Aydin Genchsoy

Identity & Vision

Professional Identity

I was never the kind of kid who listened to what was said. My mother used to tell me a Turkish saying that roughly translates to "going where your nose leads you," which means doing what you feel like doing. I have always been a curious child who asks many questions and isn't usually satisfied with the answers. I was a skeptical child who preferred to find my own answers through trial and error. This curiosity fueled a creative streak in me, expressing itself through photography, music, and drawing. However, it wasn't until I encountered computer science at university that my love for creative problem-solving truly began to crystallize into a potential career.

During my two years of computer science study, the binary of 'working' or 'not working' felt stifling to my creative spirit. I yearned for a platform where solutions weren't right or wrong but could be endlessly iterated and improved upon. When I discovered industrial design, it was like coming home - a space that embraces curiosity, celebrates creativity, and is more fluid in its solutions. This transition from computer science to design wasn't a detour; it was an important part of my journey, adding a solid foundation of technical understanding to my creative abilities.

As an industrial designer in the making, I envision using this blend of creativity and technicality to design solutions that aren't confined by the binary of 'right' or 'wrong.' Rather, I'm inspired to create products that invite users to become a part of the design process, reflecting and evolving with them. Ultimately, my journey in industrial design isn't just about creating products; it's about staying true to my core identity - the ever-curious child who questions the world and isn't afraid to break things to make them better.

Vision

As someone who expresses themselves through multiple art forms, I’ve long been captivated by the delicate line between art and design. I still resonate with Jon Kolko's distinction in Thoughts on Interaction Design: The artist rarely claims a responsibility to the audience and clarity of message may be less relevant than a strong emotional reaction, whereas a designer must also ensure clarity of intent, all in service of the user. But in my view, the pursuit of perfect clarity can strip away the user’s own agency, leaving them with a shallow, “replaceable” experience.

I like to think of the user–product relationship as a social connection that deepens through small moments of discovery. Embracing elements of mystery and ambiguity grants users the space to “get to know” a product—appreciating its quirks, forming personal interpretations, and celebrating that moment when it finally clicks. In contrast, spoon-feeding methods of use or over-engineering every interaction kills this organic bonding process and reduces the product to just another disposable object. By injecting friction, or even gentle struggle, we invite users to actively shape their experience, personalize it, and form a unique relationship.

No design is perfect, nor should it be. Striving for sterile, frictionless, and entirely predictable solutions often leads to repetitive, mechanical interactions. In my work, I seek to explore imperfection and embrace this tension between user and product from an intentional, human-centered perspective. By acknowledging that engagement might involve effort, I believe we can foster deeper connections, richer experiences, and ultimately more fulfilling design relationships.

Thanks for visiting.

Stay curious.