What happens when a designer leaves pixels behind – and starts designing from the gut?
In this episode of Marketalk, I talk with Gil Gershtenkorn, an experimental designer exploring the intersection of material, emotional, and cultural research. Based in Eindhoven, Netherlands, and studying at the iconic Design Academy, Gil is redefining what design can be.
We explore:
– Why he left UX to work with biomaterials like wool, algae, and living fibers
– How daily rituals and sensory cues shape trust and perception
– The surprising overlap between design and biology – and why your body reacts to design before your brain catches up
– What design looks like when it starts with emotion, not a brief
This isn’t a conversation about trends or pixels – it’s about design as a way to heal, connect, and lead in a world driven by change.
If you’re in design, branding, or leadership – and you’re looking for a deeper, more human approach to innovation – let’s start there.
👉 At Mitugo, we help B2B brands design experiences that build trust from the first touch – using strategy, emotion, and yes, sometimes algae.
