Gayane Belonovich

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Gayane Belonovich ("GB") 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?

GB : I started my career in 2011 after graduating from university with a degree in Design. Throughout my career, I’ve taken various courses to continuously improve and refine my design skills.

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

GB : I enjoy solving problems through design. I don’t recall making a conscious decision to become a designer—it all came together naturally for me.

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

GB : As I mentioned, it all happened naturally for me. I never really questioned what I wanted to study. There was one well-known university in my city that offered a design program, so that’s where I went. From there, things unfolded just as seamlessly with work—I didn’t even have to look for a jo, the employer found me.

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

GB : I design user interfaces. My wish is to create more designs that solve significant societal problems and evolve alongside technological advancements.

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

GB : Constantly hone your craft, take on challenging freelance projects, and collaborate with the best in the field. Strive for excellence and embrace every opportunity to grow and evolve.

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

GB : That’s a really interesting question, and I don’t think there’s a single, definitive answer. Some truly great designers may never gain widespread recognition because they quietly excel at their work without seeking the spotlight. However, when I think of great designers, I’m inspired by people like Dieter Rams, whose principles of good design have shaped decades of product development, or Jony Ive, who transformed how we interact with technology through his work at Apple. They both demonstrate that great design is not just about solving problems but doing so in a way that feels timeless, intuitive, and human.

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

GB : A good design becomes truly great when it seamlessly balances form and function. It solves a real problem, feels intuitive to the user, and evokes a sense of delight or satisfaction. For instance, I find the design of the Google homepage brilliant. It’s simple, intuitive, and solves the problem of accessing information with absolute clarity.

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

GB : The value of good design lies in its ability to solve problems, create seamless experiences, and build meaningful connections between people and products. It’s not just about how something looks—it’s about how it works and how it makes people feel. Investing in good design is essential because it drives user satisfaction, improves efficiency, and ultimately leads to better business outcomes. Products with great design stand out in competitive markets, foster trust, and create loyalty. Whether it’s simplifying complex systems, saving time, or enhancing daily interactions, good design adds value at every level—functional, emotional, and financial.

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

GB : Empathy. Truly understanding users’ needs and challenges is the foundation of my design process.

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

GB : Dieter Rams, Jony Ive, and Don Norman for their timeless principles and human-centered design.

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

GB : A B2B banking platform I designed—it simplifies complex workflows, is highly customizable, and solves real user pain points effectively.

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

GB : Practice relentlessly, seek feedback, collaborate with diverse teams, and never stop learning. I’ve always taken courses and worked with strong professionals to grow.

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

GB : Design is problem-solving with creativity. It’s about making life easier, more accessible, and meaningful.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

GB : Curiosity, perseverance, and the willingness to step out of my comfort zone to tackle new challenges.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

GB : Design improves accessibility, simplifies complexity, and bridges gaps between people, technology, and opportunities.

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

GB : Towards AI-driven tools and personalized user experiences, along with a stronger focus on sustainability.

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

GB : The timeline varies. Some projects take a few weeks to complete, while others require ongoing iterations based on user feedback and shifting business goals. Design is rarely “finalized”—it’s an evolving process.

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

GB : By understanding the user’s needs, the problem to solve, and the business goals.

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

GB : It’s a balance—design can shape trends, but trends also influence how design evolves.

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

GB : I use tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Miro.