PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY
As a designer I define myself as a technical and user focused designer, in which I aim on creating functional and efficient products/services that help solve complex problems. My interest is in trying to combine technology, user interactions, and system efficiency. This is the type of situations I like to be in, to be able to design solutions that reduce unnecessary effort, improve clarity, and increase usability for users to enjoy.
Being an Industrial Design student, rather than an engineer, my main focus is being able to integrate technology with user experience and real-world context. While engineering aspect focuses on technical performance, I focus on how systems are understood, used, and experienced by people. I approach problems not only from a technical perspective, but also by considering usability, interaction, and the broader context in which a product or system operates. This allows me to contribute in multidisciplinary teams by connecting technical solutions with user needs and system-level thinking.
Over the past two years, my professional identity has evolved from being primarily focused on usability toward a more implementation-driven approach. I am confident in developing and iterating prototypes with physical and digital tools. Which allows me to be able to communicate and create concepts into quick prototypes and test them iteratively with users for further improvement in the development and realization phases of the design process.
Compared to my first year, where I defined myself mainly as a functional designer, I now have a clearer understanding of my role in the design process, my strengths, and the areas I need to improve. This awareness allows me to set more targeted learning goals and align my development with my long-term vision.
My vision is to design technology-driven systems that improve efficiency, safety, and usability in real-world contexts, particularly sectors that involve technology like mobility or industrial projects.
When improving efficiency, I tend to see it as being able to reduce unnecessary steps in workflows, minimizing user cognitive load which means they know how to use the product by just looking at it and not need further instructions or guidance. My focus on efficiency, usability, and safety is an important factor when designing because poorly designed products or systems can lead to user frustration, errors, and dangerous situations. I aim to reduce these risks and create systems that are not only functional, but also intuitive and reliable in real-world use. Design and create a product/system that is accurate at doing what its mean to do. Lastly would be to improve safety and sustainability of the product.
My vision is influenced by how AI and other technologies that play a major role in society nowadays. With this I mean, being able to design and create products that are smart and are able to make the usage of the product easier and enjoyable for the stakeholders. I believe designers must become multidisciplinary and adaptive, by not only designing products but also understanding systems, stakeholders, implementation contexts and effects it has on future. I aim to be able to integrate technology seamlessly into product.
Comparing my vision in the first year, I was inspired by the designer such as Norman Foster and focused more on aesthetics and innovation, but now my vision is now more grounded and specific. It is based on my own experiences in projects, my strengths in technology, and my growing understanding of real-world constraints.
VISION
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Over the past semester, I’ve grown in key areas:
Improved my time management by using digital tools like calendar and reminders on my phone, as well as post it notes to have a constant reminder in my room.
Reflected on my strengths and weaknesses throughout the year in all my courses.
Used SMART and Korthagen methods to set goals.
Improved in the expertise areas of BE, CA and US.
Applied knowledge learnt from my BE courses and learnt how crucial it is to validate ideas with users and consider real-world constraints such as feasibility and value creation, to be able to create successful design.
Improved my skills in a variety of software’s like MATLAB, Fusion 360 and Unity.
My development goals now include:
Further develop my technical skills (TR & MDC) through personal projects and external learning platforms like Coursera (e.g., Modern Robotics, AI learning etc)
Gain real-world experience in multidisciplinary teams (Aero Student Team or Daedalus)
Get an internship for my 3rd year.
Take on a management/business role in a student team.
Choose which FBP would be ideal for me and get a handshake
Attend MyFuture activities and learn how to improve as a professional.
To achieve these goals I would to attend hands-on workshops, regular reflection, feedback from peers and coaches, and get myself into new roles which will expand my skill set.
Ultimately, I aim to evolve into a designer who can bridge technology, design, and strategy, contributing to not only the design execution but also through coordination and decision-making.