Future & Goals.
Over the next few months to years, I want to have a roadmap in place. I may not follow it at all eventually, or end up doing even more than I expected. But these are my goals for the foreseeable future:
Play.
What?
I want to become a more competent designer in a game-related field. I aim to leverage the power of a tool such as LEGO in prototyping, manufacturing, and creative applications.
How?
I plan to join the Games and Play squad and take electives relevant to it – most likely following the Design for Games and Play courses. Additionally, with a visit to the LEGO House and factory in Billund planned in 2024, and a chance to meet the designers of my favorite ’toy’, it is a great chance to expand my knowledge in that sphere. An internship at a company like LEGO would be the dream, and I will be doing my best to make it a reality.
Why?
This is something I am passionate about. I enjoy building, tweaking, and creating board games and live action games. I feel one with LEGO bricks, and they allow me to express myself in unique ways. I consider LEGO to be more than just a toy; it is a building material, a prototyping tool; and I want to learn how to leverage its powers, and teach others how to do the same.
When?
I hope to make significant strides in this area over the second year of my bachelor’s program. After that, I want to evaluate where I am, and keep working on my skills for the long term.
Community and Leadership.
What?
I aspire to take strides connecting with people and cultures, and exercising my leadership skills. I want to experience more of the world, expand my network, and understand the people I am designing for. Additionally, I aim to improve my fluency in Dutch.
How?
By signing up for electives such as Design Management, I can acquire entrepreneurial skills, understand how a business works, and its relevance to industrial design. Additionally, by being on the board of COSMOS – TU/e’s international student association with over 2000 members – next year, I aim to meet a whole host of new people, get the chance to organize amazing events, and create a positive community for all students.
Finally, by choosing to do an exchange semester in my third year, I have the opportunity to explore the world and build a broad network and community. Global exposure can also help me gain cultural sensitivity, and allow my design work to cross borders seamlessly.
Lastly, I want to continue taking the Dutch language courses at the university to improve my fluency. Never before have I been in such a perfect position to learn a new language, and I want to continue seizing the opportunity while I can.
Why?
As something close to my heart being an international student myself, I want to provide others with even better opportunities than I received, make the world a better place, and create a difference in my own way. And what better way to do that than by combining it with the chance to grow my leadership and business acumen!
When?
I envision taking these courses in the next academic year, and apply to be COSMOS board in the same time frame. I plan on completing my exchange semester the year after that, just before my final bachelor project.
Design and Me.
What?
In terms of general design, and more personal growth, I have some more goals. For inclusive design, I want to learn about the psychology of design, and study more in-depth about accessibility and inclusive design. Being quite fluent in CAD already, I want to expand my prototyping skills to the 2D world and the physical world as well. Last of all, I want to continue being me: I want to resume my love of playing music, and continue annoying people for hours about coffee – perhaps even a weekend job as a barista!
How?
To further my design-related knowledge, I have my heart set on taking the Exploratory Making elective, which focuses on prototyping in 3D with materials such as foam or cardboard. By taking courses from other courses, such as Psychology and Technology and Sustainable Innovation, I can learn more about inclusivity, accessibility, and the psychology of design.
On the side, I also want to learn Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign to easily allow me to create professional graphics and present my work with greater proficiency. By finding some friends to play music with, and collaborating with ESMG Modern – my university’s music association, I aim to bring my guitar and more back into my daily life.
Why?
This is who I am. I have the curiosity of a kindergartner - I want to know the why behind everything, and I love working with my hands. I love playing music, making people smile, and brewing the perfect cup of coffee.
As a colorblind design student recovering from a broken arm, I want to work on issues that are close to me, and can help a lot of people. By being authentic and true to who I am, I hope to genuinely make my mark as a designer in this dog-eat-dog world.
When?
Next month, next year, and forever. I don’t want to stop being me, and working on what means a lot to me. Specifically, I want to take the Exploratory Making elective and work on my Adobe suite skills over the next 12 months. In terms of music and my other hobbies, I want to find time for them alongside my studies, with the dream of even integrating them if the opportunity ever arises.