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?
The best lessons I have learned have been passed on to me by my mentor and professor Mike Elwell. Mike introduced me to the book Biomimicry by Janine Benyus which has taught me to always look to nature for inspiration. The planet has been working in harmony since before design was invented, and paying attention to the natural world can provide powerful insights.
What is the strongest skill you bring to an employer?
My strongest skill would be the comprehensive view that I can apply to any problem. Driven by my empathetic personality, I am able to consider every angle or experience that a user will have with a particular project. To address each experience, I thoroughly conduct research to ensure there are no holes within the process. Any project I work on will be thorough, functional, and user friendly!
What type of project or industry interests you?
Designing customer experiences through UX and UI is perfect for me. I have chased unique experiences throughout my entire life and building them for other people is my dream job!
What project in your portfolio are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my HighFive UX/UI Case Study. The purpose of the app is to connect small business owners with buyers. I am very passionate about shopping small and supporting my friends and neighbors. HighFive showcases my research and graphic design skills along with my great attention to detail.
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?
In the winter of 2019 I participated in Alternative Bronco Breaks where I road tripped to Washington DC with 10 other students to volunteer at a local soup kitchen. I was put in a new and intimate environment with people I have never met before. It was intimidating, but we all had the same goal- to help a community in need. After the first few days, I found these strangers to be some of the best people I have ever met. We all bonded over the nine hour car drive, the tight housing set-up, and volunteering for a great cause together. I learned a lot about myself and how to build meaningful relationships with others. This experience taught me that doing the things that scare you the most are often the most rewarding!
Learn more about Maria
Favorite Projects
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