Nataliya Sambir

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Nataliya Sambir ("NS") 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?

NS : I always loved creativity, but I also had a strong technical side. I studied applied mathematics and first worked as a developer. Later I moved to interface design, where I could mix logic with creativity.

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

NS : I like helping people through design. It’s not only about how it looks but also about solving problems and creating emotional connections.

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

NS : It was my choice. Design allowed me to combine analytical thinking with creativity.

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

NS : I work in product and interface design. In the future, I want to focus more on AI-powered experiences and next-generation digital products.

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

NS : Go beyond visuals. Learn user research, design psychology, and how design supports business goals.

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

NS : A good designer solves problems. A great designer challenges assumptions and creates solutions that change the game.

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

NS : Good design works. Great design works and also feels effortless and emotional. I look at both data and user feedback.

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

NS : Good design increases sales, loyalty, and user satisfaction. It directly supports business growth.

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

NS : I would help designers discover their uniqueness, work on mindset, and grow into industry leaders.

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

NS : A platform for learning sign language so everyone can communicate on a basic level with deaf people. Also, I want to create a research center on design psychology.

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

NS : Mixing engineering thinking with empathy. I see design through both data and emotions.

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

NS : Jony Ive, who shaped Apple’s design language with simplicity and elegance.

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

NS : I enjoy award-winning works for their innovation. Also, I like how Apple under Marko keeps pushing for clean, emotional design.

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

NS : Each project is special. I value Reverso because I worked on it for years and felt deeply connected. Also, Linkup ST's branding, which reflects our true vision.

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

NS : I developed empathy, communication, and analytical skills. I also learned how design impacts business.

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

NS : I would probably work in development or product analytics.

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

NS : Design is the mix of aesthetics, function, and human psychology that shapes experiences and behavior.

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

NS : My environment: my team, my parents, and friends. Their support was essential.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

NS : Constant learning, persistence, connecting business and empathy — and going where it feels scary.

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

NS : Doubts in my skills, finding my style, and resisting industry clichés to build my own voice.

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

NS : Not only visuals, but also logic: research, impact, and how it solves business and user needs.

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

NS : We are creating a line of flagship design services that combine beauty, function, and business impact.

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

NS : To create products that truly change people’s lives and help form a strong design culture.

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

NS : They expect confidence and innovation. But clients value it most when you dive deep into their business problems, not just show expertise.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

NS : It makes things simple and accessible. Design removes barriers and builds more inclusive environments.

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

NS : I am growing our design department and exploring how to make it stronger and more innovative.

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

NS : Reverso, for helping millions of users, and Linkup ST's branding, which became a real reflection of us.

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

NS : More focus on quality, psychology, and emotions, less on shallow trends.

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

NS : Toward combining AI, neuroscience, and design. Future interfaces will anticipate user needs.

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

NS : From weeks to months, depending on complexity. Some projects are long-term, where we keep improving continuously.

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

NS : With research: users, market, and business goals. Then I create concepts based on that.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

NS : Don’t fall in love with your design. Always see where it can be better.

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

NS : Design sets trends when it’s authentic and bold. Trends just follow strong ideas.

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

NS : Technology is a tool. It should serve people, not the other way around.

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

NS : Figma, Miro, ProtoPie, Google Analytics, Hotjar. Hardware: MacBook Pro.

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

NS : They express the brand and create emotional context that completes the functional design.

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

NS : “How did you come up with this? What inspired this idea?”

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

NS : Yes, co-design is powerful. My ideal partner is someone with different thinking, like a strategist or analyst.

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

NS : My team, clients on challenging projects, and design peers from the industry.

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

NS : “The Design of Everyday Things,” “Emotional Design,” and books on psychology and behavioral economics.

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

NS : Through learning, awards, and reflecting after each project, plus real-world practice with users.

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

NS : I once interviewed Donald Norman on YouTube and spoke with Krug about redesigns. I’d also love to talk with Jakob Nielsen and Alan Cooper.

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

NS : It’s nice, but it’s about teamwork and proof we’re on the right path, not fame.

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

NS : Color: Terracotta Place: Lviv and Paris Food: Smoothie bowls Season: Early autumn Brand: Apple for consistency and attention to detail.

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

NS : Once, a client brought a paper prototype to show animation speed. He pulled paper on a string to imitate UI motion. It was funny but worked perfectly.

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

NS : Seeing our design make a real impact and getting positive feedback from users.

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

NS : I was into both math and art. I programmed young but also acted in theater and painted. Nobody knew which path I’d take.

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

NS : Technology will blend so well into life that it becomes invisible, giving us more time for conscious living.

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

NS : Design is logic plus emotion. My biggest wish is for designers to see their work truly changes the world.