Interview with Ihor Shadko

Ihor Shadko ("IS") interviewed on Friday, 6 April.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

IS : I have been working as a designer of digital products for more than 7 years. During this time I elaborated considerable amount of projects spanning from entertaining mobile apps to sophisticated business managing systems, dashboards (B2B/B2C).I truly devote myself to helping businesses to bring their ideas to life through functional and appealing designs. This approach is being reflected in a business revenue and overall user engagement.Among my clients are Visa International, Kaz Minerals, Wargaming, Uni-Tel telecom, Mycelium, Data Group (the largest Ukranian internet provider) Dil Mil (dating app),Thoughtspot (BI data analysis) and many others.

How did you become a designer?

IS : I guess my mother is the one who unintentionally dropped the spark all the way back to my childhood. She is an architect and I remember all these sketches laying around. I used to grab a pencil and draw over all these lines and shapes. Years after I decided to become an auto designer, I adored cars as any boy but this idea is still buried in dozens of car sketches inside my table. And this is good because the human interfaces development is the right thing which keeps me fascinated for already almost 8 years. I started as a freelancer then got to an auto company where I maintained their e-e-commerce websites. After this were some agencies where I honed my skills before I’ve started to work on particular digital products.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

IS : Well, consistency, clarity and delight are the main things I pursue.My design process usually includes:1) Initial kick-off meetings (Why we do this? Who is it for?)2) Reiteration on business requirements.3 Research (Analysis of existing products; Investigation of the user base)4) Creation of personas & use cases.5) Ideation.6) Prototyping.7) Testing.8) Design.9) Delivery.10) Testing.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

IS : It’s simple! The constant challenges I face when I to try to understand what a user thinks trying to accomplish a certain task, make me excited and a right delivered solution really makes me happy. I’m really happy and almost never get bored because I adore what I do.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

IS : First of all, as I mentioned above, I think my mother’s work. Next will be my integral love of typography and human behavior analysis. I always was wondering why people do things this way and how can I help them to make it more efficient.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

IS : In the nearest future, I want to start work on a big design system and devote myself to data visualization for business. I think shaping this knowledge I can lead a design department on a new position soon.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

IS : Be curious and empathetic but strong and persuasive. Be confident leaders in their spheres. Communication skills are extremely important, it's all about design. You must explain your design clearly and solve any problem keeping your mind sharp.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

IS : I’d say for me, consistency and striving to become better is the key. You should learn from your mistakes and even better on mistakes of others. And of course work hard but still have fun, we’re living our lives after all. I do not want anyone to shift their lifework Balance to much :)

What is your day to day look like?

IS : - Coffy- Morning brainstorm.- Work on planned tasks- Lunch and talks with colleges- Reading some inspirational resources- You will not believe, work again.- Dinner- Study of new programs practices and design methodologies.- Good night.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

IS : Well, each day I read some articles from different websites such as UXpin, Medium, Muzli, and others. But I’d say there is only one trend you constantly need to follow: be clean and clear. Trends change every year these factors remain.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

IS : I think most designers know and follow the 10 principles which define a good design introduced by Dieter Rams:According to Dieter Rams, good design:1.Is innovative2.Makes a product useful3.Is aesthetic4.Makes a product understandable5.Is unobtrusive6.Is honest7.Is long-lasting8.Is thorough down to the last detail9.Is environmentally friendly10.Involves as little design as possible

How do you decide if your design is ready?

IS : Being honest it’s never ready :) it can be ready for an iteration but after this you have A/B testings, new features, and urgent improvements. I there is a good proverb: If you think that your design is 100% good to go, you are already too late with the product.

What is your biggest design work?

IS : It’s a really tough question. I’d say it’s Dil Mil, a south Asian dating app. It might be far not the most complex project but it’s my favorite since it solves the real tangible problem: helps to unite human hearts. Really, there are several couples pre-week, reaching us and telling: we found love through the app. I'm really happy for them.

Who is your favourite designer?

IS : For sure it’s forever Dieter Rams. The genius of clean and functional design.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

IS : Like anyone who lives a modern lifestyle I’m obsessed with technologies, especially I have a certain impact on its development. With all these, I try to reach the golden balance between the tech and nature, try to hike, cycle and network with people outside of my occupation as well. Also, I adore dogs and hope I will have one soon.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

IS : I think the ability to listen and respect someones different opinion is very important for designers as well as the ability to persuade backed by researcher and data. I try to help anyone in my team even if it’s not my responsibilities and this approach benefits. The same I expect from, my coworkers, and employees. Be honest, kind and willing to help.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

IS : Of course, I often help to young designers with advice when they reach me on socials. I try to help them to find themselves, with education or technics. I also have in planes to develop something, volunteering. For instance help with the development of the street signs design code in my hometown to help tourists and even locals to navigate easier.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

IS : I’d like to thank A’Design Award for the nomination, I think the competition helps designers to challenge themselves, showcase their works to a wider group of people and fight the fear of critique. This is especially important for designers since designers do their work for others.

Ihor Shadko Profile