Scan This. Interview with Daniil Kurguzov / ITech content

Contents:

• About website design
• About observing things and yourself
• About influencing others and yourself

In 2023, the Readymag platform celebrated the tenth anniversary of its Best Websites of the Year competition. Second place in this prestigious competition went to a unique project dedicated to scanning everyday objects. It features images of blisters, tickets, potatoes, stones, clothespins, and labels. This project not only demonstrates a creative approach to art but also highlights the beauty of simplicity in everyday life.

We discussed topics such as design, emotions, laziness, and the versatility of objects with Daniil Kurguzov, author of the book "Everything Can Be Scanned." During our conversation, we touched on how design influences the perception of emotions and how the common features of things can connect people.

About the website design

Creating the design of everything.can.be.scanned was a fascinating process. I relied on various references to form the overall visual perception of the project. At the initial stage, I identified the key elements that would form the basis of the design. The visual solution emerged fairly quickly, but as the work progressed, I periodically made changes to improve the user experience and adapt the design to new ideas. This process allowed me to create a harmonious and functional design that meets the project's goals and attracts user attention.

The story behind the landing page reflects my approach to any project I undertake. Each stage of development is filled with attention to detail and a commitment to quality. Creating a landing page requires not only creative thinking but also a thorough analysis of the target audience to effectively convey a message. It's important to consider users' needs and offer them a solution that will be as useful as possible. Every element, from design to text content, plays a key role in achieving a successful result.

Inspired by the idea that "everything can be scanned," I spent a week sketching and collecting references. However, I soon abandoned the project for a whole year. During this time, the thought of a website for a project that was important to me never left me, and I continued collecting random ideas and developing a visual style. At some point, I felt dissatisfied with myself due to the lack of progress and decided it was time to act. After locking myself in my room for a day, I finally implemented my project and was quite pleased with the result.

I have a lot of ideas that I wasn't able to implement, and this makes me a little sad. Perhaps I will be able to implement all my ideas on a full-fledged website, and perhaps not. A slight feeling of dissatisfaction with the work done is always present, but I have learned to cope with it. Otherwise, I would never have finished the design. While accepting my achievements and shortcomings, I continue to move forward and seek new ways to realize creative ideas.

Since the site's launch, I haven't made any changes to its design, but I recently added elements that link to a new project I'm currently working on. This project is planned to launch in approximately five years.

I chose the Inter font for the texts because it provides excellent readability and a modern look, which is important for users. The illustrations are arranged asymmetrically and unevenly to create a dynamic feel and avoid monotony, making the interface more lively and engaging. Shadow silhouettes in the interface add depth and volume, enhancing the visual perception of the elements. Yellow was chosen for its ability to attract attention and evoke positive emotions, which contributes to a better user experience. With Inter, everything is very simple: I use this font on all my websites. Previously, as a graphic designer, I spent a lot of time choosing fonts, and now I don’t want to repeat that process. Although I don’t prioritize this issue, I still recognize its importance for the overall perception of the site and the project. Initially, I arranged the images in a grid, but this format did not evoke the desired emotions. Therefore, I decided to abandon a strict structure and arranged them randomly, striving for a composition that would satisfy me. This approach allowed me to create a more dynamic and expressive design that better conveys the concept.

The creation of the silhouettes of the objects was unstructured, which made the process more complex. Developing this graphic was one of the most labor-intensive tasks, as at the time I had a limited number of scanned objects with varied shapes and crisp edges. This limitation made the task even more challenging, as it required careful selection of materials to achieve the required quality.

Yellow is one of my favorite colors. It reminds me of children's questionnaires with questions about their favorite things. Our project logo is a simple yellow envelope. At the beginning of the project, I thought long and hard about the symbol, knowing that it should be simple and of a single color. However, I had a hard time making a choice, and I decided to trust my emotions in this matter.

Reading is an important aspect of our lives that enriches our minds and expands our horizons. It promotes critical thinking, improves vocabulary, and helps us absorb new ideas. The importance of reading cannot be overstated, as it not only entertains but also educates. Research shows that regular reading can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing various diseases. Therefore, it is worth setting aside time for books, articles, and other materials that can enrich your mind. Remember that reading a variety of genres and styles helps develop a broader view of the world and develops creative thinking. Color can have a significant impact on a person's perception and mood. It can evoke different emotions, associations, and even behavior. In design and art, color plays a key role, helping to create a certain atmosphere and emphasize important elements. Color psychology demonstrates how different hues can evoke different reactions: for example, red is often associated with energy and passion, while blue evokes feelings of calm and reliability. Color can also serve as a means of communication, conveying information and symbolism. In marketing, the right choice of color palette can significantly increase the appeal of a product and boost its sales. It is important to consider that color perception can vary depending on cultural contexts and personal experience. Thus, color not only decorates, but also plays a functional role in our lives.

Elements on the first screen are draggable, allowing users to customize the interface to their preferences. This feature improves interaction with content and makes it more personalized. We aimed to give viewers the ability to actively shape their experience, which fosters deeper engagement and satisfaction.

I aimed to convey the feeling that human life is permeated with objects from different eras, countries, and cultures. The goal was to create an atmospheric unease, similar to that created by a table littered with many things. I wanted the viewer to pick up these objects, immerse themselves in their history, and begin to explore, dissecting every detail.

Some users found it interesting to pick up an object from the first screen of the site and move it all the way to the bottom. This process creates a unique experience of interacting with the content and allows for a deeper dive into its features. Such actions not only make navigation more engaging but also contribute to a better perception of the information.

You post scans on your Telegram channel, and the site acts as a showcase. Do you plan to publish all these images on the site?

I initially planned to create a full-fledged website for the project. A website with a gallery, filtering and sorting functions is under development. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the time to finish it and hand it over to the developer yet.

I felt the need to create my own independent digital space especially keenly when the platform I started my journey on was blocked.

While working on the landing page, I learned a lot about design and its impact on user experience. I realized how important it is to consider the target audience when developing visual solutions. Researching color schemes and typography gave me an understanding of how to properly convey the desired mood and atmosphere. I also learned how to use space and the arrangement of elements to achieve harmony and readability. It was especially interesting to observe how small details, such as animations and interactive elements, can significantly increase user engagement. These design aspects not only enhance the appearance of the page but also contribute to higher conversions.

I finally came to the conclusion that I enjoy creating and developing images, but the process of bringing them to life does not interest me.

I learned how to work with Readymag, although I had no previous experience with this platform. I found Readymag to be great for creating art websites and landing pages. However, if you're looking for a more serious solution and a full-fledged platform, you might want to consider Webflow or website development using markup languages.

Reading is an important part of our lives, contributing to the development of thinking and broadening horizons. It helps not only to gain new knowledge but also to improve communication skills. In the modern world, where information is available at any time, reading books, articles and other materials is becoming especially relevant. It improves concentration and memory, and also helps to cope with stress. Don't forget the importance of reading in your life, as it opens new horizons and inspires achievement.

There are many WYSIWYG editors available for free use. These tools allow users to create and edit content visually, without having to delve into code. This review presents seven popular WYSIWYG editors that you can use without spending any money. These editors are suitable for both beginners and experienced developers, providing a convenient interface for working with text, images, and other content elements. Using WYSIWYG editors simplifies the process of creating web pages and allows you to focus on design and functionality, instead of worrying about technical details. Choosing the right editor will help streamline your workflows and improve the quality of the final product.

On observations of things and yourself

The site is an endless essay, in which each page complements the overall picture. This was conceived with the goal of creating a space for deep reflection and analysis. While working on the content, I studied the art of writing and developed reflective skills to convey my thoughts and ideas most effectively. Each element of the site is designed to stimulate interest and encourage further exploration of the topics reflected in the texts.

The text emerged spontaneously. Over time, a variety of thoughts, familiar to everyone, had accumulated within me. This project became an opportunity for me to express them: I was able to sort out my feelings and find, as it may sound, meaning in life.

I did not undergo targeted training in reflection, like many others. In youth, we intuitively understand the world around us. I noticed that through the process of reflection, I maintain a single vector of thought throughout my life, but the forms of its expression change over time. Reflection helps you to gain a deeper understanding of your experiences and feelings, which contributes to personal growth and development.

You scan only those objects that you have interacted with in real life, or are you also considering scanning other people's objects?

I research objects belonging to people I know. These things are part of my life: I used them and lived in their environment. They serve as markers and memories of how and when I interacted with these people.

I can receive an item to scan even if it doesn't belong to me. I perceive it this way: if I weren't scanning, someone might have given me this item as a gift or it might become part of my collection. In this way, I view myself as a digital collector and remember who brought each of these things, when, and from where. This creates a unique context that connects other people's lives to my own, imbuing them with history and meaning.

Why do you post scanned objects in random order?

I strive to feature as many items as possible, spanning different stages of my life. Processing things is slow, because if I start publishing scans in chronological order, some of them may only become available to viewers years later or go unnoticed altogether. In addition, I believe that this approach may make the project less interesting for subscribers: as a result, they will see 500 Lego figures, 700 trading cards and 200 collectible cars in a row, which is unlikely to attract their attention.

Linear The structure can make it difficult to perceive the chronology of life. For example, one section may contain numerous photographs and scans from the current place of residence, and then suddenly materials from childhood appear. This can lead to confusion and a disruption in the sequence of memories. To more clearly organize information, it is important to consider time frames and try to structure the content so that it reflects real events in life.

How often have you needed to scan a document?

I regularly receive inquiries. People email me, send photos of their items, and offer to collaborate on scanning projects. This demonstrates a high level of interest in this topic. I'm thinking about how I can leverage this interest to create useful content or services.

Using other people's scans in the project is unacceptable. I maintain strict image requirements, which are an important part of my creative process. Maintaining these standards determines the quality and uniqueness of my work as an artist.

On influencing others and yourself

One of the most memorable reactions from the audience was the one that appeared during my speech. People responded genuinely to every word, and I felt the energy of the room fill the atmosphere. Interacting with the audience was a key moment: their questions and comments allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the topic. This reaction inspired me to further develop and improve my content, making communication with the audience not only a valuable experience but also a powerful tool for growth.

I love it when people recognize familiar things and share their impressions. This creates cozy dialogues full of nostalgia. Among the many reactions, two stood out.

• After publishing the website, and especially after it took second place in the Readymag vote, many people from my past wrote to me—those who had previously paid no attention to me at all.
• A girl called a banknote in one of the scans "a piece of paper," and I was so captivated by this light, slightly dismissive, and simple word that we started chatting and became a couple.

Donations became an unexpected indicator of the value of my work. When I first started the project, I couldn't have imagined it would become a reality. This form of support confirms that my work resonates with the audience and makes a difference.

The project has a significant impact on others, contributing to their development and improving their quality of life. It can inspire, teach new skills, and offer solutions to pressing problems. Through this initiative, we create a community where people can share experiences and support each other. This project not only changes the lives of individuals but also creates positive changes in society as a whole. Initiatives like these help people realize their significance and ability to influence the world around them, which ultimately leads to the creation of a more cohesive and responsive community.

I hope the project has a positive impact and encourages people to think about their consumption. My subscribers and acquaintances share that thanks to this project, they have begun to perceive the world around them differently, appreciate what they have, and recognize what remains of loved ones. These are important changes in perception that can lead to a more conscious and caring attitude towards life and others.

I don't think everyone understands the deep semantic aspects of the project. For most, this is just an interesting online account where fascinating materials are published from time to time.

The project had a significant impact on me as a UX/UI designer. I was able to better understand user needs and their interactions with interfaces. This experience allowed me to develop my skills in creating intuitive and attractive designs that consider not only visual aesthetics but also functionality. I learned to better analyze user experiences, conduct tests, and make changes based on the data. As a result, my design approach has become more user-centered, which has increased the effectiveness of the solutions I develop.

I avoid mixing my artistic and professional activities. While I may be losing something, I prefer a clear separation of these spheres. Mixing them leads to confusion and disharmony in my perception. Perhaps this indicates a lack of experience or maturity, but for now, this is the best approach for me.

Learn more about design by subscribing to our Telegram channel. Here you will find the latest news, useful tips, and inspiration for your projects. Join us and stay up to date with the latest trends in the world of design.

Also learn:

• Stylish website builder: what is Readymag
• "Design for the real world": how a designer influences the environment
• How to create a website design concept
• Website without programming: what is no-code and low-code
• 8 websites to help UX/UI designers: component libraries, ready-made templates, user flow tests