Svyatoslav Polishchuk

I grew up in Lviv, Ukraine and was always interested in creative industries. After taking other career paths that weren't for me, I decided to go to university in the UK. There was no doubt about which course to choose because I believe Interaction Design is in the same discipline field as Architecture and Urban planning, but solutions are delivered through different mediums. An architect is solving people's problem in the physical environment while interaction or product designer solves them mostly in digital or mixed environments. During my time at Northumbria, I fell in love with creating and developing products from idea to prototype, to validated interaction model, to the real product.

What are you doing now?

Right now, I love what I'm doing. It means I research, prototype, design and deliver the best-in class product solutions for Bolt products, family and related services. Bolt, previously known as Taxify, is the leading European transportation platform providing ride-hailing and scooter-sharing services. The company’s mission is to make urban travel easier, quicker and more reliable. My personal impact is the whole range of electric scooter products, where luckily I have the same creative freedom as I had with my projects in University.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

Considering that I already had a BSc in Architecture, I knew how important the student-to-tutor ratio was on the experience. Northumbria was a good choice with well-equipped studios and a good reputation overall.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Northumbria was a great place to study and an enjoyable place to create. The support of course tutors was even better. Gilbert Cockton, who joined the course as the tutor during the second year, was the most brilliant academic designer I met. Joyce Lee and Jamie Steane were two of the most well-placed tutors I have seen during my time in Northumbria. They are where they should be and teaching students the way no-one else can. They brought lots of experience with interactive design and a load of interesting and varied briefs that really engaged me and my fellow course mates.

What was the best thing about your course?

The best thing was the process established by all tutors involved in it and the approach they undertake to allow you to create without boundaries. It manifests itself by having no rules where they are redundant.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

I believe Northumbria gave me something I couldn't get anywhere else - freedom of creativity and appetite to exploring problems and solving them through design. All this led to original projects I developed during the study which helped me stand out among other candidates who applied for Bolt.

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

The advice is short - do it.

How would you describe your time at Northumbria in three words?

Modern, fun and pleasant.