The Product Design Program at the Western Michigan University Richmond Institute for Design + Innovation (RIDI) is taking innovation to a whole new level with its unique, interdisciplinary program preparing graduates to lead in the field of industrial design. Learn more about the program’s upcoming graduates that are open to opportunity in this Student Profile Series leading up to the RIDI Senior Show, April 21st.
What is the best lesson you learned from your classes, an internship, an instructor, or a mentor?
Try new things, there’s always someone willing and wanting to give you a chance!!!
What is the strongest skill you bring to an employer?
I’m always willing to learn. Something I’ve realized over the years is wherever you are, whatever you are doing, there is always something you can take away from that experience and will help you in the future.
What type of project or industry interests you?
The main industries that interest me are Automotive Design and Footwear Design. The summer of 2021, I had the opportunity to intern at General Motors which gave me a newly found interest in Automotive Design. It’s something that’s still new to me but I would love to continue growing in the industry!
What project in your portfolio are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my project for the International Housewares Association competition, Complete Cuts Knife Set. This was the first project where I got to fully execute each part of the design process. It was exciting to see my design come to life in a life-size prototype. This project is the first that made me feel proud of myself!
What/who is one person, place, or experience that had a positive impact on you during your time at Western Michigan University or in the Kalamazoo community?
There are a couple communities I got a chance to be a part of throughout my time at WMU, but the one that stands out the most is the Product Design community. From the beginning, we were pushed to use the studio space provided for us and to talk to the students among us. Because of this, I was able to meet some of my closest friends including some from other grades. That is something not many other programs get to experience.
Learn more about Karla
Favorite Projects
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