Educational institution: De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (Philippines)
Programme: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design
Year of graduation: 2009
What made you decide to become an industrial designer?
Surrounded by ever-evolving products, I had become deeply fascinated with how the industry works and how it is able to come up with innovation that dramatically improves the lives of people. This challenged me, as a design-oriented person, to contribute to the further development of design. Moreover, in such a diverse and promising field, I was confident that my talent, creativity, and skills could be honed, not only for my benefit, career-wise, but for society’s benefit as well. I think it’s a privilege not afforded to many.
In your opinion, what types of people are best suited for the profession of industrial design? What is a typical industrial designer like?
Having passion and an eye for detail is one thing. Someone who can think of bold and out-of-the-box ideas that stand out from the pool of existing and conventional concepts.
As a modern-day industrial designer, I believe one should be brave enough to challenge the norm and formulate new and fresh designs that are better in terms of functionality and aesthetics. A credible designer utilizes his/her understanding of technology, materials, and ergonomics not only to modify and improve the design of products but also enhance their usability.
Where did you study industrial design and what was the most important thing you learned?
I completed a Bachelor of Science-Industrial Design at De La Salle – College of St. Benilde. As a student, I learned not to limit myself from what the textbooks and professors dictate to us but to constantly challenge myself as a designer to go out and look at things from a different perspective. It is my goal to persistently refine my ideas and/or designs because these things reflect what I do and my credibility as an industrial designer. Also, I learned not to be afraid and hesitant to come up with all kinds of ideas, no matter how trivial they may be at first, because from there, you will have the chance to explore and fine-tune everything as your knowledge and mastery of the field increases. Constant research using all kinds of media is also essential for it keeps me up-to-date and broadens my knowledge of the trends today, hence enabling me to come up with current and contemporary ideas for my designs.