Interview with Cansu Cetin

Quop is a design-driven health tech company focused on transforming the way children with type 1 diabetes manage their condition. At Quop, we prioritize thoughtful, user-centered design that blends functionality with empathy. Our flagship product, QuopKit, is a smart insulin pen that combines precise dosing with seamless digital integration. By applying industrial design principles and innovative technology, we create products that not only solve real-world problems but also enhance the overall experience for both patients and their families. Every detail is carefully crafted to provide simplicity, efficiency, and emotional support in the complex world of diabetes management.

Design is the art of reimagining what already exists. It’s about deconstructing the ordinary and reassembling it into something impactful.

While my journey has primarily been shaped by the healthcare and automotive sectors, an upcoming project fills me with excitement. In this endeavor, I will explore a new paradigm—one that reinterprets material selection and manufacturing techniques through the lens of ancient human history. This approach seeks to reconnect with the origins of time itself, drawing inspiration from the forgotten whispers of the past, and weaving them into a contemporary narrative that honors both innovation and timeless tradition.

I focus most on understanding the target user group. Their needs, behaviors, and challenges guide the design process, ensuring that every decision serves to enhance their experience.

There's a bit of chaos in the process, but also that perfect moment when everything just clicks. It's a thrilling ride, full of unexpected twists and creative sparks!

It's rewarding to know that something once imagined in my head is now real, making an impact and connecting with people.

A successful design feels instinctive, as if it was always meant to exist in that form, seamlessly serving its purpose without effort.

I look at how well it connects with the user.

We, as designers, have the power to dictate the future, and we must design with a purpose—one that doesn’t just follow trends, but sets new standards for sustainability. Our responsibility is to design for longevity, not convenience, and to prioritize the planet over profit. We must lead the change, not just adapt to it.

Design won’t just be about creating; it will embrace multidimensionality and collaboration, focusing on creating together, across boundaries, and for the collective good.

Since childhood, I’ve found inspiration in nature. No matter where I am in the world, I always find a hidden place to escape to—somewhere that feels just mine. Over time, this has become a personal ritual. I think it’s the act of discovering and experiencing something deeply personal that fuels my creativity and keeps me inspired.

It is rooted in curiosity and storytelling. I’m drawn to hidden details, quiet contrasts, and unexpected connections. I tend to reinterpret rather than invent—questioning what already exists and reshaping it with a new narrative. It’s an intuitive process guided by empathy, observation, and a desire to create something that feels both familiar and fresh.

I work with companies by blending disciplines—design, research, and narrative thinking—to uncover what truly matters. I enjoy diving deep into different worlds, building connections between teams, and shaping ideas that feel both strategic and human. Each collaboration becomes a shared exploration, not just a task to complete.

My design process always begins with understanding the user—observing, listening, and identifying real needs. From there, I define the problem with clarity, then explore possibilities through research, sketching, and prototyping. I like to stay open to unexpected directions and let intuition guide me alongside logic. Throughout the process, I seek emotional depth, simplicity, and meaning—something that not only works, but resonates.

What makes them special isn’t just the objects themselves—it's the memories attached to them. A frisbee from Portugal, a traditional Japanese tea set, the hat I wore during Survival Week in California, a wooden tropical bird on a long stick my boyfriend brought me (though it feels like it was more for him), and the modern wooden birdhouse we designed for outdoors.

My golden rule in design is to create with the idea of transformation. Nothing should be static or final—design should invite change, evolve with its surroundings, and be born with the potential for reinvention.

The most important skills include attentive observation, empathy, and a strong instinct for research. One must have the power to rethink and reshape existing concepts, as well as the ability to craft narratives that shape experiences. The capacity to visualize and construct possibilities is equally crucial, as it allows for anticipating needs and pushing boundaries.

Sometimes, you need to create an MVP-level design to test user needs, while at other times, you must follow regulations and procedures step by step. I adapt my approach based on the project’s unique demands, ensuring that every step is aligned with the overall goals and timelines.

"Are you coming up with all of this on your own?"

You can contact me via email at cansucetin@quop.info. I'm always open to new ideas and collaborations!