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Interview with Cansu Cetin |
Home > Designer Interviews > Cansu Cetin |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Cansu Cetin (CC) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Cansu Cetin by clicking here.
FS: 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?
CC: From an early age, I was drawn to creating meaning from everyday objects—turning non-toys into toys and imagining scenarios around them. I developed a habit of observing unnoticed details and mentally combining them into new ideas. Over time, I realized this intuitive curiosity and sense of empathy were pointing me toward design. By high school, this direction became clear, and I decided to become an industrial designer. I graduated as an honor student from the Industrial Design Department at METU in 2020, which also marked the beginning of my journey as a design-driven entrepreneur.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
CC: Quop is a design-driven health tech company focused on transforming the way children with type 1 diabetes manage their condition. At Quop, we prioritize thoughtful, user-centered design that blends functionality with empathy. Our flagship product, QuopKit, is a smart insulin pen that combines precise dosing with seamless digital integration. By applying industrial design principles and innovative technology, we create products that not only solve real-world problems but also enhance the overall experience for both patients and their families. Every detail is carefully crafted to provide simplicity, efficiency, and emotional support in the complex world of diabetes management.
FS: What is "design" for you?
CC: Design is the art of reimagining what already exists. It’s about deconstructing the ordinary and reassembling it into something impactful.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
CC: While my journey has primarily been shaped by the healthcare and automotive sectors, an upcoming project fills me with excitement. In this endeavor, I will explore a new paradigm—one that reinterprets material selection and manufacturing techniques through the lens of ancient human history. This approach seeks to reconnect with the origins of time itself, drawing inspiration from the forgotten whispers of the past, and weaving them into a contemporary narrative that honors both innovation and timeless tradition.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
CC: I focus most on understanding the target user group. Their needs, behaviors, and challenges guide the design process, ensuring that every decision serves to enhance their experience.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
CC: There's a bit of chaos in the process, but also that perfect moment when everything just clicks. It's a thrilling ride, full of unexpected twists and creative sparks!
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
CC: It's rewarding to know that something once imagined in my head is now real, making an impact and connecting with people.
FS: What makes a design successful?
CC: A successful design feels instinctive, as if it was always meant to exist in that form, seamlessly serving its purpose without effort.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
CC: I look at how well it connects with the user.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
CC: We, as designers, have the power to dictate the future, and we must design with a purpose—one that doesn’t just follow trends, but sets new standards for sustainability. Our responsibility is to design for longevity, not convenience, and to prioritize the planet over profit. We must lead the change, not just adapt to it.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
CC: Design won’t just be about creating; it will embrace multidimensionality and collaboration, focusing on creating together, across boundaries, and for the collective good.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
CC: Since childhood, I’ve found inspiration in nature. No matter where I am in the world, I always find a hidden place to escape to—somewhere that feels just mine. Over time, this has become a personal ritual. I think it’s the act of discovering and experiencing something deeply personal that fuels my creativity and keeps me inspired.
FS: 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?
CC: It is rooted in curiosity and storytelling. I’m drawn to hidden details, quiet contrasts, and unexpected connections. I tend to reinterpret rather than invent—questioning what already exists and reshaping it with a new narrative. It’s an intuitive process guided by empathy, observation, and a desire to create something that feels both familiar and fresh.
FS: How do you work with companies?
CC: I work with companies by blending disciplines—design, research, and narrative thinking—to uncover what truly matters. I enjoy diving deep into different worlds, building connections between teams, and shaping ideas that feel both strategic and human. Each collaboration becomes a shared exploration, not just a task to complete.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
CC: My design process always begins with understanding the user—observing, listening, and identifying real needs. From there, I define the problem with clarity, then explore possibilities through research, sketching, and prototyping. I like to stay open to unexpected directions and let intuition guide me alongside logic. Throughout the process, I seek emotional depth, simplicity, and meaning—something that not only works, but resonates.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
CC: What makes them special isn’t just the objects themselves—it's the memories attached to them. A frisbee from Portugal, a traditional Japanese tea set, the hat I wore during Survival Week in California, a wooden tropical bird on a long stick my boyfriend brought me (though it feels like it was more for him), and the modern wooden birdhouse we designed for outdoors.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
CC: My golden rule in design is to create with the idea of transformation. Nothing should be static or final—design should invite change, evolve with its surroundings, and be born with the potential for reinvention.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
CC: The most important skills include attentive observation, empathy, and a strong instinct for research. One must have the power to rethink and reshape existing concepts, as well as the ability to craft narratives that shape experiences. The capacity to visualize and construct possibilities is equally crucial, as it allows for anticipating needs and pushing boundaries.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
CC: Sometimes, you need to create an MVP-level design to test user needs, while at other times, you must follow regulations and procedures step by step. I adapt my approach based on the project’s unique demands, ensuring that every step is aligned with the overall goals and timelines.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
CC: "Are you coming up with all of this on your own?"
FS: How can people contact you?
CC: You can contact me via email at cansucetin@quop.info. I'm always open to new ideas and collaborations!
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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