A young man with dark hair and a beard looking over his shoulder in a building with large windows and a scenic landscape outside.

My Design Journey

I am Emir Canatay, an Industrial Designer currently pursuing my Master’s degree at Politecnico di Milano, following my undergraduate studies at Ozyegin University.

My approach is centered on technical development and the hands-on process of prototyping. I believe that building and testing models is the most effective way to identify a product's potential and refine its functionality. Additionally, I focus on the analysis of surface geometries, exploring how complex forms interact to create new, structured compositions.

I thrive on working across diverse fields; the research required for each unique project allows me to constantly acquire new knowledge and keeps my workflow dynamic. For me, design is about moving beyond consumption to create products that add tangible value. I am committed to continuous learning and developing solutions that are both functional and meaningful for the user.

Education

  • Master of Science

    Integrated Product Design

    2024 September - Present

  • Bachelor Degree

    Industrial Design

    2019 September - 2024 February

  • High School

    2014-2019

Black and white photo of modern office buildings with glass facades, one labeled B1 and the other with a prominent glass entrance.

Top: Politecnico di Milano Campus Durando

Bottom: Özyeğin University Architecture&Design Faculty Building

Experience

  • A micro-mobility focused Start-Up.

    Junior Designer

    2023 August - 2024 August

  • A Packaging Design Office based in İstanbul.

    Office Internship

    2022 January - 2022 July

  • Automotive interior materials and components manufacturer

    Production Internship

    2021 June - 2021 September

  • An online training program

    Graphic Designer - Trainer

    2020 March - Present

Group of five people standing around a bicycle and smiling at a technology event.

BYBIKE design team in a tech expo in İstanbul

2023

Sofware-Knowledge

Adobe Photoshop logo with a black background and gray 'Ps' initials in the center.
A sleek, stylized silver and white flame-like logo on a black background.
AI icon with black background and gray 'AI' text
Black and white icon with a stylized letter 'A' inside a rounded square background.
Icon with three black chevron arrows pointing to the right on a gray rounded square background.
A black background with an abstract design of six rounded shapes in shades of gray arranged vertically in two columns.

I use these tools for concept sketching, visualization & retouching, vector/graphic layout for presentations & digital prototyping, and collaborative ideation/moodboarding.

A stylized monochrome camera lens icon with a circular design and overlapping segments.
3D rendering of a silver skull with stylized, curved shapes and smooth surfaces
A black cube with large white letters 'S' and 'W' on its visible sides.
Gray icon of a mosquito with wings and antennae on a dark background.
Black background with large gray geometric shape resembling a folded or draped cloth.
Icon of a window with four panes, containing two diagonal lines creating four sections, on a gray background.

I use these tools for 3D and parametric modelling, mechanical CAD and manufacturing detailing, 3D print prep and slicing, photorealistic rendering, and AI image generation for rapid concept exploration.

snapshots from my world of design

A cluttered work table with an ironing shoe, a handheld steamer, jewelry, watches, and papers scattered across the surface.
Miniature model of a conference room with transparent figures of four people around a table, a blackboard with 'Portfolio' written on it, and glass walls.
A man in black clothing presenting a scale model of a building or structure at a table, with two large screens displaying images in the background.
A person wearing black gloves is pouring a reddish-brown liquid from a bottle into a beaker on a digital scale, with various laboratory supplies and equipment in the background.

It’s always about Going the Distance

more than a designer

*

more than a designer *

A young man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a white T-shirt with the words "FitKAFE" and other text, looking down with a focused expression.

Who am i beyond the world of design?

I’m working to become a more complete person, not just a designer: someone who leaves a mark beyond design and inspires others along the way.

Yes, I’m a designer, but I’m also committed to growing as an athlete, a barista, a thinker, and more because I want to build a life with depth, balance, and intention.

Together, these worlds shape how I approach challenges and growth. They sharpen how I observe, keep me curious, and push me to create with purpose.

  • Speciality Coffee

    I’ve been into specialty coffee since late 2020, learning through events and hands-on gear experiences. It’s also a great social ritual that often sparks good conversations.

  • Man performing a plank with dumbbells on a city street during workout

    Endurance Training

    I’ve been doing functional training five days a week since 2020. It’s become a major source of mental strength and resilience in my life. Endurance-focused training has taught me lessons that apply far beyond sport, and it helps me enjoy the process, not just the outcome.

  • A black and white photo of a soccer stadium filled with spectators, with banners and flags, some smoke from flares, and a few players on the field. Hills and buildings are visible in the background.

    European Football

    I’ve followed European football since I was eight and have attended matches in stadiums across Turkey and Italy. What I love most is how it brings people from different backgrounds together through the same shared emotions.

  • A basketball player from the Miami Heat jumping to shoot the ball, while a player from the Orlando Magic attempts to block the shot during a game in an arena crowded with spectators.

    NBA

    I follow the NBA as closely as football. Basketball is the sport I enjoy most both watching and playing, and its fast pace and unpredictability make it even more exciting to follow.

  • A marble outdoor table with a glass of dark beverage, a stack of books, a black notebook, a color swatch, and a paperback with a cover featuring text, set in a garden with white metal chairs in the background.

    Journaling

    Since 2021, I’ve been journaling every day, either in the morning or at night. Documenting my days and seeing my thoughts on paper has been a huge boost for my mental clarity. Watching my life slowly accumulate in written form gives me a real sense of fulfillment.