Q. Hi Mattia! Let’s start from the beginning. How did you become a Designer?

It all started several years ago — I bought my first computer and I felt for the first time Photoshop 6.0. I was only 14, but I quickly realized that that environment had to become my world. I studied on forums (prehistory) that dealt with the topic and I absorbed everything like a sponge. I amused myself a lot to “create”.

I even gave up school just to go work as a designer. I had to do it at any cost, even without recognized qualifications. Thirteen years have passed, I always showed what I could do and how I did it. Now I’m here, with the same passion and the same curiosity I had as a kid.

Q. What project are you working on at the moment?

At the moment I’m quite focused on the study of new web technologies, new methodologies, new waves of thought. I’m in the learning phase but also in the application phase. Currently I’m responsible of the R&D division in an Italian web agency that is developing a framework that will offer private solutions to some of the known issues in the development of web apps and websites that require complex structures. This framework, based on objects / components, allows us to realize fully interactive and highly customizable graphic elements through the advanced use of less and our Javascript framework.

In my spare time, however, I dedicate myself to the study of the Material Design guidelines and its ideologies. I’m really fascinated by its balance and the metaphor on which it’s based.

Google Design, by Jovie Brett

Q. You created a very successful Sublime Text theme based on Material Design. Why did you decide to use Material Design and how did the guidelines help you conceptualize it?

As I said I am very fascinated by Material Design. I thought “Sublime Text is one of my main tools. I spend hours watching it. So why not make it enjoyable and combine two passions? It would be a great practical test on Material Design.”

So I began to study the themes mechanism of Sublime Text, while I continued to study the guidelines of the Material Design. I honestly did not think it could have such “success”. As soon as I saw that developers appreciated my work, I put even more effort into it. From a simple test, it has become a project (my first open source) which I’m very proud of.

Material Theme for Sublime Text 3

Q. As a developer and a designer, why do you think Material Design fits this type of interfaces?

I think that the eye always wants to be pleased, and like many developers, the editor is a tool that I have in front of me for a long time. I think the visual balance that Material Design provides is something that fits this type of interfaces very much.

Sublime Text (and software in general) is a tool that developers use a lot. So I think that a combination between flat design, visual balance, a grid visually almost perfect for UI, and other nice things that Material Design provides, is perfect for a continued viewing that does not tire the eye, and always amazes with interactions. Material Design or not, I think that any software should be a treat for the eyes. We live in a world where appearance reigns.

Details of Material Theme for Sublime Text 3, by Mattia Astorino

Q. Why do you think Material Design is getting so much attention?

Material Design isn’t just color palettes or some guidelines and designers shouldn’t attach too much attention to this. It’s a visual language, a concept that allows designers to think — and design — “unshaped objects” that break UX standards and expectations. It offers infinite possibilities that will always impress the user, if done right.

MaterialUp, by Mohamed Kerroudj

Nothing in Material Design should have a “shape”.

“Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” ― Bruce Lee

Q. Where do you see Material Design being used in a few years? Do you think it will influence design outside of the digital world?

It is foolish to think that these kinds of ideas can remain unchanged over the years. But I cannot exclude some directions. Maybe we will see material design applied to electronic paper, or something more concrete. :)

I think Google knows this better than me. Certainly the concept of “Material Design” which we now know will be the same, but it will probably change the way we perceive it. It is right that this is so, this world (design and innovation) evolves continuously, every time offering us something that surprises us and “rekindles the spark.”

Thanks Mattia, it was a pleasure!

Follow Mattia on MaterialUp, Twitter, Dribbble, Github and Codepen.