‘Intriguing Collaboration’: HSE Student Works Displayed at Yandex Museum
Last year, HSE University and the team at Yandex Museum launched their first joint competition, ‘New Life of Familiar Things,’ involving students from various fields at the HSE Art and Design School. The winners' works are now displayed at the Yandex Museum. The HSE News Service interviewed the winners about their innovative design and implementation.
The competition ‘New Life of Familiar Things’ focused on rethinking the purpose of various objects around us: furniture, dishes, clothing, technology, jewellery, and more. Participants were challenged to critically examine everyday objects and their potential through the lens of modernity. They were asked to consider what new functions familiar things might acquire, how to improve the surrounding space and objects, and whether these items could communicate with people and each other.
Maxim Tatartsev, second-year master's student of the ‘Product and Industrial Design’ track at the HSE Art and Design School
About the competition
— I found the collaboration between the HSE Art and Design School and the Yandex Museum to be quite intriguing. Such a creative tandem creates all the necessary conditions for the successful realisation of high-quality projects. I wanted to try my hand at it.
After receiving the competition entries, the jury evaluated and shortlisted participants. Winners and runners-up in each category were announced at the awards ceremony, after which the stage of creating first samples began. These can now be seen at the Yandex Museum exhibition.
I was, of course, thrilled about the victory. For every designer, it is important that their products are produced. But even more valuable is knowing that the creation will be used by hundreds of people. This is truly inspiring.
About his project
— I proposed a concept for a desk lamp where a glass bottle could take on a second life, serving not only as a diffuser and support for the lamp but also as an interior focal point. When purchasing the lamp, buyers can choose a bottle of the desired shape, size, and colour. Thanks to the dynamic lighting feature, users can adjust the light’s intensity to suit their current needs. Developing the visual and technical aspects of this concept took about two months.
Currently, I am a freelance designer for several large Russian brands, and our products will be showcased at important exhibitions nationwide. In the future, I plan to continue developing my expertise in industrial design.
Anastasia Kogteva, second-year master's student of the ‘Product and Industrial Design’ track at the HSE Art and Design School
About the competition
— The competition was one of the credited projects in the first module. There were several categories with different concepts, providing a wide range of ideas for the project throughout the module. However, it was not completely free rein; I was limited by the brand’s specifications, budget, deadlines, and user needs—in a word, everything a designer needs to consider.
During the module, I studied the design process step by step while working on the project: user research, brand study, CJM creation, design, and CMF. Throughout this time, I was guided by a curator. At the end of the module, the art director of the Yandex Museum came to review our projects—where I received direct feedback from him. After the review, I took all comments into account and was able to significantly improve my project.
About her project
— My project was an incense holder called ‘I’m a Duck.’ This refers to the ‘Rubber Duck’ method, well-known in the IT field: finding answers to difficult questions by mentally discussing them with a rubber toy. The holder not only helps solve problems but also creates a comfortable working atmosphere. The most challenging part of the competition, in my opinion, was the first stage—finding the concept and ‘the right idea.’
It was hard to win; many interesting ideas and well-executed projects were proposed. I was thrilled to take third place, as it was one of my first projects in object design. For me, it is a sign that I am on the right track.
Vladislav Khegai, graduate of the master's programme of the ‘Product and Industrial Design’ track at the HSE Art and Design School
About the competition
— I learned about this competition from a curator who informed me on the collaboration between the Yandex Museum and HSE University. I was confident I could win, so I submitted many projects across almost all categories.
About his project
— I presented a complete vision for filling the Yandex Museum and decided to think in terms of a collection, not just individual items—a showcase with products. The basis for the collection was the concept of the Yandex Museum as a space directly related to ‘Y’ (the Yandex logo), the digital world, IT, and a technological museum.
Address: Yandex Museum at Paveletskaya metro station
82 Sadovnicheskaia Ulitsa, Building 2, Moscow, Aurora Business Park
Exhibition open: July 3–September 30, 2024
Admission is free
See also:
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