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Interviews with Teodora Todorova
Designer profileDesign Legend Interview
31 December 2024
I have wanted to be an artist since I was a kid. Later when I started studying at National High School of Plastic arts and Design I made it clear to myself that there is nothing else I want to do than design in its whole essence. I have bachelor's in Industrial design and Master's in Automotive and Machine engineering design.
I become a designer because I was motivated from my father who is also designer.
Like I said I knew it since I was a child, it was my dream and I guess i made it come true
Product design.
To read, to have clear vision of what they want to do and to improve themselves everyday.
Motivation and skills.
The clear/simple idea, good presentation and functionality and aesthetics.
Good design enhances functionality, improves user experience, and communicates trust and professionalism. It drives better engagement, efficiency, and long-term success, making it a worthwhile investment for everyone.
Probably a concept car for HONDA
Build a cozy little house.
The secret recipe for success in design is a deep understanding of the user’s needs, combined with empathy, simplicity, and attention to detail. The secret ingredient? A relentless commitment to iteration and feedback.
One is Jony Ive famed for revolutionizing product design with minimalism at Apple, other is Daniel Arsham and last but not least my father.
Tesla Model S because of its combination of sleek, futuristic design with sustainability, making electric cars desirable and aspirational and also LEGO bricks for its variety of modular combinations, Burj Khalifa for its breathtaking architecture.
ADA Autonomous Vehicle is currently my close to the heart design. I put a lot of effort into it. ADA prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can use it effortlessly. Its design considers diverse user needs, from intuitive interfaces to spacious interiors.
Study the world around them, pay attention to good and bad designs, and ask, “Why does this work?” or “How could it be better. I constantly refined outputs based on feedback, making every iteration more user-focused and effective.
A doctor.
Design is a superpower.
My family.
I do not think that I am a great designer, everyone who understands the main point of design and put an effort into creating meaningful products and improve its skills every day is a professional.
A lot of tasks, new softwares, tendencies and deadlines.
Everyone has their own point of view, the important thing is that it is aesthetically and functionally durable.
A new concept car design.
To present something that satisfies me and evokes emotion in the audiencе.
Always provide new solutions.
Design is all around us, it is the measure of the aesthetics and culture of a given society. Good design is cohesive for its own sake.
I have started a Phd for tendencies in design of cars.
My NYMERIA project about autonomous removal of separated waste, because this topic is very relevant these days
To produce more eco-friendly products.
1-3 Months
Deeply researching the field and the trends.
I haven't thought about that, probably everything is already produced, try to find something that noone thought about.
I think the trends set the designs.
Technology is one of the main things that designer should think about during the process.
Mainly Autodesk 3Ds Max, Keyshot, Rhinoceros, Lumion, Photoshop and Premiere Pro. About the equipment - a built PC and a tablet
Color, materials, and ambient elements play crucial roles in design, shaping the functionality, perception, and emotional connection of a product or space.
To be interested in its functionality.
I am pleased and glad that I have the opportunity to understand it in a way that not everyone could.
Yes I believe in co-design, but now I am mostly a freelancer and I rely on myself
My colleagues and my family
Many hours working and learning new softwares.
Ilon Musk.
It’s humbling to receive awards and recognition, but the true reward is seeing designs positively impact people’s lives. “Fame” can feel overwhelming at times, as the pressure to meet expectations grows, but I try to focus on the joy of creating rather than the spotlight.
My favourite color is yellowish green
Funny and sadly is to have a knocking deadlines and a 3D printer that decides to stop working.
Mostly with what surrounds me.
I have a tons of paintings. I have painted all the time.
Only time will tell. Maybe the world from fantasy movies will be ours.
I am not much about words, I let my work speak for me. Thank you for this interview.
Designer Interview
15 October 2024
I have wanted to be an artist since I was a kid. Later when I started studying at National High School of Plastic arts and Design I made it clear to myself that there is nothing else I want to do than design in its whole essence.
I was a freelance designer, I do not have my own design studio, but everything is yet to come. Now I am a multimedia designer at VOLACOM Inc.
Design is my life. I start and end my day with it. The design itself is а vast matter subject to functionality, ergonomics and aesthetics which things I implement in my projects.
Before the Master's degree of Automotive and Machine-engineering design, I am a graduated Industrial designer, so maybe this field of the design is more close to me at the moment.
My favorite design is surely ADA - the autonomous vehicle. I put a lot of effort and time in this project and I am glad that the A'Design Award & Competition appreciated it.
Back when I was at high school, there was a company which give me a task to make a buggy frame project. It was really exciting and probably this ignited my passion for vehicles.
Mostly at night and when the deadlines is knocking on my door.
Surely the functionality.
I guess mixed ones, passion to the process and joy of course prevailing.
I am really proud after each project, because I know the effort that I put in it.
The clear/simple idea, good presentation and with risk to repeat myself surely the functionality and aesthetics.
The idea.
Design is everywhere around us. Some people have the "eyes" of seeing it, others just pass by it. The designer job is to evoke emotion in those who would least have paid attention. Тo provoke thought. About the environment - we should aim for as clean and organic a design as possible
We have all watched fantasy movies. I guess this is the future.
My last exhibition was mutual with my colleagues from National academy of arts - Sofia, at Crystal garden. I want my next one to be in Paris.
Most of my design ideas were born in my dreams. I inspire myself from everything which surrounds me.
I am not as minimalistic as just finding the best clear shaping.
I live in Bulgaria, many of the designer here hardly succeed to reach realization. Bulgaria is a small country, but not so small to let each who wants to be a designer and constantly improve itself to do that job.
Like I said I was a freelance designer, now multimedia one, but mostly companies find me through recommendations.
The portfolio is a powerful tool which could help the companies to weed out the good from the not-so-good ones. Then the conversations between the two sides.
I develop my projects through idea, modeling, technical drawings and complete visualization.
Monitor, blender, lamp, chair and a cupboard/made by me/
Lately when i get up my day starts at my office, creating visualizations and videos, then a practice of badminton, dinner and rest.
To read, to have clear vision of what they want to do and to improve themselves everyday.
Positive is the satisfaction of a completed project and negative is the tension and misunderstanding of certain tasks
Create things that speak for themselves
Spatial vision, drawing/painting, modeling and many others. Designer is a complexity of many skills.
Mainly Autodesk 3ds Max and Keyshot, Photoshop and Premiere Pro, also Lumion
I make a lot of notes in my phone and try to finish as much as tasks possible for the day, so I can have a time for rest.
Тime is a broad concept
How did you do that? :D Mostly of friends that are not designers.
To create a principle of operation video for my company's product. It teaches me of many animation skills so and visualization and video editing.
Many Italian companies which are connected with the company I made visualizations for named STEM
Product Visualizations, because I enjoy when the clients uses them and their businesses are growing.
Only time will tell.
Many of my projects are solo, but lately at work I inquire to really nice people.
I work on a product suitable for home and for outside, but when I am ready you could see it at my Behance profile.
IG, Mail and Behance.
Thank you for this interview.
Grand Interview
22 October 2025 · Ada Il Veicolo Autonomo
The integration of auxetic materials in the Ada Autonomous Vehicle enhances functionality and user experience by improving safety, adaptability, and comfort. Their unique ability to expand under stress enhances energy absorption during collisions, increasing crash protection. Auxetic materials also provide adaptive cushioning in seats, reduce noise and vibrations for a smoother ride, and enable aerodynamic efficiency through shape optimization. Additionally, their durability and lightweight properties contribute to sustainable, long-lasting design, creating a safer, more comfortable, and eco-friendly driving experience.
The transparent, adaptive exterior of the Ada Autonomous Vehicle was inspired by the desire to balance privacy with connectivity to the environment, reflecting consumers' growing demand for personalization and immersive experiences. This design uses smart materials that adjust opacity, allowing passengers to enjoy panoramic views or privacy as needed, enhancing comfort and catering to modern preferences for adaptable, tech-driven solutions in mobility.
The development of Ada's self-charging system involved embedding ultra-thin, flexible micro solar cells into the vehicle's ceiling threads. These cells were designed to maximize surface area for energy capture while maintaining a sleek, unobtrusive design. Advanced materials and precision engineering ensure efficiency in converting sunlight into energy, enabling the vehicle to sustainably power auxiliary systems and reduce reliance on external charging infrastructure.
The shift to shrinking auxetic materials in place of traditional hinges was driven by the need for seamless, minimalist design and enhanced functionality. Technically, auxetic materials allow for smooth, silent movement with fewer mechanical components, reducing wear and maintenance. Aesthetically, this innovation enables sleek, continuous surfaces that redefine vehicle form, reflecting modern consumer preferences for futuristic, streamlined designs.
My research into historical automobiles informed Ada’s design by highlighting timeless elements like elegance and craftsmanship, while parametric design introduced advanced, adaptive geometries. This blend shaped decisions to honor classic automotive aesthetics while integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as dynamic materials and fluid forms, achieving a balance of tradition and innovation that resonates with modern functionality and style.
Ada Autonomous Vehicle offers three adaptive interior modes: **Explore Mode**, which maximizes visibility with panoramic views and interactive navigation for immersive travel; **Relax Mode**, featuring dimmed lighting, reclining seats, and a calming ambiance for rest; and **Office Mode**, equipped with adjustable work surfaces, connectivity, and focused lighting to create a productive environment. These modes enhance the autonomous driving experience by catering to diverse passenger needs, from exploration to relaxation and work.
I approached the design of Ada by seamlessly integrating advanced technologies, like adaptive materials and smart systems, into luxurious, user-centric interiors. Carefully selected materials, intuitive interfaces, and minimalist aesthetics ensured comfort and sophistication, while maintaining visual coherence through a unified design language that blends innovation with elegance.
Receiving the A' Design Award validates Ada's innovative approach, inspiring confidence in stakeholders and encouraging further exploration of groundbreaking concepts. This recognition enhances visibility, attracts collaboration opportunities, and sets a benchmark for integrating design excellence with advanced technology, driving future developments and real-world implementation of visionary mobility solutions.
My approach to Ada’s dashboard was guided by user insights prioritizing intuitive interaction, minimal distraction, and personalization. The design incorporates adaptive displays, haptic feedback, and voice controls, ensuring seamless communication and ergonomic ease. This user-centered focus enhances accessibility and strengthens the connection between passengers and vehicle systems.
Throughout Ada's development, unexpected challenges like integrating advanced materials with user comfort and ensuring seamless tech adaptation led to significant design refinements. Balancing cutting-edge features with intuitive usability required constant iteration, resulting in a vehicle that blends futuristic innovation with practical, user-centered design—ultimately shaping Ada into an award-winning concept.
