Interview with Igor Dydykin
DYDYKIN is a design and innovation firm headed by Igor Dydykin. Our design is about creating a deeper connection between people, the environment and the things we own.
Designer of the Day Interview
5 July 2021
Igor Dydykin, designer, born 1990 in Russia. Graduated Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University with a degree in Industrial design, 2014. Graduated MA Product Design at Sheffield Hallam University, 2016. Was an intern in the Design Futures (Sheffield, UK) doing product design of medical equipment for AXIS and steering wheel and gearbox for LandRover 2014-2016. With multidisciplinary SHU Racing Team (Sheffield, UK) designed the Formula Student racing car for Silverstone International Competition 2015-2016.
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 centre, where I saw all the stages of creating a car from an idea to a prototype, talked with professional designers and modellers.
This helped me a lot during my studies in industrial design at the Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg, and then in obtaining the MA Product Design in Sheffield Hallam University, 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!
And even during high school, the family helped organize my studies at the RENAULT-AVTOVAZ design centre, where I saw all the stages of creating a car from an idea to a prototype, talked with professional designers and modellers.
This helped me a lot during my studies in industrial design at the Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg, and then in obtaining the MA Product Design in Sheffield Hallam University, 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!
For me, the main thing in design is the meaning of the project so that the product makes a positive contribution to this world or helps a person become better. Any technique, tool and inspiration can be applied.
I am glad when I see examples of good design and I am probably too critical of things that seem imperfect to me. In most cases, I try to express my emotions and comments in the form of sketches and new ideas for the next projects.
My grandfather's example made me think in broad categories, he was not afraid to dream and saw possible ways of developing different areas for many years to come. I think communication with him influenced my vision of design, as the need to anticipate future trends and offer my own version of its development.
I love when design helps create a deeper connection between people, the environment, and the things we own. My aim is to find the most effective, convenient, and beautiful way to solve the problem. Design things that stimulate human to growth, increases his abilities, creating new experience increasing life quality.
One of the projects I dream about is a design of a playground for children and adults. While the best I've seen in this area is doing the Danish company MONSTRUM.
One of the projects I dream about is a design of a playground for children and adults. While the best I've seen in this area is doing the Danish company MONSTRUM.
Practice, study new, practice more – study more! Stay yourself, no one is interested in copies. Be yourself.
The great phrase was said by Michael Jordan: “Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” So and I will not stop, if I walk on my path.
After morning physical activities and breakfast, I contact with my team and we discuss current projects, then together with my wife co-work on business process improvements, depending on the day-type I do several type of activities in the studio, but every day I finish with setting plans for the next day, week, month etc. Planning is time-consuming, but it worth it.
I do a search, analyze and discuss other’s designs through social media and professional platforms like Designer, Behance etc. My team also brings on the table new designs they discovered. We communicate and share thought with each other. However, our focus is on identifying areas we can improve. Our own lives are our prime inspirations.
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.
We understand it when design satisfies the need. The need/the challenge/the problem should be solved by the design. When it happens – design is ready.
I am proud of each of my design works. But Domik Ptashki was the most significant, as it was the design I started with my professional way. Today, we are in the process of setting the production to sell it worldwide. The feedback is great, and people want that new level of communication with Nature. We are happy to create it.
The most influential to me are Dieter Rams, Marc Newson and Philippe Starck.
I try to live my life the way I feel it is right. And my design is the answer on problems that rises from my lifestyle. I design for those who are like me – active, human-oriented, family-oriented people with dreams and desire to convey this world to a better Future. Life inspires me. I change locations to challenge myself, to learn more, to study my abilities and see where else I can be helpful.
Our team consists of talented guys living in Russia, many underestimate their qualities, professional level and perspective on the international arena. With the right approach, we can show our benefits for the international design market, especially as builders of cultural bridges between east, south and west.
I buy software for talented guys, I invite them to participate in studio projects. I give lectures and meetings with students and schoolchildren on the topic of design thinking and professional orientation.
I look forward to when the borders will open and when the award will take place, then I will be able to share my impressions. For me, participation in competitions is an investment in the development of my studio. I am deeply convinced that the recognition of my work at a competition of such a scale as A’Design will allow my potential clients to see me, get acquainted with my vision, as well as my real clients to be even more convinced of the right choice. The Designer of the Day for me is an honor, an opportunity and one more step towards my goals: to help people live better.
Interview about Nagrada Award Design Interview
Interview about Stool Glavy Roda Chair Design Interview
Interview about Domik Ptashki Birdhouse Design Interview
Design Legend Interview
5 July 2021
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
I'm not a legend yet, I'm still young designer pushing personal borders and making my best every day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Playground for children and adults. While the best I've seen in this area is doing the Danish company MONSTRUM.
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.
The most influential to me are Dieter Rams, Marc Newson and Philippe Starck.
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.
I think, it is the birdhouse "Domik Ptashki", because it is simple and functional.
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.
I had found ways to become a designer anyway.
Design is a tool for creating a context of changes in a person and surrounding environment.
I am who I am because of great support of my family.
My family and my inner voice.
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!
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!
Today’s formats are Behance portfolio, or A’Design award strong enough for self-presentation.
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.
To convey this World further in a better condition than inherited!
That I’ll do my work today better than yesterday.
Do less things, create more values!
It's a secret.
Project Domik Ptashki gave a feelling of satisfaction, as it’s clear, useful and naturally fit today’s world.
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.
Shape simplicity and technology difficulty.
Depending on the complexity of the project. When fully included in the process from 2 weeks to 3 months
Сonducting in-depth analysis
"That every man must convey this World further in a better condition than he inherited!"
Both are possible.
Strong enough, we use Internet doing research and team communication; apply modern software Adobe CC and Fusion 360.
Black pen and list of paper, Adobe CC and Fusion 360
It’s better to know from design books, personally I think it influences customers perceptions and using-experience.
No expectations, I'm interested in their unique opinion.
«Oh, wow! I'm not alone on this path”
I am happy with my team, but I would like to co-work with Alessi.
Roger Bateman, course leader at Sheffield Institute of Arts, his attitude, professional approach and open-mindedness inspired me to move forward.
Dieter Rams: As Little Design As Possible. Autor: Sophie Lovell
Nothing special, just doing my best.
Probably with my grandfather Konstantin Sakharov, he was a great person with the unique way of thinking that was far ahead of his time.
As a step on my way to company development.
Ask my wife, Anzelika, she is responsible for it.
There is no such thing yet.
When I see or feel the difference between yesterday and today, to keep a diary is a good practice for it.
Nothing like that, just played LEGO a lot.
It will definitely differ from our time, but in which direction it will be better or worse, it depends on our actions today.
I set all my vision, skills, and tools to create client-oriented design service to produce designs that will help their consumers.
Designer Interview
22 April 2020
I always loved the work that is visible - when you put effort, imagination and you get something completely new and 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 on industrial design course at the Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg, and then in obtaining the MA degree in Product Design in Sheffield Hallam University.
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!
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 on industrial design course at the Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg, and then in obtaining the MA degree in Product Design in Sheffield Hallam University.
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!
DYDYKIN Studio was founded in 2018 by me and my wife, Anzelika. We met each other during studies in the UK, where we studied Product Design and Arts. The idea of the company arose when in the country house needed to renew birdhouses. Having studied existing analogues and not finding a suitable option, I assembled a team with the task of designing new eco-friendly birdhouses. I realized that I could design it in more sustainable and natural manner than the known birdhouse concepts. My wife, Anzelika, helped with the presentation, and it became a really nice product that the birds and the family (and the team) became very happy with. This project led us to form DYDYKIN Studio. Now 6 people are working in the studio, creating designs so that everyone in the world can see the benefits and evaluate the quality of our work. We are constantly learning, expanding our horizons, and we are pleased to transform this knowledge into projects for people.
Design is a tool for creating a context of changes in a person and surrounding reality.
Today we are engaged in the creation of items for home and office. We also create tools / equipment that develop human abilities and allow you to get new experience, something that makes you go beyond the usual perception. A separate area 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.
I won’t say any definite favorite, but I like the invisible design (like paving slabs with guides for the blind). They are invisible to others, but at the same time super important for their functionality, as they give a large freedom to people with disabilities.
All we don’t notice and naturally continue to use it, is probably a good design.
All we don’t notice and naturally continue to use it, is probably a good design.
During my study and work experience in various places, I took part in various projects: from building cases for electrical devices to the exterior of a car. The start of our business was the birdhouse project Domik Ptashki.
I like to draw objects by hand, make small layouts to understand the idea and transfer my thoughts to paper, then create a 3D object in Fusion360, and prepare a prototype for testing and finalizing the final version of the product. In projects, we prefer to use more natural materials: metal, wood.
Alone with myself in a state of inner peace. Then, with the correct formulation of the challenge, various creative solutions come naturally.
I am constantly engaged in research, looking for an answer to the question why should it look like this? This semantic frame helps to keep yourself within the framework of the task. In parallel, I organize the work of the team, building communication between professionals is a very important aspect of our projects.
Calmness and a surge of strength.
A sense of accomplishment and an understanding that everything is going right.
When design takes its place in the society.
Does it correspond to the purpose for which it was made or not
The designer is able to program the life of the product. The better designers understand this, the stronger their influence. With such a powerful tool, individual awareness comes to the fore as the consequences can be very different.
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.
In 2019, our project participated in International Professional Prime ADD AWARDS for Architects, Designers and Decorators in the Product Design nomination. Among more than 200 projects, it first entered the Short List of the best projects, and then won the Second Prize among all the nominees. The memorable marble figurine was handed over by designer Dima Loginov at the ceremony in St. Petersburg.
The fulfillment of different roles in life and the surrounding Nature are synthesized in our projects, transforming into something unique.
For myself, I do not highlight any direction. Design for me is an influence tool. I like to actively organize and influence the space where I am and I help people who ask me to do this.
Now our family lives in a picturesque area near the city of Togliatti, not far from the Volga River in southwestern Russia. We are pleased to observe the nature around us, I think it has a greater impact on us than any cultural heritage.
When the first enquiry satisfied for both sides, we meet with the client, to discuss their dreams and goals, limitations, creative opportunities and market realities.
The main focus on the Portfolio since it is precisely this style, this way of thinking that you can acquire. And on Communication, to what extent this process is adequate and understandable for you.
Design project at DYDYKIN Studio consists of 4 stages
1 Start of the Project. At the first meeting with the client, issues important for the project are discussed: dreams and goals, limitations, creative opportunities and market realities.
2 Creating a Concept. At the beginning, a research is conducted in order to see hidden opportunities and find the best creative solutions. Then they are converted into sketches, the best of which are selected by the client for further design development.
3 Attention to Details. All elements of the concept are being worked out: visual appearance, ergonomic features and functions of the new product.
4 Project Transfer. After the meeting with the client to make final edits the finished project is systematized and transferred to the customer together with guidelines for its use. We are convinced that creating good design is impossible without love and respect for projects and people for whom they are created.
1 Start of the Project. At the first meeting with the client, issues important for the project are discussed: dreams and goals, limitations, creative opportunities and market realities.
2 Creating a Concept. At the beginning, a research is conducted in order to see hidden opportunities and find the best creative solutions. Then they are converted into sketches, the best of which are selected by the client for further design development.
3 Attention to Details. All elements of the concept are being worked out: visual appearance, ergonomic features and functions of the new product.
4 Project Transfer. After the meeting with the client to make final edits the finished project is systematized and transferred to the customer together with guidelines for its use. We are convinced that creating good design is impossible without love and respect for projects and people for whom they are created.
Fireplace tulikivi, roulette, multitool with everything I need, Dyson handheld vacuum cleaner and sound system Bang & Olufsen.
After morning exercises and breakfast, together with the administrator I check the current affairs of the projects, form a plan for the day. Further, depending on the stage of the project, we start researching, developing sketches or modelmaking. After lunch, we discuss the intermediate results with the team and generate the next steps for the project development.
Today, when any information has become readily available, the main source of your own development is your inner world. The sooner and in more detail you can study yourself, the more clearly you can formulate what you can give to this world.
The advantage of design is the ability to really influence the surrounding reality by creating a new context; the disadvantage is poor communication between design and business, which causes many problems for both sides.
Always understand what you are doing and what it will lead to in the future!
The ability to verbalize your needs, the ability to visualize your ideas and bring projects to the full implementation.
Black pen, Adobe CC, Dieter Rams book, and everyday walking.
20% of the time is taken by the organization of the teamwork; 50% goes to the analysis of my own actions (systematization, active ordering of thoughts, ideas), since I always have to clearly see what we are doing. The rest of the time is spent on acquiring the diverse experience to support creativity.
Depending on the complexity of the project. When fully included in the process from 2 weeks to 3 months.
Often people ask me: - “what are you doing as a product designer?” I like the description that “Product Design is a look for opportunities to make products that fill a need, when other products don't”.
For me, the experience of working in the SHURacing team at Sheffield Hallam University on a race car project was important. I liked the feeling of a team of different people charged for a single result.
These are companies in the following areas:
1) Items for life and mood, accessories
2) Environment, furniture for home and office, storage systems
3) Tools, inventory, new experience. Activity, freedom of movement, rest
4) Children's spaces, furniture, toys
1) Items for life and mood, accessories
2) Environment, furniture for home and office, storage systems
3) Tools, inventory, new experience. Activity, freedom of movement, rest
4) Children's spaces, furniture, toys
At the end, see in real life how our design works!
Make friends with companies that share our values, from which we have something to learn. Reach the level of the best companies in the field of design and establish the implementation of our projects with partner companies.
We are family-based company realizing individual approach with engaging professional team of graphics, 3d engineers and visual designers.
We have a project STENA for exercise in a home or 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 recommend stay at home.
Dydykin.mail@gmail.com and by phone +7 917 952 94 49
I want to express my gratitude to the team A' Design team for the feedback and an attentive approach to our project.