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?
We can do anything, if we take it one step at a time. A lot of the problems in the world feel insurmountable, especially these days. As designers, it is our responsibility to solve those problems – not all of them, and not alone, but it is still a huge task. I have learned that we can make things better, as long as we take it one task, one product, one service, one step at a time.
What is the strongest skill you bring to an employer?
My presentation and verbal communication skills are where I shine. I have been in project-based education since almost before I could talk, and I bring that experience and passion into every presentation, whether it is client-facing or internal.
What type of project or industry interests you?
I am most interested in projects that focus on environmental and social impact. As designers, it is our job to make the world better with whatever skills we have. I started as a mechanical engineering student before transitioning to product design, and I bring some of that mentality forward. To that end, I am most interested in physical products and packaging.
What project in your portfolio are you most proud of?
I think my best project should always be my next project. It is still in progress, but I am most proud of my thesis. I am currently working on a way to reduce the waste produced by shaving. It is the perfect intersection of storytelling, positive impact, and design to be an exciting project.
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?
My thesis professor, Carly Hagen was incredibly impactful. She has a knack for putting design into perspective in the world – not just as a thing we learn, or a thing we do for work, but as a thing that impacts the ever-changing world around us.
Learn more about Indigo
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