or product design by adding your personal touch.

One of the main reasons I think simplicity is beneficial is because it allows me to feel that I am controlling my environment. This is because when dealing with objects, it is important for me to feel that I am in complete control. It is also a process that involves digging a tunnel to get to the bottom of complexity.

To be truly simple, you need to first get to the very depths. For instance, if you are not sure what to include in a design, then you might end up creating something too complex. However, it is better to study it, and then get rid of the secondary components.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

I started as a UX Consultant I got to work with user surveys and information architecture on how the water site was organized and how it could be improved for a better user experience. I got to learn how UX and UI change within a large corporation.

Strange as it may seem it helped me to understand myself better. This experience assured me that I want to work and improve in the sphere of design.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

Even if you are not a product designer, it is still a good idea to learn a lot. For instance, if you are a photographer, then you will be better able to coordinate with the photographer when it comes to shooting your product. Having this knowledge will allow you to plan the shot and avoid making mistakes.

One of the most important tools that I have is a digital reflex, which allows me to take photos of my progress on a project. Having programming skills can also help me complete projects faster. Also, by learning programming, you will be able to identify what can be done and what can be done with a limited amount of resources.

If you have worked on some projects, then you have a good idea of how suppliers work. This will allow you to design projects that are ready to be produced later. Also, by knowing a bit of everything, you can easily coordinate a group of people with the right expertise.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

The design should also be successful not just because it looks good, but also because it fulfills its purpose. I believe that there is nothing more valuable than a good design that meets the needs of the users.

Even if you are not good at what you do, it does not matter as long as you are constantly improving and learning. This is the only way to become great in the design industry. One of the most important factors that you can consider when it comes to becoming a great designer is to continuously improve your skills.

What is your day to day look like?

Morning, I usually check my mail and open my journal. There, I keep track of all of the tasks that I am working on and the priority that I have left to complete. I then organize the work of the people that I am working with on a project, and I also write down ideas for new projects. This is a great tool that helps me keep focused on my long-term projects.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

Over the years, I got a considerable number of sources with ideas, inspiration sources, and media providing the latest news within the sphere. I look through them often.

I’m also subscribed to different news portals, so new designs skip through my newsfeed all the time.

A major role is played by research and the search for solutions to new problems, Dribbble, Behance, and Pinterest help me in this.

One of the most important factors that you can consider when it comes to becoming a great designer is to continuously improve your skills. Before starting a project, I always try to identify what the users need and what solutions would be most beneficial to them.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

Design is really good not just when it looks good. It also needs to fulfill its purpose. To my mind, all the processes contribute to the overall success of a design project. A good design cannot be measured finitely – multiple perspectives are needed. But if the design solves the business tasks that were set before us, this is half the success. Of course, it is necessary to accurately formulate at the beginning of a business task, because the right goal should be clear to everyone at the beginning. After the research that we conduct, we develop a strategy and determine all the factors and business tasks that need to be solved.

Someone can also add if the design is profitable - this is a success. I agree with this because one of the business goals is to make a profit. Otherwise, what is the use of all this?

How do you decide if your design is ready?

A new design can take a long time to develop, as it can take a variety of factors to determine its success. I generally consider a design finished when your UX process is done, once it fulfills the expectations of its users. But design development or product development as a whole is not the end, because there is another, last but not least important stage, which is the Testing stage. This is a necessary stage where you test the viability of the design and the product, you see how users interact with it, and where they have difficulties. This is the point where the product goes from "I think the user will use the interface this way" to "The user actually uses the interface that way". If before you used frameworks, knowledge, and experience to predict user behavior, now you have the ability to see how user-friendly your product really is.

What is your biggest design work?

With each new project, I am becoming a little better than yesterday. I always try to implement new technology in a project and create a new concept. In this way, it gets possible not to stop and develop all the time. One such project was the development of an AR application for LG Uplus along with the EyeCandyLab team from Augmented Reality. Then it was my first touch of Additional Reality not as a user but as a designer. This project gave me deeper knowledge and skills in using new technology in practice. Now I use this experience to make new projects more successful. By adding new functionality, applications become better and more popular as they solve even more tasks.

Who is your favourite designer?

I like the design by Jonathan Ive. Everyone should understand that the point here is not only in design as a visual component but also in user experience. His work is functional and thought out to the smallest detail. This is what I call excellent design.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

I used to live in Kyiv, and I would say that this city can inspire everyone.

What concerns my musical taste, it is an integral part of mine. Thus, I think there is a piece of music inspiration in each of my design projects. I wouldn't get an award for a dating app that matches couples based on their musical preferences if I didn't find inspiration in my favorite music.

I design solutions to cater to the individuals' needs. Well-designed products improve how people accomplish tasks and as a result, the operation of society as a whole. Thus, my main sphere of responsibility is efficiency and comfort. I can convey complicated things in a language that is easy to understand, and also, through trial and error, improve existing principles and things.

As for the lifestyle, many probably imagine the usual everyday life of designers as parties in the community, clubs, exhibitions, and unbridled creative creation “under something.” But this is not so, at least with me, hard work on projects, research, teamwork, family affairs, courses, design festivals, and sometimes free time.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

My business philosophy is focused on solving complex business problems using the help of a high-quality design, inspiring, and exclusive design. I have a reliable partner, Yuliia Mishchenko, and I feel quite comfortable working with her and our team. Usually, I am looking for people whom I can trust, who have the same ambitions to develop a common cause like me, and who will cover the expertise in those industries in which we do not have the necessary skills.

This means I can trust my ideas and thoughts, I can trust them to do important tasks, I can trust the perspectives and the future of the company which I built with my co-founder. I guess when you find a perfect match that concerns your team there should be no difficulties in working together. I would advise choosing a designer according to your own goals and ideas. Of course, knowledge and experience are important, but more important is the common vibe.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

I design solutions to cater to the individuals' needs. Well-designed products improve how people accomplish tasks and as a result, the operation of society as a whole. A good designer can also be a powerful tool for organizations that are committed to addressing various environmental and social issues. In our small way, I try to make sure that our clients are aware of the importance of being socially and environmentally responsible. This is because, like everyone else, the designer is expected to behave responsibly. We can convey complicated things in a language that is easy to understand, and also, through trial and error, improve existing principles and things. For example, a designer can create a universal type of bottle that, during production, will use 50% less plastic but remain convenient and functional.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A' Design Award?

There are lots of positive experiences that the A'Design Award provides!

I believe is good to take part in competitions for the progress they provide. This positive tension and stress motivate and reinforce the desire to design even better products and improve.

In addition, you get new experience, acquaintances, recognition, and opportunities.

Design Interview

Edvoy Educational Platform · 13 questions

We wanted to create a one-stop platform for students all the way to study abroad. The platform aims to simplify the world of education through technology.

What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

We wanted to create a one-stop platform for students all the way to study abroad. The platform aims to simplify the world of education through technology. The mobile app empowers students to make more informed decisions when shaping their educational path.

What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

We want to make applicants' and students' experiences around the world better with an improved user experience. After all the studies, we have been thinking about how to make the process of searching and applying productive, fast, and simple. We have designed a functional, fast and intelligent document selection and submission tool, communicating with a counselor that provides support and quick solutions. An intuitive experience designed to motivate students in choosing the right university.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

In the future, we plan to continue developing the app to help users find, compare, and select universities, courses, and scholarships that are a better fit for them. The current version of the app has been designed to help users find universities around the world, research them, learn more, view admissions requirements, and communicate with admissions officers and advisors. Users can collect required documents and create an application for admission, all through the app. But it still needs more effort to achieve its goal of creating a better experience.

Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

None. At the time the application was developed, no such application or solution existed in fact. As for the UI part, I used Dribbble to find inspiration in the style. But there was also a lot of work and sense behind this stage.

Who is the target customer for his design?

The client already had a user base of schoolchildren, applicants, and students. We had access to various data, such as age, gender, financial situation, and location. We used all of these data to create an app that would help current users migrate to the new platform as well as attract new users.

What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

Everything from the design to the user experience which is simple and successful at 89%.

How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

We had many alternatives for the name, however, the crew selected a choice that is straightforward to remember, simple, and short, it describes the feature of the application in detail.

Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

I use sites like Dribbble and Behance to inspire me. They allow me to create collections and mood boards that are useful for my creative process. Sketch, Invision, and Miro are my main tools. They are also used to test the performance of my prototypes. Usertesting.com is another tool that I use to check the correctness of my designs.

What is the most unique aspect of your design?

It is a flexible platform and a reliable guide throughout the study period. It is a web service that allows you to search for universities, colleges, scholarships, and study programs. It provides details on admission criteria and continuous help from advisors throughout the application process. The goal is to allow applicants to search for the degree programs they want and learn about all the requirements. Students can submit an application and receive help from an advisor via mobile & tablet apps. IOS & Android platforms for students: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral.

Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

After conducting a thorough analysis, I identified the main features that are most important to the users of the app. These included the ability to navigate through the app easily and the micro-interactions that the users have with it. To improve the app, I conducted market research to find the factors that will help launch it.

We conducted interviews with people who already use educational apps. We also tested various usability concepts and prototypes through Usertesting.com.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

Our goal is to create mobile & tablet applications based on the existing web application. The app will help applicants to search for universities, colleges, and scholarships, browse courses and learn all the conditions of study and criteria for admission as they already do when using the web application. Detailed settings are sometimes difficult to display well in a mobile application so that they are convenient and intuitive, and do not take up multiple screens. We have developed a simplified Country Choice. You can easily find the best university by using easy settings and preferences.

How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

I wished to share my style with a broader audience, and hopefully, it will inspire alternative designers in their work. As a designer, I perceive however vital it's to invariably get exposed to contemporary inspirations. I actually have benefited tons from other designers' wonderful work and it' time on behalf of me to present back to the community.

What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

I learn most each on conceptualizing a project and therefore the technical skills as a designer.

Design Interview

Menu2Go Food Delivery Website · 14 questions

The goal of Menu2Go is to provide a digital platform that enables people to find and order food and connect with local restaurants and services.

What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

The goal of Menu2Go is to provide a digital platform that enables people to find and order food and connect with local restaurants and services. Unfortunately, many products that were designed to keep users engaged failed due to their assumptive user needs. Instead, technology is used to solve these problems. The design of the platform is based on the solid user needs that it serves.

What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

Through my research, I identified the various pain points that users have when it comes to finding local restaurants and services. One of the most common issues that I heard was that people rely on their friends to recommend restaurants, but they can't always get the recommendations they need on their way to work or home. To address this issue, I designed a map function that will allow users to find restaurants near them and order food whenever they need them.

The map function was designed to let users find restaurants whenever they want. I also wanted to create an app that solved the problems that users had with the platform.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

In the future, I plan to continue developing the app's socialization capabilities to help users find and connect with other people. The current version of the app has been designed to help users find and connect with local restaurants, but it still needs more effort to reach its goal of building more connections.

How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

4 months, from planning to finalizing the design. Although my client and I first talked about it 2 years ago before we started researching and designing.

Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

When I first moved to Spain, I was very excited about the country's diverse food scene, but I was very ignorant about the culture and traditions of ethnic food. I had no idea how to order food from the various restaurants in the city, and I was disappointed by the results of Google and Yelp's search results.

After asking my friends for their food recommendations, I was able to find amazing food and made new friends. This experience has inspired me to create an app that will allow users to connect with other people from different cultures and order food.

What made you design this particular type of work?

The answer to the question is rooted in the design principle of building meaningful connections. This is why I decided to focus on developing apps that help people enjoy restaurant food. The pandemic has also motivated me to pursue more work in this field. It has forced me to rethink how I can help people build their food preferences and deliver them home with minimal action and contact with people.

Who is the target customer for his design?

My design for the app was based on the different types of people that I identified as potential users. The main target group for the app was the "keen on restaurant food delivery users." This group is usually very interested in exploring new restaurants and documenting their favorite places. The other two groups were "friends of foodies" and "ethnic food experts."

People will often ask their foodie friends for their food recommendations. These individuals are known as "ethnic food experts," and they are knowledgeable about the culture and traditions of various cultures, but they might not be able to provide the best recommendations. They will also be the content generators of the app.

What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

The goal of the app is to help users build their social networks and navigate through the various restaurants in their area. When users search for a restaurant using Google or Yelp, they can see the number of reviews that the restaurant has received. A good review system can help a restaurant establish its reputation and attract more potential customers.

One of the main factors that I considered when it came to developing the app was the importance of providing good food recommendations. This is because one of the most important factors that people consider when it comes to choosing a restaurant is their trust level. The goal of the Menu2Go app is to help users build their social networks and find great food.

How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

We had many options for the name, but the team chose an option that is easy to remember, simple, and short, it describes the function of the application in detail.

Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

I rely on sites like Dribbble and Behance for inspiration. They allow me to create mood boards and collections that are useful for the creative process. Miro and Figma are the main tools in my work. Using tools for testing like Usertesting.com, I check the correctness and performance of our prototypes.

What is the most unique aspect of your design?

I followed its inspiration and aimed at making the app engaging for the users. Therefore, I wanted to add something particularly appealing. I designed a product that can solve particular needs. I developed a food delivery application that helps to bring people and first-class food closer. In terms of functionality and information content.

Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

After conducting the analysis, I was able to identify the various features that were most important to the users. These included the ability to view and navigate through the app easily, as well as the micro-interaction that users have with the app. To create a better app, I also conducted market research to identify the factors that will help it launch.

We also conducted interviews with people who already use food delivery apps. We also tested various usability concepts and prototypes through Usertesting.com.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

The main task is to make a healthy competition with existing companies in the market. Create a platform that will be easy to use for both customers and representatives of the business and will be user-oriented. Introduce new functionality, and technologies that simplify the work with the website, and speed up the process of viewing, selecting food, creating, tracking, and picking up orders, and customer feedback to the restaurant, which in turn increases the credit of trust.

How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

I wanted to share my design with a wider audience so that it can inspire other designers. As a designer, I also appreciate the work of other individuals. It's important for me to always be exposed to new ideas and I hope that my design can help inspire others.

Design Interview

Flame Dating Mobile Application · 20 questions

Tinder is too popular, it becomes a monopolist. Healthy competition is always good. Interests are the most necessary way to start communication. One of the most common interests is music.

What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

Tinder is too popular, it becomes a monopolist. Healthy competition is always good. Interests are the most necessary way to start communication. One of the most common interests is music. Indeed, if you have similar musical tastes with a person, then you understand that a person adheres to the same views and ideas as you. Listening to the same music, we plunge into the atmosphere, feel the emotions and experience the same thing. What if you stop hiding your playlist from everyone, but rather share it? Sounds like the newest feature to find. This is what we tried to do.

What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

Flame is a dating app designed for young people and millennials. Creating it, Wadoo. team aimed at making the app engaging for the users. Thus, Wadoo. experts came up with a simple yet appealing function of making pairs according to musical preferences.

This feature provides users with a wider range of opportunities to interact with the application. Of course, the goal function remains meeting new people. However, to make this process engaging, a user can select a pair based on musical preferences. Thus, the users can start communicating about interests and tastes thy share in the messenger and move on to a real date.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

Hopefully, this application will steadily gain popularity in the future. Who knows, maybe in some time it will need some more screens, functions and integrations. My team will be happy to make improvements.

Besides, we hope that our application will inspire new ideas and projects in the future.

This app has a universal application. The users can continue to use it during quarantine when a pandemic is raging because it has functionality with which it is interesting to interact, it is safe and interesting. Now we are looking for investors who are interested in launching a promising product.

How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

The project began in December 2019. We finished the discovery stage, created product requirements documents and developed the app map and user flow so that we had basic information for our work. It took us 3 weeks. After which we proceeded to the next step in creating low-fidelity wireframes. When we got the rough structure of the application, we went on to develop high-fidelity prototypes and created the UI Design and Design System for component interaction on their basis.

Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

Wadoo. team followed its inspiration and aimed at making the app engaging for the users. Therefore, we wanted to add something particularly appealing. Thus, Wadoo. experts came up with a simple function of matching pairs according to musical tastes. This feature provides users with a wider range of opportunities to interact with the application. Of course, the main function remains meeting new people. However, to make this process fun, a user can select a perfect match based on common musical preferences. Thus, the users can start communicating about common interests and tastes in the messenger and move on to a real date.

Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

We conducted a detailed analysis of competitors, market, opportunities, risks and growth prospects for this product. We decided to start with a small Start-Up to develop this idea, and when we noticed that our application is gaining popularity, many became interested in it, and received awards. We are currently negotiating with investors who are ready to invest in launching a pilot version on the local market. I am open to new proposals, I want to further develop this application and fulfil a leadership role in its development.

What made you design this particular type of work?

You never know when inspiration will strike. Moreover, you never know why you get this or that particular idea. It just gets on your mind and you start thinking about it until it is ready to turn into a concept.

Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

Tinder, Bumble and CMB but we wanted to make something new and fresh and even more relevant. The problem with most applications is that they are created only for pair matching. This is a bit boring for users to interact with the application only on this principle. We need interactive, game elements that will help to captivate users.

Who is the target customer for his design?

Our user is a lonely person who would like to meet to have a good time. Users will interact with our product throughout the day, but more in the evening, in their free time after studying or working. From the total mass of our users, we distinguished two categories of users: men and women.

Having analysed the portraits of our target users we draw the following conclusions:

both personas have the same aim: make new acquaintances;

we should not omit the opportunity for the acquaintances between the representatives of the same sex;

it is important to provide the user with an opportunity to notice the similarities and commonalities in preferences with other people to reinforce the interest;

Common interests is the most obvious reason to start communication. One of the most widespread interest in common is music.

What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

We developed a dating application that helps to bring people around the world closer. In terms of functionality and information content. Similar musical tastes became a foundation for the app. Listening to the same music, we plunge into the atmosphere, feel the emotions and experience the same thing. What if you stop hiding your playlist from everyone, but rather share it? Sounds like the newest feature to find. This is what we tried to do.

How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

Flame - means “fire, ardor, passion, the object of love, bright light”. For the theme of our application, this word fits perfectly well. We reinforce the icon with the association.

Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

We use Mindmeister, Sketch and InVision - the main tools in our work. They cover 80%: the remaining 20% is Google Analytics, Usertesting.com, using them we check the correctness and performance of our theories, ideas, concepts. Wrike management tool for work and planning. Research and finding solutions to new problems play a big role in this, Dribbble, Behance, Pinterest help me with this.

We have been studying competitors for a long time, how they work, trying to understand the pain of their users and the success, why they are followed. We understood a few insiders that we implemented in this application.

What is the most unique aspect of your design?

Wadoo. team followed its inspiration and aimed at making the app engaging for the users. Therefore, we wanted to add something particularly appealing. We designed a product that can solve particular needs. We developed a dating application that helps to bring people around the world closer. In terms of functionality and information content.

Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

At the moment, we have developed a design only for the iOS platform and plans to do it for Android. Since we are developing a native app, we can take full advantage of the hardware system. Connect to Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play Music. We also plan to use the gyroscope and accelerometer in the application. For example, shake and see who is nearby.

What is the role of technology in this particular design?

The role of technologies is enormous. Modern design tools has made the design process much easier and faster. In addition, the proper functioning of the design application is impossible without the application of the corresponding tools and technologies. Thus, technologies lie in the heart of application functioning.

Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

We used the features identified by the competitors' analysis, namely ease of use, viewing speed, swipe and micro-interaction with the user. We conducted market research and identified the factors for a successful product launch. Created a mind-map and developed the structure and prototypes of the application to make a quality app using human-centered design. We also had the opportunity to conduct local Interviews, Surveys, with users who already use dating applications. We also conducted small contextual inquiries and made Usability Testing concepts and prototypes using services like Usertesting.com.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

An important factor that users turn to is an idea. If the idea is new, interesting and there are no analogues - this is already half the success. But of course the main challenge was to assure that the app works, it is functional, it brings profit, and it is not just beautiful. We used good practices of the user interface to create a design that is universal and that users will like.

How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

We did our best make this application functional and visually appealing. We were so passionate about it. As a result we are fully satisfied with our work. Thus, we decided to share our success. The recognition of our work at the level of international design competition should become a positive affirmation and a motivation for the team.

What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

A key idea, in this case is “never stop”. Never stop learning, experimenting, innovating and trying.

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

A Flame is a dating app designed for young people and millennials. In the application, you can find everything related to the dating service and the selection of couples for musical tastes, from choosing a playlist to swipes and correspondence in the messenger. We have done a lot of work, this is a significant part of the development, and we are looking for your support to implement this product. If you are interested, please contact us.

Design Legend Interview

48 questions

Most of the stories that artists and designers tell you are about how they haven't even learned to walk yet, but they've already started drawing, their parents noticed this amazing ability and sent them to a…

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

Most of the stories that artists and designers tell you are about how they haven't even learned to walk yet, but they've already started drawing, their parents noticed this amazing ability and sent them to a super-specialized art school, and they graduated with top grades. That's not my story. I didn't have a passion for drawing when I was a kid. At school, I asked my sister to draw for me just to pass the subject. It wasn't until university that I got to know Photoshop. I saw what it could do, it interested me and I began to explore it and the art universe around me. So I started learning about graphics, web design, and then UX/UI.

I have two educational degrees that help me interact with design - philosophy and cognitive psychology. My first design education is in the Product Interface Design Course and after that, I studied UX and Human-Centered Design. The idea “to change life for the better” is the part of design thinking and my approach.

I'm a perfectionist by nature. Therefore, I feel passionate about each of my projects. I’m a senior Product designer specializing in design thinking, user-friendly interface, and creative direction. I continue working and developing my skills in design.

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

The most obvious reason is that you get paid for being creative. Although sometimes design can be a procedural discipline, it does allow you to flex your creativity on an ongoing, daily basis.

One of the very best things about the design world, in general, is that it's constantly evolving and redefining itself. Every day is different and interesting when you are a designer.

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

I’ve never really had a career in any other field or seriously considered another one. I was fortunate to grow up with computers and the internet at home and knew I wanted to work with them as a career. The design seemed like a good balance between complex problem solving (science and technology) and the open-ended activity (arts) that I enjoyed. Despite being an introvert, I am incredibly fascinated by observing how people and communities think and behave and I knew the design had a huge influence on that.

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

I mainly work on digital projects, which are constantly evolving. I love working on them because they are very challenging and have a strong sense of style. I like all the processes on the way of turning the idea into something meaningful and functional at the same time.

What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

To my mind, great designers understand that it takes creativity plus an understanding of business to create great designs. They understand that design is 80% research and 20% execution - and that often the best solution is one that a competitor or similar company has already invested in solving.

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

The design process is very important to a successful project. It not only needs to look good, but it also needs to fulfill its purpose. A good design should not only be able to solve a particular task, but it should also be able to help solve the other business and users’ problems.

It's important to formulate a strategy and a goal at the beginning of a business project so that everyone knows what the goal should be. After conducting a thorough analysis, I come up with a strategy that will help solve the various problems that come up during the course of the project.

Someone can also add if the design is profitable - this is a success. I agree with this because one of the business tasks is to make a profit. Otherwise, what is the use of all this?

I always use the term "it works" and "it doesn't work" as an objective judgment, and I would never describe a design as ugly or beautiful.

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

It is quite difficult to communicate the value of good design in a quantifiable way. Traditionally value is often looked at as ROI, meaning, the difference between what you spend and what you get back is your direct value. I guess the value of good design is the opportunity to create meaningful first impressions, help you differentiate yourself from your competitors, and can solve problems.

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

There are many areas of activity that appeal to me and in which I would like to increase my presence. For example, government installations, hospitals, transportation, education, and retail, all use old-style software applications. They are not functional, not convenient, challenging to use, and terrible in appearance. I would like to solve these problems with a practical, user-oriented, visually pleasing design. The work of these employees would become much simpler and more convenient; this would solve many problems that exist in many countries.

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

Create a flamethrower, launch a car into space already done. Colonize Mars; I just do not have time to prepare everything faster than Elon. I'm not sure what it will be, but there will be something interesting.

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

Keep it simple or 'genius is based on simplicity.

Why do I think simplicity is good? Because when I am dealing with objects, it is vital for me to feel that I am controlling them. By ordering chaos, you find a way to subjugate the subject. Simplicity is not only a visual style. This is not minimalism or lack of clutter. It is necessary to dig a tunnel in the bowels of complexity to achieve simplicity. To be truly simple, you need to get to the very depths. For example, if you are missing some cogs, you run the risk of creating something overly complex and confusing. But it is much better to focus on simplicity, to study it, to figure out its components. To get rid of the secondary, you need to penetrate the essence of the subject.

Jonathan Ive

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

I like the design by Jonathan Ive. Everyone should understand that the point here is not only in design as a visual component but also in user experience. His work is functional and thought out to the smallest detail. This is what I call excellent design.

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

One of the most important objects that I carry with me when it comes to design is my Macbook Pro. This is because it is an extension of my mind and body. Being in focus mode is always an asterisk task, especially when you're on the road, in a public place, or just have kids. That's why I use BEATS Studio3 Wireless, they always save me in the most stressful situations.

The other things are not professionally related, but they are part of my routine and I enjoy using them. A morning cup of coffee brewed in the V60 gives me energy for the whole day.

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

It is not always easy to choose a project or a collaboration. However, I am satisfied with the results of many of these projects. Edvoy was a turning point in my career, as it was the first multidisciplinary project that I worked on completely. Initially, the journey was hard, but it allowed me to meet some of the most interesting people in the industry. It also gave me the opportunity to work with some of the most innovative digital and analog technologies.

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

The design should also be successful not just because it looks good, but also because it fulfills its purpose. I believe that there is nothing more valuable than a good design that meets the needs of the users.

Even if you are not good at what you do, it does not matter as long as you are constantly improving and learning. This is the only way to become great in the design industry. One of the most important factors that you can consider when it comes to becoming a great designer is to continuously improve your skills.

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

I would become a businessman and client. Design is the same business. The business has many directions, art, paintings, finance, and retail. All of them have stages, regardless of the field of activity. Before starting the project, it is necessary to do a study. Study the market, products, users, and competitors, write a business plan and, following the steps, implement everything that I planned— the same as the design processes.

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

For me, design is about communicating feelings through visual sensations and unique experiences. The design provides an opportunity to create distinction, in visual communication, service, or product design by adding your personal touch. design is to find the most functional, and the aesthetically satisfying way where possible, to solve a problem or respond to a need.

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

Unfortunately, I did not have a mentor whom I could rely on and count on for help. I had to achieve everything myself, and I am happy that I went this way. I met many interesting people, visited many places, and solved complex problems that made me who I am now.

What helped you to become a great designer?

It doesn’t matter how good you are. Fields like design are always changing, shifting, and growing. The only way to stay on the edge is to constantly learn and improve your design skills. I think one needs to make progress and improve design skills despite the level of expertise. Learning from the greats is the only possible way to become great.

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

Designers must stay attuned to the fast-changing trends and preferences within audiences of different generations, cultural backgrounds, and tech-savvy.

Besides, feeling a lack of control and ownership over your work can be the most difficult thing for a designer or any creative professional. Unfortunately, it is a reality of doing work for hire. The client or employer gets to dictate the art direction more often than not, and very early in your career, you’ll likely be little more than an executor for someone’s creative vision.

How do you think designers should present their work?

It depends on the project complexity. At this time, when the world is changing rapidly and dictating its own rules. From my perspective, I would advise approving ideas with clients, even at the level of thought, without a long preparation of presentations. It is better to understand that you and the client are on the same wavelength at the beginning of the project at the stage of brainstorming, drafts, and prototypes. It will be worse if, after the end of the project, you presented to the client all the genius of your work, and he says that this is not at all what he wanted and expected. Include your client in your work process, so they will be in the know and feel responsible for the steps taken since he signed up for the proposed concept, and prototypes, then he will not be able to say that the structure is not the same.

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

It’s too early to say that due to the pandemic and war, many of our clients suspended their work, and it violated plans. But we are also negotiating with new customers who have managed to adapt to new working conditions and are ready to develop. I tell everyone that this is your chance. At the same time, your competitors are frozen and take no action, you can use this minute to improve yourself, your brand, and your product, enter the market with a new offer when everything works again, and this will happen anyway.

What's your ultimate goal as a designer?

I am constantly evolving and set high goals to encourage myself to improve myself. One of the most important goals that I set for myself is to be able to participate in as many competitions as possible.

What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

Well, the clients love a little extra sugar in their coffee, therefore they expect many things at a time. They expect perfect understanding and an eternal stream of ideas, Besides, they often expect you to know their preferences and needs as soon as they walk up. In case you are an esteemed designer, there is no place for mistakes in your work. The standards and expectations get even more sophisticated each time.

How does design help create a better society?

I design solutions to cater to the individuals' needs. Well-designed products improve how people accomplish tasks and as a result, the operation of society as a whole. A good designer can also be a powerful tool for organizations that are committed to addressing various environmental and social issues. In our small way, I try to make sure that our clients are aware of the importance of being socially and environmentally responsible. This is because, like everyone else, the designer is expected to behave responsibly. We can convey complicated things in a language that is easy to understand, and also, through trial and error, improve existing principles and things. For example, a designer can create a universal type of bottle that, during production, will use 50% less plastic but remain convenient and functional.

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

I have been working on an exciting NFT marketplace lately and would love to share its details with you, but I can't do that yet. Stay tuned so you do not miss out.

Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

With each new project, I am becoming a little better than yesterday. I always try to implement new technology in a project and create a new concept. In this way, it gets possible not to stop and develop all the time. One such project was the development of an AR application for LG Uplus along with the EyeCandyLab team from Augmented Reality. Then it was my first touch of Additional Reality not as a user but as a designer. This project gave me deeper knowledge and skills in using new technology in practice. Now I use this experience to make new projects more successful. By adding new functionality, applications become better and more popular as they solve even more tasks.

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

I like the tendency of Bio design; unity with nature is now more relevant than ever.

Where do you think the design field is headed next?

Obviously, over the past century, the design field has evolved and expanded. I guess this tendency will get even a faster pace in the future. To my mind, in the near future design will get more paramount. It will address even more complex problems. Design is not only a beautiful cover; the design is a problem-solving tool. Technologies like AR / VR / MR / XR will change major industries like medicine, architecture, transportation, space, and the automotive industry. An excellent example of Elon Musk with his ideas. Do not also forget about Bio design: unity with nature is now more relevant than ever.

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

It depends on the object's complexity. It may take from several days up to several months, actually. At this time, when the world is changing rapidly and dictating its own rules, I cannot develop some projects for months. Business needs to offer quick solutions that are relevant now. We killed a perfectionist. We took maximum responsibility and decisions on ourselves. For us, the speed of response, relevance, and strength of an idea is more critical than a licked creative.

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

The process that a designer uses can vary depending on the type of project that they are working on. However, it can be done simply and can be divided into five phases: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.

Although it may seem like a linear process, every project should be iterative. This means that I will continue to develop the designs as I gather more information about the end-users. For instance, if I receive feedback during testing, I might need to look into developing new ideas.

What is your life motto as a designer?

1“Have no fear of perfection—you’ll never reach it.” –Salvador Dali

2 “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” –Steve Jobs

3. “Draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use – do the work you want to see done.” ― Austin Kleon

4. “Plagiarism is trying to pass someone else's work off as your own. Copying is about reverse-engineering.” ― Austin Kleon, Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

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

I believe that trends set the designs. Changes that occur in the world, in society, science, and technology affect the development of the design.

What is the role of technology when you design?

Because of the development of technology, designers are not just all about art anymore. They are also now becoming more knowledgeable about data sciences and mathematics. The rise of artificial technology and the Internet of Things are just some examples of why there are now more kinds of skilled designers that can serve the world today.

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

I rely on sites like Dribbble and Behance for inspiration. They allow me to create mood boards and collections that are useful for the creative process. Miro, Figma, Sketch, and InVision are the main tools in my work. Another tool that I use is Jira, which allows me to manage my work even when I am working with multiple agencies and freelancers.

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

The correlation of colors is essential to their impact. The appropriate combination of colors expresses thoughts inefficiently without words and influences audiences. The selection of specific colors by an individual or a company should reflect their brand mission along with strength and clarity so that it will attract prospective customers.

What do you wish people to ask about your design?

"Why?". Most people stop at the surface and ask questions about certain details such as shapes, colors, etc., but never ask "why" this was done in this way. I try to focus on the overall idea and the reason behind the design. Many of the decisions that I make are based on research and study.

When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

This process usually involves analyzing the details of the design to understand how it was made and how it could be improved. I also try to find ways to make it more usable in a future job.

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

I have a reliable partner, Yuliia Mishchenko, and I feel quite comfortable working with her and our team. Usually, I am looking for people whom I can trust, who have the same ambitions to develop a common cause like me, and who will cover the expertise in those industries in which we do not have the necessary skills.

This means I can trust my ideas and thoughts, I can trust them to do important tasks, I can trust the perspectives and the future of the company which I built with my co-founder. I guess when you find a perfect match that concerns your team there should be no difficulties in working together. I would advise choosing a designer according to your own goals and ideas. Of course, knowledge and experience are important, but more important is the common vibe.

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

They will probably be trivial choices, but two of the ones I remember with pleasure are two great classics: Universal Principles of Design - William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, Jill Butler

Designing Design - Kenya Hara

Design Elements, Color Fundamentals: A Graphic Style Manual for Understanding How Color Affects Design - Aaris Sherin

How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

I never stop exploring myself. Every new task opens up new sources in me. I would say I value simplicity. For me, the design is about communicating feelings through visual sensations and unique experiences. The design provides an opportunity to create distinction, in visual communication, service, or product design by adding your personal touch.

One of the main reasons I think simplicity is beneficial is because it allows me to feel that I am controlling my environment. This is because when dealing with objects, it is important for me to feel that I am in complete control. It is also a process that involves digging a tunnel to get to the bottom of complexity.

To be truly simple, you need to first get to the very depths. For instance, if you are not sure what to include in a design, then you might end up creating something too complex. However, it is better to study it, and then get rid of the secondary components.

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

With many, and not only from the world of design. Many people are doing inspiration by great things when doing their work. I would like to get to know them, chat, and understand what motivates them, and what drives them. It would be a wonderful experience and time.

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

I’ve been lucky enough to experience awards from various positions: as a nominee, a judge, and a presenter. I know that receiving recognition can change a team or individual’s energy, engagement, and motivation. I have not reached that level of recognition to start worrying about it.

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

I am delighted with natural colors, summer green, the color of natural brown leather on products, and a combination of black and white in clothes. I love nature, I like to climb mountains, it is incredibly beautiful and inspiring. There I can relax and enjoy forgetting everything. Each season of the year has its own charms, its own characteristics. In autumn there are a lot of fresh food, vegetables, fruits, and meat. Winter Games in the snow, skiing, winter festivals. In the spring it is warm and cozy and in the summer the sun and summer rains, warm evenings with family and friends.

I listen to Ukrainian modern folk, rock, rock and roll, blues, soul, classical music, and alternative. It all depends on the place and mood.

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

It was a web design project for a beauty salon: an exciting project but just a hell of a client. I had no experience in communicating with clients, and I thought that "The client is always right." However, this is not entirely true. Therefore, he put me through the wringer; there were a lot of corrections and concepts. As a result, I created my design concept, not according to the brief and vision of the client. Guess what - it was approved by the client right away with minor corrections. It was my little victory, but still, it was not the most pleasant experience. After that, I had thoughts to end up designing, but I decided that one client is not an indicator. After this, I pulled up my technical and communication skills a bit and continued to work with the design.

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

When the customer is satisfied with the first proposal/iteration, that is a perfect day, you know you have hit the point without making mistakes.

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

I dreamed of becoming an actor, this is also a creative profession, so I can say that I was always drawn to create something with my own hands. To knit, cross-stitch, and create wood furniture, I tried and did all this, I want to tell you and it worked out pretty well for me.

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

Things like flying cars, sophisticated artificial intelligence, and quantum computers may emerge from science fiction into reality in less time than we think. Thus, a thousand years is a far long perspective to discuss. It's hard to wrap the mind around how far advanced we'll be by then.

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

They can contact me through my contact form on the website or by email. Or on Facebook, Instagram, Dribbble, and Behance.

Designer Interview

40 questions

Most of the stories that artists and designers tell you are about how they haven't even learned to walk yet, but they've already started drawing, their parents noticed this amazing ability and sent them to a…

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?

Most of the stories that artists and designers tell you are about how they haven't even learned to walk yet, but they've already started drawing, their parents noticed this amazing ability and sent them to a super-specialized art school, and they graduated with top grades. That's not my story. I didn't have a passion for drawing when I was a kid. At school, I asked my sister to draw for me just to pass the subject. It wasn't until university that I got to know Photoshop. I saw what it could do, it interested me and I began to explore it and the art universe around me. So I started learning about graphics, web design, and then UX/UI.

I have two educational degrees that help me interact with design - philosophy and cognitive psychology. My first design education is in the Product Interface Design Course and after that, I studied UX and Human-Centered Design. The idea “to change life for the better” is the part of design thinking and my approach.

I'm a perfectionist by nature. Therefore, I feel passionate about each of my projects. I’m a senior Product designer specializing in design thinking, user-friendly interface, and creative direction. I continue working and developing my skills in design.

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

We combine innovative, professional design, and the creation of emotional connections for a superior online experience. Our approach is based on solving complex business tasks with the help of a high-quality, inspiring and exclusive design with extremely high ROI.

We are a full-cycle product agency delivering a beautiful design with a passion for startups & leading brands. We are a team of dedicated professionals creating the eye-catching and functional designs of a website, mobile, and desktop applications, and brand identity strategies.

We combine expertise in UX, UI design, and web/mobile development to help you conceive, build, launch and steer digital products. Our team works with clients to help them build applications that are intuitive, scalable, and friendly. We design websites and apps based on design discovery, prototyping, and design development.

What is "design" for you?

For me, design is about communicating feelings through visual sensations and unique experiences. The design provides an opportunity to create distinction, in visual communication, service, or product design by adding your personal touch. A good design should always be able to fulfill the needs of the users and clients. As a rule, we all agree that form follows function. In other words, design is about finding the most satisfying way to solve a problem or provide a response to a need. It is an art form that combines functionality and aesthetics.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

In the past few years, I have become passionate about the design of the user interface. It is a challenging task to design a functional interface that is designed to meet the needs of a specific user, as I often have a hard time seeing things from the other person's perspective. But I also love working on UX projects, as it allows me to create a great product that is always satisfied by the end-users.

I mainly work on digital projects, where I try to create solutions that connect people.

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

It is not always easy to choose a project or a collaboration. However, I am satisfied with the results of many of these projects. Edvoy was a turning point in my career, as it was the first multidisciplinary project that I worked on completely. Initially, the journey was hard, but it allowed me to meet some of the most interesting people in the industry. It also gave me the opportunity to work with some of the most innovative digital and analog technologies.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

It was a web design project for a beauty salon: an exciting project but just a hell of a client. I had no experience in communicating with clients, and I thought that "The client is always right." However, this is not entirely true. Therefore, he put me through the wringer; there were a lot of corrections and concepts. As a result, I created my design concept, not according to the brief and vision of the client. Guess what - it was approved by the client right away with minor corrections. It was my little victory, but still, it was not the most pleasant experience. After that, I had thoughts to end up designing, but I decided that one client is not an indicator. After this, I pulled up my technical and communication skills a bit and continued to work with the design.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

I prefer using Google Material Design, Human Interface by Apple, and the Design Thinking approach. I leave enough time for creativity, but firstly, the design must be functional. I usually follow these frameworks in my work. They are especially effective when developing mobile and desktop applications. It’s essential to do things that may be easily implemented later, and that will work well, the sequence and rules are crucial for the developers. I can provide that, and it does all the chemistry between us.

When do you feel the most creative?

It is hard to say, but I believe that once the customer trusts you enough, you can reach the creative peak. After giving you a track, you can then experiment with different solutions to the more canonical ones.

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

I believe in the strength of collaboration and I combine empathizing, defining, ideating, and strategy with designing and testing.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

Honestly, it's something I've never thought about. I don't think I can identify a single one, it's more a whirlwind of emotions that can vary from project to project. There is a concept in Psychology called "Flow" that refers to the state of being in the zone, which is the state where one is fully engaged in an activity. This is because, in this state, one is absorbing everything that one does, and this process results in a complete transformation of one's sense of time, which helps me do my job.

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

Sometimes, it can be hard to be completely satisfied with the results of a project. However, at other times, it is also a good feeling to know that you have delivered a product that the customer needs. The goal of every project is to reach its goal, and once it does, magic happens.

What makes a design successful?

A successful design is something that can be attributed to the appreciation of the end-users. I believe that my opinion and that of the customer must be technical and critical, but then the user's appreciation will always have the last word.

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

I think, first impression matters, but I would advise focusing on usability. It is a make-or-break issue. For me, good design is functional design. I always use "it works" and "it doesn't work" as an objective judgment meter. I would never describe a design as ugly or beautiful, as these are not the ideal points of view.

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

I design solutions to cater to the individuals' needs. Well-designed products improve how people accomplish tasks and as a result, the operation of society as a whole. A good designer can also be a powerful tool for organizations that are committed to addressing various environmental and social issues. In our small way, I try to make sure that our clients are aware of the importance of being socially and environmentally responsible. This is because, like everyone else, the designer is expected to behave responsibly. We can convey complicated things in a language that is easy to understand, and also, through trial and error, improve existing principles and things. For example, a designer can create a universal type of bottle that, during production, will use 50% less plastic but remain convenient and functional.

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

Obviously, over the past century, the design field has evolved and expanded. I guess this tendency will get even a faster pace in the future. To my mind, in the near future design will get more paramount. It will address even more complex problems. Design is not only a beautiful cover; the design is a problem-solving tool. Technologies like AR / VR / MR / XR will change major industries like medicine, architecture, transportation, space, and the automotive industry. An excellent example of Elon Musk with his ideas. Do not also forget about Biodesign: unity with nature is now more relevant than ever.

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

Recently, I have not devoted much time to exhibitions and publications, but I hope this year to fix everything. My designs have already won a few awards at the A’Design Award & Competition and other award exhibitions, and I will not stop there. Follow the news, and soon you will be able to learn more about new exhibitions and publications first.

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

My main source of inspiration is the people, as well as the endless variety of stimuli that can be found around me. I also spend a lot of time on sites like Dribbble and Behance, where other designers share their work. This helps me to look at my work more objectively. But it should be clarified that the designer is not an artist. We do not need muse or external factors to create. Designers use principles, guidelines, laws of physics, and codes. Until the moment of “Creative,” there are as many as five stages of UX processes that create the basis of the product, and only one stage is the creation of the visual part of the design.

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?

I never stop exploring myself. Every new task opens up new sources in me. I would say I value simplicity. I strongly believe in the principle that' genus is based on simplicity. Each project is a news story. I can’t use styles from the children's online store for the banking system project. I can say that the approach to working with each project has a style. I must always be able to offer the most suitable solution for the customer. This is the approach that I developed for myself over the years of practice and which I use to make projects successful.

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 used to live in Kyiv. Ukraine is my native country, and I feel 100% Ukrainian mentally. I was forced to leave my home country because of the war. The uneducated russians decided to destroy Ukraine, me, my family, my children, and the entire centuries-old culture, but their dreams will never come true. At the moment, I see vast perspectives for design in Ukraine. Now all Ukrainian designers are broadcasting to the world through their work, collecting millions of views, subscribers, and money to help. Our country has a huge historical and cultural background in design. There are a lot of talented young professionals capable of delivering quality products. This fact inspires and motivates me to develop in the field.

How do you work with companies?

Different collaborations. I create beautiful designs with equal passion for startups and leading brands. I help my clients’ businesses to grow and develop through distinctive, meaningful, and enduring design. Whether they run a multinational corporation, a small independent venture, or something in between, if you’d like to collaborate on the design, redesign, or refinement of their visual branding, it’d be great to see if we’re the right fit.

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

One of the most important things that I can give to companies is to make sure that they are hiring the right professional. This is because, ideally, a good designer will want to work for you in the best possible way.

However, these should not limit the work of the individual who will be working for you. The first step in choosing a good designer is to look at his or her portfolio. Aside from the portfolio, the other factors that a client should consider are the working method and the approach that the designer takes.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

The process that a designer uses can vary depending on the type of project that they are working on. However, it can be done simply and can be divided into five phases: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.

Although it may seem like a linear process, every project should be iterative. This means that I will continue to develop the designs as I gather more information about the end-users. For instance, if I receive feedback during testing, I might need to look into developing new ideas.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

One of the most important objects that I carry with me when it comes to design is my Macbook Pro. This is because it is an extension of my mind and body. Being in focus mode is always an asterisk task, especially when you're on the road, in a public place, or just have kids. That's why I use BEATS Studio3 Wireless, they always save me in the most stressful situations.

The other things are not professionally related, but they are part of my routine and I enjoy using them. A morning cup of coffee brewed in the V60 gives me energy for the whole day.

Can you describe a day in your life?

Working remotely I have to do a lot of things by myself. My day starts with brewing coffee, taking the child to the kindergarten, then a quick greeting to my colleagues.

Then the most exciting part begins. The first thing I do is read the emails and decide how to set the day, then work until lunchtime.

After the lunch break, my work begins again. It usually involves writing emails, and calls, meeting with clients and working on projects that must always be ready ahead of schedule. At the end of the day, I usually head to the kindergarten to pick up my children. I divide myself between the gym and love life, and now and then I can even see some friends who are now starting to doubt my existence!

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

As for young designers, my advice is 'be dedicated to what you do'. Explore, learn different technologies, follow the news, read the blogs by seniors, and read a lot. Now there is a lot of information and literature, audio, and video content. These are sources of insider information in the public domain. Use it if it is available. The best way to test and improve your skills is to work. Do not be lazy, and you will be rewarded. Find an agency of your liking, where you can work in a team, and ask a lot of questions to senior and experienced who have already gotten bumps. It will be an invaluable experience. As to those who decided to hire a young professional I would advise keeping calm, being appreciative and supportive, and not forgetting that we all were young professionals some time ago.

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

As a true fan of my work, I can see only positive aspects here. Clients come to me with business problems, and with the help of design, I offer them business solutions. Sometimes these are global changes that directly affect/help users, and that's cool. The negative side of being a designer is that we are not artists and cannot just do whatever we want because there are tasks that need to be addressed. Besides, the designer’s job is not only to create, but it’s also sales, management, and marketing, which are quite tiring because you can’t just relax and create.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

One of the most important factors that a designer should consider when it comes to developing a project is empathy. This is because, to come up with a solution, a designer must first experience the situation.

What skills are most important for a designer?

This is a controversial question. Creativity is, of course, an important skill, but it is not necessary to be a genius to work as a designer. Now the designer is more of a technical specialty, so cramming or learning and understanding the basic rules and practice will help to become a good designer.

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

I rely on sites like Dribbble and Behance for inspiration. They allow me to create mood boards and collections that are useful for the creative process. Miro, Figma, Sketch, and InVision are the main tools in my work. Another tool that I use is Jira, which allows me to manage my work even when I am working with multiple agencies and freelancers.

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

There are many tasks and distractions, especially when you work for yourself or own an agency. During a pandemic, many office workers felt how it's like to be focused when Netflix, a sofa, and a refrigerator, seduce you, or when children think you have a day off.

Usually, I plan out each day’s activities and try to stick to the plan. Plus, for me, it is very important to find the right time for the right activity to stay productive all day long. It is also important not only to plan but also to take stock of what has been done. You can determine which tasks you have done and which have not, and why. Thus, you can understand what blocked you and exclude these factors.

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

It depends on the object's complexity. It may take from several days up to several months, actually. At this time, when the world is changing rapidly and dictating its own rules, I cannot develop some projects for months. Business needs to offer quick solutions that are relevant now. We killed a perfectionist. We took maximum responsibility and decisions on ourselves. For us, the speed of response, relevance, and strength of an idea is more critical than a licked creative.

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

How much does it cost? Why is it so expensive/long?

Many, not all, customers have no understanding of what designers do. Many people think that the designer opens Photoshop, sits at the computer for several minutes, and everything is ready. Design is something everyone can do, but not everyone has time for this. This mistaken vision has existed for a long time. In such cases, I try to explain the process of creating a design, or rather a solution to a business problem. As soon as they learn some details of the process, and how thoughtful and vital it is for the development and launch of a successful project, they cease to be so frivolous about design.

What was your most important job experience?

With each new project, I am becoming a little better than yesterday. I always try to implement new technology in a project and create a new concept. In this way, it gets possible not to stop and develop all the time. One such project was the development of an AR application for LG Uplus along with the EyeCandyLab team from Augmented Reality. Then it was my first touch of Additional Reality not as a user but as a designer. This project gave me deeper knowledge and skills in using new technology in practice. Now I use this experience to make new projects more successful. By adding new functionality, applications become better and more popular as they solve even more tasks.

Who are some of your clients?

One of my favorite clients is LG Uplus. Through my work with agencies and freelancers, I was able to connect with some of the most promising companies in the world such as Helen Marlen Group, EAK Digital, EyeCandyLab, Augmented Reality, Stadium, Interview-Maker, Wheels for Wishes, InstyMeds, Comfort Life, Piastrix, Meela (Juno baby), Shopafor, Edvoy, IECabroad.

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

I’m always curious about the result. Thus, I enjoy finding new ways of doing things or solving issues.

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

Every year, I set new goals. However, I also believe that it is important to get lost to reach your goals, exploring and daring are as important as planning. In the future, I hope to continue developing my brand and increase my visibility.

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

I firmly believe that sharing and constructive comparison can help people expand their horizons and develop new ideas. It can also help them identify areas of their creativity that they may not have considered before. Everything I do immediately affects my teammates. Thus, there is no division between developing myself and developing my team at the moment. We are improving and we are doing our best.

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

I have been working on an exciting NFT marketplace lately and would love to share its details with you, but I can't do that yet. Stay tuned so you do not miss out.

How can people contact you?

They can contact me through my contact form on the website or by email. Or on Facebook, Instagram, Dribbble, and Behance.

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

I am grateful for your interesting questions that gave me a wonderful possibility to present myself. If you have exciting ideas that you want to implement or you need to reformat, or improve the business, my team, and I will help you succeed in this and start/restart your products.

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The design interview data shown in our design interview page with Artur Konariev regarding Edvoy Educational Platform comes from the Design Interviews platform, where leading designers, architects and brands are interviewed regarding their award-winning designs, products and projects.