Statement of Purpose for the Program «Contemporary Technologies in Design and Art Pedagogy»

My name is Ekaterina Pitmotseva. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Motion Design at the HSE Art and Design School and I wish to continue my studies in the Master’s program, «Contemporary Technologies and Practices of Design Pedagogy,» choosing the specialization «Design and Promotion of Digital Products.»

Studying at the HSE Art and Design School became one of the most intense and fascinating periods of my life. Over these four years, I achieved so much through student projects—I made it a finalist in DAFES three times, won the «Juror’s Choice» award at Dprofile, and participated in the «Great Mess» exhibition with my VR project. I developed that project based on my own experiences, never expecting anyone would view it as contemporary art. And, of course, I earned a red diploma, which I am extremely proud of.

Studying motion design and the overall curriculum structure at the School of Design allowed me to explore various fields, including digital product design. Thanks to the «Design Thinking» elective, I realized that I am passionate about product design and the entire research process that precedes the final prototype—it excites me just as much as creating the visuals.

Later, I started working at the Saint design agency, where my student experience proved invaluable. I was involved in developing brand identities, and a significant portion of my projects focused on digital products—I created human-machine interfaces, and I designed websites and applications. Gradually, I realized I was building expertise in UI creation as well as in user research and analyzing audience needs. The product development process turned out to be a truly captivating endeavor that combined everything I love most: a rational approach coupled with enough creative freedom to produce stunning visuals. The research component also brings me satisfaction—I enjoy studying people and learning to understand their patterns of behavior, utilizing empathy. This is why I want to continue my studies specifically in teaching this field. I am also attracted to teaching because, in today’s design industry, professorial work helps shape a professional reputation and an expert’s personal brand, and it develops one’s media presence—all of which significantly aids career growth.

My journey in teaching began before I enrolled at HSE. Before I came to design, I spent fifteen years figure skating, and after ending my sports career, I started coaching amateur skaters. It was then that I first understood how rewarding it is when your work involves not only your own results but also the progress of another person. I realized how much I value receiving appreciation from students and seeing that the learning process with me brings them pleasure. I was very surprised that many would come after class just to ask when my next training session would be—I had never before thought I might possess such a hidden talent for this kind of work.

From my teaching experience in design, I have led workshops during studio sessions for specialized projects. While leading these, I realized I still lack sufficient experience; I struggle to read a large classroom effectively and can lose connection with the students during a session when I become too focused on delivering information. I would like to continue my journey in teaching, because at the School of Design, it feels similar to working as an art director—but across numerous projects within each module. Receiving consistent feedback from students and seeing how they develop and what incredible things they create is truly valuable experience. I would be delighted to continue my teaching career at the School of Design after completing my Master’s degree, as this university is a place I deeply love and consider home.

The «Contemporary Technologies and Practices of Design Education» program, with the «Design and Digital Product Promotion» profile, is exactly what I need at this stage. It will allow me to deepen my professional knowledge in product design—knowledge I have already begun applying in practice—while simultaneously acquiring a systematic pedagogical foundation for teaching—something I currently lack to do it consciously rather than intuitively.