Design Diaries with Ostap Gorin

At Preply, great design means making learning feel easy from the first click. In the second edition of Design Diaries, we meet Ostap Gorin, Senior Product Designer, whose journey from graffiti to product design is all about turning creative instinct into real impact. He shares why trusting your craft matters, how opinions shape better products, and how one learner’s sketch turned into a better outcome.

1. Why did you choose to become a product designer?

I started with graffiti — just making art in public spaces, not really thinking about who was seeing it. Then a few friends from my crew got into design, and we decided to explore it together.

At first, I was drawn to the visuals, since that felt familiar. But what really pulled me in was realizing how different the mindset was. With design, it’s not just about self-expression — it’s about understanding people and solving real problems. That shift was huge for me. I saw that design could actually help someone, make their day easier, maybe even boost their confidence. That’s when it clicked 😉

2. What’s one question you always ask yourself before starting a new design?

“What principles should guide this project and help me validate decisions later?”

There’s no one-size-fits-all question, but early on, I focus on setting clear design principles. Of course, things like “What does success look like?” or “Who am I designing for?” are key. But beyond that, I ask: Should this be highly personalized or universally accessible? Is it about storytelling and guiding a journey, or should the design stay out of the way? Are we prioritizing engagement or efficiency?

3. What’s something unique about working on the design team at Preply?

The mix of talent and cultural diversity here creates a really powerful dynamic. We’re not just shipping features, we’re constantly challenging each other’s thinking and pushing for bigger-picture solutions.

Because we come from so many different backgrounds, we naturally see problems from multiple angles. Our diversity of design talent means we can go deep, whether it’s a tactical critique or a conversation about the future of learning. It’s rare to find a team that blends hands-on execution with that kind of strategic thinking.

4. Describe your team in three words.

Curious, collaborative, learner-focused.

5. What’s one moment when you saw your work directly impact a learner or tutor experience?

While working with the lesson management team, I came across a user research clip that stuck with me. A student had drawn her own calendar on paper to keep track of lessons. That moment made me realize: our list view might not reflect how people naturally think about scheduling. They think visually, in time blocks.

So I mocked up a simple calendar view and shared it with the team. We managed to ship it fast, and it ended up being a high-impact feature. But what I remember most isn’t the metrics, it’s that teacher. I hope the update made her experience smoother, because her workaround helped inspire a better solution for thousands of learners.

6. What’s something you’ve learned recently that made you feel more confident or efficient in your craft?

I’ve realized that being opinionated is part of the job and a sign of experience, not ego.

Early on, I thought my role was to execute and find the “right” answer. Now I understand that designers are hired for their judgment. We’re expected to take a stance, not just present options. These days, I don’t just show work, I recommend what I believe is best and explain why. It helps teams move faster and gives me confidence in my role; it’s about owning the value we bring as designers.

7. What’s one piece of design wisdom you’d give your younger self?

Love the craft. Don’t lose sight of why you became a designer in the first place.

At first, I got caught up in the product side of things — the data, the frameworks, the stakeholder maps. I thought that’s what made me a “real” designer. But over time, I’ve come to see the value of pure design: solving problems visually, trusting my gut, and finding joy in creating something that’s both useful and beautiful. All those other skills matter, but they’re tools.

What truly defines a designer is the ability to turn complexity into clarity and to have taste, instinct, and aesthetic judgment.

I’d tell my younger self: don’t try to be everything else. The craft is your strength. Trust it, own it, and keep honing it.

Feeling inspired by Ostap’s journey at Preply? We’re looking for thoughtful makers and bold problem-solvers. If you’ve got a sharp eye, a growth mindset, and a “Can-Do” spirit, you’ll fit right in.
👉🏽 Check out our open roles — your next design chapter might start here!