1Congratulations on your achievements in the NY Digital! Could you start by introducing yourself or your agency? Can you also share a bit about your journey into your current industry?
We’re the design team at Yandex Plus. Each of us came into the field through our own path, but what unites us is a shared love for visual language, systems thinking, and creating products that are not only functional but genuinely delightful to use.
Our team is a strong mix of skills — branding, UI/UX, digital platforms, animation, and editorial design. We don’t just make things “look nice” — we solve business and user problems with care for detail and a belief in the power of the design process.
2What inspired you to submit your work for this competition, and what does winning mean to you personally and professionally?
This competition was a chance to step back and reflect on the result of months of work. For us, this win is not just a recognition of quality — it’s a recognition of how we work: how we support each other, challenge each other, and grow together. It’s also a chance to share our approach with a broader audience and, hopefully, inspire other teams to showcase their work too.
3Can you share the story behind your success? What inspired its creation, and what do you feel it represents in today’s industry?
Our project is more than just an interface or a campaign. It’s the result of true cross-functional collaboration — analytics, marketing, product design, and visual identity all came together.
We wanted to show that a digital ecosystem can be not just smart and seamless, but warm, human, and full of life. We were inspired by cultural context, user behavior, and the pursuit of balance between expressive visuals and usability.
4What do you believe set your project apart in such a competitive field? Were there specific elements or strategies that made it shine?
We believe it was the integrity of the vision. We weren’t trying to impress just for the sake of it — we sought honest, clear solutions rooted in real-life user scenarios. We adapted visuals to the platform without losing personality. From the beginning, we knew why we were doing the project, and that clarity kept us on track.
5Every project has its challenges. Can you share a significant obstacle you faced during this process and how you overcame it?
The biggest challenge was aligning a large group of people with diverse perspectives. We had to find a common language between design, engineering, and marketing. It took flexibility, patience, and a lot of prototyping. We tested, failed, debated — and that’s when the strongest ideas came to life.
6Winning an award of this caliber often brings recognition. What do you hope this achievement will mean for your career, your team, or your agency in the long run? Have you already noticed any changes or opportunities arising from this recognition?
We hope it becomes a launchpad. Recognition brings responsibility. We want our work to inspire — both inside Yandex and beyond. Perhaps this award will give us more freedom to experiment, take on ambitious challenges, and scale our design processes further.
7What has the reaction been from clients, audiences, or stakeholders about your winning entry? Any feedback or memorable moments that stand out?
We received a lot of heartfelt feedback — from colleagues at Yandex to designers abroad. Some noticed the level of detail, others appreciated the emotional impact. But the most valuable thing was hearing that our work inspired someone else.
8For those aspiring to achieve similar success, what advice would you offer to help them not only thrive in their industries but also craft compelling, award-worthy entries? Are there specific practices, mindsets, or strategies you believe are key?
Don’t be afraid to share your work — even if it feels imperfect. Honesty, consistency, and care for the process often matter more than polish. Build strong teams where debate is safe, try more, document everything, collect feedback, and keep learning.
9The creative industry is constantly evolving. How do you view these changes, and where do you hope to position yourself in the future?
The industry is becoming more hybrid. A designer today is not just someone who draws interfaces — we are the bridge between tech, business, and culture. We don’t just want to keep up with the trends — we want to shape them through thoughtful, systematic work.
10Entering awards can be daunting for many, especially those just starting out. What would you say to individuals who have limited experience, or are hesitant to showcase their work in competitions? How can they build confidence and see the value in participating?
Entering is a way to mark your growth. Don’t wait for the “perfect” project. Learn to recognize the value in what you do, talk about it, and embrace feedback. Awards aren’t about vanity — they’re about evolution.
11Creativity thrives on community. What message would you like to share with fellow creatives, marketers, and advertising professionals?
Listen to each other. Share what you’ve learned. Stay open to new ways of thinking. There’s no one right way in design — and that’s what makes it exciting.
12Winning is a team effort in many cases. Is there someone or a group of people you’d like to dedicate this achievement to, and why?
This win is for the whole team. We’d like to dedicate it to everyone who worked alongside us — developers, analysts, product managers, and marketers. Without them, design would be just a picture. We especially want to recognize:
1. Art Director – Rava Elenovich.
2. Operational Director of CRM – Natalya Semagina.
3. Design Lead – Rita Balakina.
4. Creative Director – Yulia Rubleva.
5. Design Lead – Ilya Khusoyanov.
6. Senior Designer – Galina Tretyak.
7. Designer – Alexey Sadchikov.
8. Designer – Raphael Alpert.
13If you could describe your award-winning entry in one sentence, what would it be and why?
A digital experience where you feel not just convenience — but warmth.
14Finally, what’s next for you? Any exciting projects or upcoming goals that you’d like to share with us and the audience?
We’re exploring a few new directions, and we’re looking for bold, expressive ways to bring them to life — the kind that truly reflects the Yandex Plus spirit. What matters most: never stopping and never forgetting why we do what we do.
