Professional Identity

 

I consider myself to be an observant person. This enables me to see, communicate and implement specific but important details in a design process, the user or product. I feel a large amount of empathy towards other beings which helps me connect to target groups. This combination of empathy and observation allows me to gain a deep understanding of the user’s needs, desires and emotions, which is important in creating a connection between products and people.

 

I pay attention to detail and I am curious. When I am trying out a new technique or working with a machine I have never used yet, I tend to want to push the boundaries of what the technique or machine is usually used for. What else can we do with it? How far can it go?

 

I work best in a design process involving a lot of making. Crafting helps me in generating new ideas and building on existing ones. I prefer exploring materials, machines and techniques over a problem-based project. In team settings, I am flexible in my role. I do not regard myself as a natural leader but I can take the lead if the situation calls for it.

 

Regarding products, I love when they can portray some sort of authenticity and they are of value to their owner. I like individuality and the ability to express oneself. I want to move against mass produced items that hold little value to the customer because of their impersonal nature and create products that the user truly feels connected to. I would like to be able to use the statements above to design for people that have a little less or that could use support. I want designs to be useful and make a change in someone's life because I feel very fortunate about the way I live. I feel privileged and would like for people to be more aware and thankful for what they have because I feel there is a tendency to take certain luxuries for granted.

Vision

 

Design should form an extension to what we have achieved as humans already and should guide us towards a more sustainable future. We should aspire to create valuable connections between products and people in order to overcome the discard and replace mentality many of us currently have. Manually made or customizable products are very valuable to me because they can be a form of expression and individuality. I aspire to combine expressive and authentic products and technology. Crafting, expression and technology can be combined to create meaning and a new perception of what is authentic.

 

As a future designer, I will make my actions align with the above by becoming skilled in crafting and technology. The user will be at the center of any design process since creating valuable products requires a deep understanding of the user’s needs, desires and emotions. I will communicate awareness of the environment and the disunity of prosperity in the world through my work. I will make designs that show the world that technology can enrich our lives even if its shape is in the form of something not directly associated with technology. Analogous products are able to surprise people, hold value and create connection.