Aleksandr Ristov
Aleksandr Ristov | |
|---|---|
 Aleksandr Ristov in 2014 | |
| Born | September 14, 1934 |
| Nationality |  Khyragusian |
| Occupation | Industrial designer |
| Known for | Sevir consumer products, |
Early Life and Education
Aleksandr Ristov was born on 14 September 1934 in Merisk, Khyragus. His father was a railcar mechanic. Ristov began studying electrical engineering at Khasde National Polytechnic in 1952, however, he quickly changed to studying industrial design. While there, some of his designs — a clock and a typewriter — were exhibited at the Khasde Design Museum. Ristov was recruited to Sevir Heavy Industires as a design officer shortly after his graduation in 1956.
Career
Sevir Heavy Industries
Sevir R560 transistor radio, 1962
Sevir C2008K 8mm camera, 1966
M63 Chair, 1967
Sevir TR900 television set, 1969
Ristov began work at Sevir Heavy Industries in 1956, initially tasked with designed bedroom furniture. During this time in Khyragus, the government began promoting and developing the consumer products economic sector. Challenged with making as many products as possible, while using few materials. This lead to Ristov taking on a minimalist style, which was pervasive throughout his career. In 1961, Ristov became the head of Sevir's Consumer Electronics Division, where many of his most well-known designs originate, such as the TR900 television set.
Design Philosophy
In part due to the design challenges faced when working at Sevir, Ristov created a set of principles that he applied to his products.
- User Focus – A product should be designed with the end user in mind. It should be easy to use and understand.
- Thoroughness and Intentionality – A product should be designed with the smallest details in mind, and how they integrate into the overall functionality of the product.
- Durable – A product should be designed to last as long as possible, to conserve resources and minimize waste.
- Modularity – Products should consist of modules, which are easy to repair and replace. Whole products should be considered modules of a set within a house or system.
- Minimalist – Less is more. Simpler designs are easier to understand; they avoid following trends and always appear modern.
- Sustainable – A product should conserve as much resources as possible.
- Honest – A product must never present itself as being more than it is.