Alexey Chugunnikov

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Alexey Chugunnikov ("AC") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

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

AC : In 1999 obtained Master degree in Saint-Petersburg Academy of Art and Design, Industrial Design Department. I still work in the field of industrial design.

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

AC : I was inspired by wordknown smart design solutions. To create something the same by myself.

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

AC : My childhood dream was to become an artist, then it led me to design. So it was my personal decision.

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

AC : now I work at design of TV stands and monitor brackets. But actually i am looking and thinking about design all around me. always find things to improve or do better

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

AC : look around, be in eternal search! There are so many problems that could be solved by design.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

AC : The main difference is skill and experience. And they only come with time and practice.

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

AC : A design is successful when it is in demand and at the same time invisible in use. When a person interacts with an object intuitively, without any additional means.

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

AC : The value of good design is maximum comfort for everyone, from the consumer to the manufacturer.

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

AC : I would like to try myself in developing toys and accessories for children.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

AC : I'm waiting for him!

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

AC : Every product that I create, I pass through myself, I put my soul into it

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

AC : Many designers are an example for me; their works make me work harder to get closer to their results.

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

AC : This is usually a minimalist design, it's close to me. I try to work in it myself.

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

AC : I have developed an item that makes it easier for people with poor eyesight to thread a needle.

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

AC : Be in constant search of sources of inspiration. Don't stand still, learn and develop.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

AC : Perhaps I would be an artist

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

AC : As I see, design is a comprehensive and concise solution, where functionality, environmental friendliness, manufacturability, ergonomics and aesthetics are the most important elements. Design is a more comfortable world, where for a minimum of means in creation, a maximum in expressing the result.

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

AC : Thanks to my teachers from the design academy (S.V. Mirzoyan, S.G. Danilov, E.P. Ivanova, etc.) Thanks to them, I am who I am.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

AC : It’s hard to call yourself great. This assessment should be given by the users of my design.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

AC : I recommend to take part in various competitions, exhibitions and publications. Don’t be afraid of different opinions!

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

AC : Currently I work on accessories for TV and monitors. Stay tuned for new releases.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

AC : Make the world the better place.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

AC : Unexpected and smart decisions.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

AC : Design that embodies comfort, technology, and beauty will help make society better.

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

AC : Nowadays we spend more and more time in front of screens and monitors. My task is to make this pastime comfortable and safe. For this purpose, I design aesthetic and practical things.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

AC : I enjoy every project I complete. Each of them resonates with me in its own way.

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

AC : I would like to see new technologies that allow the use of new materials. And also allowing the close use of AI.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

AC : Design and its development in the future will be aimed at solving the environmental problems of the planet, in particular, greater use of recycled materials, disposal of used products, recycling, development of new materials and products made from them that are not harmful to nature.

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

AC : Everything will depend on the complexity of the project. From several days, to several months, years...

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

AC : I start a project with preparatory work, analyzing the situation and identifying the problem.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

AC : Minimum means, maximum expression.

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

AC : Of course, design sets trends)

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

AC : Technology plays a critical role in design and material selection.

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

AC : I use vector editors and 3D design programs in design.

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

AC : Color, materials, textures, as well as their combinations, are the main elements in design, and have a special role in product design.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

AC : People may not ask me any questions, but simply say their opinion and this will be the most valuable thing for me.

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

AC : Wow, this is great! why it was not me who sugested this solution?!

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

AC : My best partner is my client who clearly knows what he wants and what he needs. Design is the answer to a clearly stated question.

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

AC : My teachers, great masters of world design.

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

AC : Most books I read are about marketing, cause I think that marketing is a significant part of modern design.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

AC : observation and practice can do us better.

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

AC : I would like to meet D. Rams. The greatest designer!

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

AC : I don’t consider myself a famous person. Every new award is a proof to me that I am moving in the right direction in my design.

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

AC : I don't want to put myself in any restrictions. My preferences for color, food, place depend on my mood and other circumstances

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

AC : When work comes easily and naturally. A satisfying result is the best motivation.

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

AC : It was obvious that I would either become an artist or a musician. When I was a little child I didn't know about such a concept as “design”