Igor Dydykin

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Igor Dydykin ("ID") 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?

ID : Graduated from Tolyatti School of Fine Art in 2004. Graduated from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University in 2014 with a degree in Industrial design. The course included a range of different disciplines from sketching and model making to study engineering, ergonomics, bionics and materials. Graduated MA Product Design course in Sheffield Institute of Arts, Sheffield Hallam University in 2016. Studying on the MA it was constantly challenged to think differently about design and creatively push boundaries, while developing the skills needed to become more imaginative and professional designer. I did a 3-month internship in the RENAULT-AVTOVAZ design center creating SUV concept exteriors for local market 2011 (Togliatti, Russia). Was an intern in the Design Futures doing medical equipment for AXIS and concept steering wheel and gearbox for LandRover 2014-2016 (Sheffield, UK). With multidisciplinary SHURacing Team designed the Formula Student racing car for Silverstone International Competition 2015-2016 (Sheffield, UK). Worked on the regional Project Office at Samara Technical University participating in design and analysis sessions 2017-2018 (Samara, Russia). In 2018 founded my own studio with my wife, Anzelika.

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

ID : I always loved the work that is visible - when you put effort, imagination and you get something completely new, interesting. A big role in my development as a designer was played by my family. As a child, I attended art school, where I received my first drawing, sculpture, and artistic thinking skills. And even during high school, the family helped organize my studies at the RENAULT-AVTOVAZ design center, where I saw all the stages of creating a car from an idea to a prototype, talked with professional designers and moddelers. This helped me a lot during my studies in industrial design at the Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg, and then in obtaining the MA in Product Design in Sheffield Hallam University in UK. Recently, with my wife, Anzelika, we created DYDYKIN Studio, where we plan to create our own projects and provide design services around the world. We are at the beginning of a big journey!

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

ID : After school, when I needed to choose a university, I failed the preliminary exams for Industrial Design at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and my family began to dissuade me, recommending to choose something else. But this failure only inspired me, and gave me confidence that this is what I want to do next!

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

ID : We create objects and creative solutions as a context for changes in which a person gains a new experience and begins to think in a new way. We create items for active families, design lovers and conscious consumers. Generally speaking, you can trust us to invent simple things that work well.

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

ID : I'm not a legend yet, I'm still young designer pushing personal borders and making my best every day.

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

ID : Open-mindedness and Flexibility. Usually designers work on perspective, and what we use now was designed 3-5-15 years ago. So, great designer living today knows how the World will change positively and negatively in future; and they need to be flexible to influence habitual approaches today.

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

ID : I think good design is invisible design. All we don’t notice and naturally continue to use it, is probably a good design. And does it correspond to the purpose for which it was made or not.

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

ID : Design is kind of navigator in business process, we use navigator to reach the desired point avoiding unwanted obstacles and difficult areas. Good design plays the same role in the process of creating a new product for business, showing the best development options, minimizing costs and, most importantly, achieving the intended goal.

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

ID : One of the areas of my interest is the creation of objects for children, since the foundation of an adult is laid in childhood, it is important to be able to create conditions for cultivating a full-fledged personality. Observing my son, I see the importance of safe, multifunctional and natural surrounding environment for his wellbeing.

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

ID : Playground for children and adults. While the best I've seen in this area is doing the Danish company MONSTRUM.

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

ID : Honestly tell yourself about your desires and strive to realize them as early as possible. Then there is a chance that you will not be torn from internal thoughts and feelings about a nonexistent project.

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

ID : The most influential to me are Dieter Rams, Marc Newson and Philippe Starck.

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

ID : To be honest I'm not a big fan of things. I pay more attention to the effect that they have on society and how these design approaches change this society. From this position, the works of Dieter Rams and Philippe Starck are most pronounced for me.

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

ID : I think, it is the birdhouse "Domik Ptashki", because it is simple and functional.

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

ID : Do nothing, the one who seeks to achieve something always does way too much. It is better to stop and hear your inner needs and then return to your business on a new level.

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

ID : I had found ways to become a designer anyway.

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

ID : Design is a tool for creating a context of changes in a person and surrounding environment.

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

ID : I am who I am because of great support of my family.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

ID : My family and my inner voice.

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

ID : See question 3: After school, when I needed to choose a university, I failed the preliminary exams for Industrial Design at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and my family began to dissuade me, recommending to choose something else. But this failure only inspired me, and gave me confidence that this is what I want to do next!

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

ID : Today’s formats are Behance portfolio, or A’Design award strong enough for self-presentation.

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

ID : We have a project Stoyka for exercise at home or the office. This project may be especially relevant for those who want to stay fit and develop their abilities even during a pandemic when they are recommended staying at home.

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

ID : To convey this World further in a better condition than inherited!

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

ID : That I’ll do my work today better than yesterday.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

ID : Do less things, create more values!

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

ID : It's a secret.

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

ID : Project Domik Ptashki gave a feelling of satisfaction, as it’s clear, useful and naturally fit today’s world.

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

ID : One of the useful directions of the design of the future is to create a connection between Human and Nature. When we stop opposing ourselves to our natural environment, we have a chance to discover something new.

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

ID : Shape simplicity and technology difficulty.

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

ID : Depending on the complexity of the project. When fully included in the process from 2 weeks to 3 months

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

ID : Сonducting in-depth analysis

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

ID : "That every man must convey this World further in a better condition than he inherited!"

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

ID : Both are possible.

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

ID : Strong enough, we use Internet doing research and team communication; apply modern software Adobe CC and Fusion 360.

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

ID : Black pen and list of paper, Adobe CC and Fusion 360

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

ID : It’s better to know from design books, personally I think it influences customers perceptions and using-experience.

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

ID : No expectations, I'm interested in their unique opinion.

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

ID : «Oh, wow! I'm not alone on this path”

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

ID : I am happy with my team, but I would like to co-work with Alessi.

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

ID : Roger Bateman, course leader at Sheffield Institute of Arts, his attitude, professional approach and open-mindedness inspired me to move forward.

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

ID : Dieter Rams: As Little Design As Possible. Autor: Sophie Lovell

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

ID : Nothing special, just doing my best.

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

ID : Probably with my grandfather Konstantin Sakharov, he was a great person with the unique way of thinking that was far ahead of his time.

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

ID : As a step on my way to company development.

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

ID : Ask my wife, Anzelika, she is responsible for it.

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

ID : There is no such thing yet.

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

ID : When I see or feel the difference between yesterday and today, to keep a diary is a good practice for it.

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

ID : Nothing like that, just played LEGO a lot.

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

ID : It will definitely differ from our time, but in which direction it will be better or worse, it depends on our actions today.

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

ID : I set all my vision, skills, and tools to create client-oriented design service to produce designs that will help their consumers.