We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Ivan Kordonets ("IK").
With over 20 years of experience in the design field, Ivan Kordonets is an accomplished Product Designer renowned for his user-centric approach and impactful solutions. His work has influenced over 30 million users worldwide, bridging the gap between technology, business, and user needs. Ivan's expertise lies in understanding the intricate balance between development, design, and business objectives, resulting in seamless experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. His commitment to user advocacy and comprehensive understanding of design principles make him a valuable asset in any project or team.
Ivan Kordonets Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Ivan Kordonets.
Ivan Kordonets Design - Insight Cat Full Stack Monitoring Platform
Designer Interview of Ivan Kordonets:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
IK : From a young age, I was fascinated by the power of visual communication. My journey into the world of design began when I got my first computer at 15 years old. It opened up a whole new world of possibilities, and I quickly became passionate about creating digital art and design. The driving force behind my decision to become a designer was my observation of many implemented designs that didn't effectively address problems or consider the users. This realization fueled my determination to make a difference in the design world. I believed that with my skills and dedication, I could create designs that truly solve problems and enhance user experiences. Over the years, this strong conviction has guided my career and continues to motivate me to push the boundaries of design, striving to create solutions that are both functional and beautiful.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
IK : I'd love to share more about Design Studio 22. Our agency was founded by a group of passionate friends—designers, developers, and project managers—who came together with a shared vision of creating exceptional digital products. We bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, and our collective backgrounds span over 15 years in the industry. At Design Studio 22, we specialize in taking projects from concept to completion. We provide a full spectrum of services, including product design, software development for both frontend and backend, project management, and quality assurance. Our award-winning team has been recognized internationally for our innovative and user-centric designs, and we take pride in our ability to deliver products that are not only visually stunning but also highly functional and user-friendly. We work across a wide range of industries, including fintech, healthcare, logistics, e-commerce, real estate, and more. Whether you're a startup looking to establish your online presence or an established business aiming to enhance your digital offerings, we're here to help you achieve your goals. Our process is collaborative and data-driven, ensuring that every design decision we make is backed by user research and analytics. This approach allows us to create products that truly meet the needs of users and provide a seamless experience. At Design Studio 22, our mission is to change the world of design with our efforts, creating solutions that genuinely address problems and enhance user experiences. We're excited to bring our expertise to your project and help bring your vision to life.
DI: What is "design" for you?
IK : For me, "design" is more than just a profession—it's my life. Everything about design excites and inspires me. It’s about solving problems, enhancing experiences, and making the world more intuitive and beautiful. Design is the bridge between creativity and functionality, merging aesthetics with practicality to create solutions that truly resonate with users. In my journey, starting from when I first got a computer at 15 and began exploring design, I’ve always been driven by a passion to improve and innovate. Seeing so many implemented designs that didn’t fully address user needs or problems motivated me even more. I believe that with thoughtful, user-centric design, we can make a significant impact and change the world for the better. In essence, design is about understanding people—their behaviors, needs, and desires—and creating experiences that not only meet but exceed their expectations. It’s a continuous process of learning, experimenting, and evolving, and it’s what drives me every day.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
IK : I love designing projects that involve solving complex problems and developing products from 0 to 1. There’s a unique thrill in taking an idea from its initial concept and nurturing it into a fully realized product. This process allows me to leverage my skills in both creativity and strategic thinking, ensuring every design decision contributes to a cohesive and impactful final product. Whether it’s creating intuitive dashboards for IT infrastructure management or crafting seamless user experiences for mobile applications, I thrive on the challenge of addressing intricate user needs and delivering solutions that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The satisfaction of seeing a product grow from a simple idea to something that users find valuable and engaging is what I love most about designing.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
IK : My favorite design approach is rooted in simplicity and elegance, much like the principles seen in Material UI and Apple's design philosophy. These designs embody a clean, user-centric approach that prioritizes functionality without compromising aesthetics. Material UI, for instance, provides a set of principles and guidelines that make it easy to create intuitive and consistent user interfaces. Its emphasis on minimalistic design, clear hierarchy, and effective use of space and color makes it a favorite of mine. I love how it balances simplicity and sophistication, making interfaces both beautiful and highly functional. Similarly, Apple's design language is another source of inspiration for me. Apple’s designs are renowned for their simplicity, elegance, and attention to detail. They manage to create products that are incredibly user-friendly and visually appealing, maintaining a seamless and consistent experience across all their devices. One of my favorite projects was designing a mobile application interface inspired by these principles. The challenge was to create an intuitive and visually pleasing user experience while ensuring the design was simple and efficient. The end result was a clean, modern interface that users found easy to interact with and visually engaging. I've had the opportunity to apply these design philosophies in my work with high-profile clients such as Nascar, the ECHL Hockey League, and OpenVPN Connect. For Nascar, I developed a user-friendly interface that catered to both hardcore fans and casual users. With the ECHL Hockey League, I crafted a streamlined app experience that provided real-time updates and rich media content. For OpenVPN Connect, I created a clean and intuitive UI that simplified complex networking tasks for users, ensuring a seamless and secure connection experience. These projects allowed me to leverage the principles of simplicity and elegance, proving that great design can simplify life, making technology more accessible and enjoyable to use.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
IK : The first thing I designed for a company was a website for a law firm in Switzerland. My relative worked there and showed me a design made by a web agency that I found quite disappointing. Without any payment or agreement, I decided to create my own version of the website. I handled everything, from design to development, and even launched it on the internet. The firm was so impressed with my work that they paid me a substantial amount of money. This happened when I was just 16 years old.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
IK : My favorite platform or technology is the internet, particularly because of its vast capabilities and the endless possibilities it offers for connecting people and sharing information. When it comes to development, I'm particularly fond of React for its versatility and efficiency in building interactive and dynamic user interfaces. Additionally, I admire Apple's approach to design, as they consistently prioritize simplicity, elegance, and user experience in their products, making Mac OS one of my preferred platforms for its reliability and seamless integration. Lastly, I'm a big advocate for agile methodologies, as they promote collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement in the development process.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
IK : I feel the most creative when I'm tackling challenges with heavy data interfaces and complex SaaS platforms. Designing intricate dashboards and navigating through complex user flows sparks my creativity, as it allows me to blend functionality with aesthetics to create intuitive and visually engaging solutions. The process of finding elegant solutions to intricate problems ignites my creative energy and drives me to push the boundaries of design innovation.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
IK : During the design process, I focus primarily on addressing the main problems of the user. I prioritize user experience and functionality, ensuring the design is intuitive and meets user needs effectively. Additionally, I pay close attention to aesthetics, ensuring the visual appeal aligns with the brand’s identity while maintaining usability and accessibility.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
IK : When I design, I experience a wide range of emotions, from excitement and curiosity to satisfaction and fulfillment. Solving user problems and creating intuitive, beautiful designs brings me immense joy. I love how design allows me to express creativity and innovation, and the emotional connection it creates with users is incredibly rewarding.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
IK : When my designs are realized, I feel immense pride knowing that my work is not just a design, but something that is being used by many people and generating revenue. It's incredibly rewarding to see my creations make a tangible impact, improving user experiences and contributing to business success. This sense of accomplishment drives my passion for design even further.
DI: What makes a design successful?
IK : A design is successful when it effectively solves both user and business problems. It should be intuitive and user-friendly, addressing the needs and pain points of the target audience. Additionally, a successful design contributes to generating revenue and achieving business goals, demonstrating a clear return on investment. Balancing aesthetics, functionality, and market relevance is key to creating impactful and successful designs.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
IK : When judging a design as good or bad, I first try to understand what the design is about and whether it successfully solves the intended problems. Functionality and effectiveness are my primary considerations. Once these aspects are addressed, I then evaluate the aesthetic part to ensure it is visually appealing and aligns with the brand’s identity.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
IK : As a designer, I believe we have significant responsibilities to society and the environment. Our work can have profound impacts; sometimes, it can even save lives. For example, designs like road signs, car user interfaces, and medical interfaces for doctors are crucial for safety and efficiency. We must ensure our designs are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable, ethical, and beneficial to the well-being of society.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
IK : The design field is increasingly becoming emotionally connected with people, and I believe this connection will deepen in the future. Design is evolving to be more user-centric, focusing on creating meaningful and engaging experiences. As technology advances, I envision design becoming an integral part of our lives, potentially integrating with our brains. This will create even more personalized and seamless interactions, making design an essential aspect of our daily experiences and our overall well-being.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
IK : My last exhibition was for the A' Design Award 2024, where I won the Digital Product Design Category. I am proud of this achievement and excited to share that I plan to nominate another of my works for this prestigious award this year as well. I look forward to showcasing my latest projects and continuing to contribute to the field of design.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
IK : My design inspiration often stems from observing everyday interactions and understanding user behaviors. I find creativity in exploring nature, diverse cultures, and emerging technologies. Engaging with art, architecture, and innovative products also sparks fresh ideas. Continuous learning and collaboration with talented peers further fuel my creativity, ensuring my designs are both innovative and user-centered.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
IK : My design style is characterized by a blend of minimalism and functionality, focusing on clean aesthetics and intuitive user experiences. I gravitate towards this style because of its timeless appeal and its ability to prioritize user needs without unnecessary complexity. Key characteristics include sleek typography, strategic use of whitespace, and a systematic approach to information architecture. My design philosophy revolves around simplicity, usability, and elegance, aiming to create products that seamlessly integrate into users' lives while delighting them with effortless functionality.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
IK : Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country? I live in San Francisco, a city known for its cultural diversity and technological innovation. This vibrant environment greatly influences my designs, providing constant inspiration and fresh ideas. The mix of historic and modern architecture, along with a forward-thinking community, encourages me to push creative boundaries. San Francisco's strong tech industry offers access to cutting-edge tools and technologies, fostering innovation. The city's diversity enriches my design process by exposing me to a range of perspectives, helping me create more inclusive products. However, the fast-paced tech industry can lead to pressure and tight deadlines, requiring efficient time management. Additionally, the high cost of living poses its own challenges. Despite these, the cultural and technological landscape of San Francisco drives me to create innovative solutions that reflect the diverse community I am part of.
DI: How do you work with companies?
IK : Working with companies involves a collaborative approach where I integrate closely with stakeholders to understand their goals, challenges, and vision for the project. Here’s how I typically approach collaborations: Understanding Needs: I begin by thoroughly understanding the company’s objectives, target audience, and market positioning. This involves conducting interviews, workshops, and research to gather insights. Strategic Planning: Once requirements are clear, I develop a strategic design plan outlining milestones, deliverables, and timelines. This plan ensures alignment with business goals and user expectations. Iterative Design Process: I employ an iterative design process, starting with wireframes and prototypes to visualize concepts. Feedback loops with stakeholders are crucial during this phase to refine designs based on user testing and feedback. Implementation Support: Beyond design, I collaborate with development teams to ensure seamless implementation of design elements. This involves providing design specifications, conducting design reviews, and offering support during integration. Continuous Improvement: Post-launch, I monitor user feedback and analytics to iterate on designs continuously. This approach ensures that the product evolves in response to user needs and market dynamics. Overall, my goal is to forge strong partnerships with companies, leveraging design as a strategic tool to enhance user satisfaction, drive business growth, and achieve long-term success.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
IK : Here are some suggestions for companies looking to work effectively with designers and how to select a good designer: Clear Objectives and Communication: Clearly define project goals, expectations, and timelines from the outset. Effective communication ensures alignment between the company’s vision and the designer’s deliverables. Portfolio and Experience: Review the designer’s portfolio to assess their expertise and previous work. Look for relevant experience in similar projects or industries that align with your company’s needs. Collaborative Approach: Choose a designer who values collaboration and teamwork. A good designer should be able to integrate seamlessly into your company’s workflow, actively seeking input and feedback from stakeholders. Understanding of User-Centered Design: Prioritize designers who understand user-centered design principles. They should demonstrate a focus on user needs, usability testing, and iterative design processes to create solutions that resonate with your target audience. Problem-Solving Skills: Seek designers with strong problem-solving abilities. They should be able to approach challenges creatively, offering innovative solutions that address both functional and aesthetic requirements. Adaptability and Flexibility: Look for designers who are adaptable and open to revisions based on feedback. Flexibility in adjusting to changing project requirements and timelines is crucial for successful collaboration. References and Testimonials: Request references or testimonials from previous clients or collaborators. Positive feedback and recommendations can provide valuable insights into a designer’s professionalism, reliability, and work ethic. By following these suggestions, companies can foster productive partnerships with designers who not only meet their project needs but also contribute positively to their overall business objectives.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
IK : Here's an overview of my design process: Research and Discovery: I start by thoroughly understanding the project requirements, target audience, and business goals. This phase involves conducting research, gathering insights, and identifying key challenges and opportunities. Concept Development: Based on the research findings, I brainstorm ideas and concepts. This stage often includes sketching, wireframing, or creating rough prototypes to visualize potential solutions. Design Iteration: I follow an iterative approach, refining designs based on feedback from stakeholders, usability testing, and my own critical evaluation. This process helps in improving functionality, user experience, and visual appeal. Prototyping: Once the initial designs are solidified, I create interactive prototypes using tools like Figma or Adobe XD. Prototypes allow for testing user interactions, validating design decisions, and gathering feedback early in the process. Collaboration and Feedback: Throughout the design process, I collaborate closely with stakeholders, developers, and other team members. I value feedback as it helps in refining designs and ensuring they align with project goals. Implementation and Testing: After finalizing the designs, I work closely with developers during the implementation phase. I conduct usability testing to identify any usability issues and make necessary adjustments for a seamless user experience. Iterative Improvement: Even after the product launch, I believe in continuous improvement. I analyze user feedback and data analytics to iterate on designs, ensuring they remain relevant and effective over time. This structured approach to design allows me to deliver innovative solutions that not only meet user needs but also align with business objectives.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
IK : At home, I have a few favorite design items that enhance my daily life. I really appreciate my adjustable desk, which allows me to switch between sitting and standing while I work. Another essential for me is my coffee machine, ensuring I start my day with a perfect cup. I also value my comfortable chair and efficient air conditioner, which both contribute to my workspace comfort. These items not only serve functional purposes but also exemplify thoughtful design that enhances everyday living.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
IK : My day begins with physical exercise, typically an hour of cycling, running, or walking. This routine helps me clear my mind and brainstorm solutions to current challenges while generating new ideas. Professionally, I dive into design tasks, starting with reviewing project updates and planning priorities. I enjoy staying updated on design trends and industry news, which fuels my creativity. Throughout the day, I find joy in solving intricate design problems and collaborating with colleagues. Reflecting on achievements and setting new goals keeps me motivated until I wind down with another session of exercise, which helps me unwind and prepare mentally for the next day.