Embracing Growth and Innovation
As I look back on the past year, I am amazed at the journey I have undertaken and the milestones I have achieved. This year has been a transformative period, filled with significant experiences that have shaped my personal and professional growth.
Attending My First Hackathon
In March 2024, I attended my first hackathon with the Memento team. Memento is an app designed to assist Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers by acting as a personalized virtual memory aid. The app integrates journal entries, images, audio recordings, and location data to help patients recall daily activities and special events, fostering independence and improving communication with healthcare providers. The hackathon was intense and exhilarating, teaching me the importance of collaboration, resilience, and creative problem-solving. The recognition we received for our project was gratifying, but more importantly, it solidified my passion for using design and technology to make a meaningful impact. We were honored with awards for third place overall, Best Social Impact Hack, Best Digital Solution to Improve the Clinical Trial Process (Medpace), and Best Use of Postgres (Tembo).
I was so fortunate to have such an amazing team, and I'm happy to say that we're all moving memento forward; This year, we plan on scaling Memento up to become a fully fledged startup! We have started the research phase, and are on our way to interviewing our target audience by the end of Fall. I'm extremely excited, as this will be the peak of my sympathetic design experience.
Advancing Through Co-Ops
I am currently in my last semester of my third year in a five-year program, with two co-op experiences under my belt. Starting as a fine arts major at UC, I have come a long way. My internships at Procter & Gamble were pivotal in my development. My first stint was at their Ventures Studio, where I explored innovative approaches to consumer goods. My second was in the Beauty Care Department, focusing on haircare packaging design and sustainability. These experiences provided a taste of the corporate world, but I realized I craved a more dynamic and rigorous environment.
In spring 2024, I revamped my portfolio and secured a coveted co-op position at HUGE Design in San Francisco, a top-tier product design consultancy. Working at HUGE has been a revelation. The fast-paced workflow, ambitious client projects, and innovative environment align perfectly with my aspirations. I feel fortunate to be on the West Coast, experiencing a new culture and professional setting that has broadened my horizons.
Joining the NEXT Innovation Scholars Program
A significant milestone this year was my acceptance into the NEXT Innovation Scholars (NIS) program at UC. This was a goal I had set my sights on since joining the industrial design program. NIS is known for its cross-disciplinary collaboration, and I am excited to work alongside students from various majors. The program emphasizes design thinking, trend forecasting, and teaching, which are areas I am eager to explore. This opportunity will ultimately fuel the interdisciplinary work I have been craving since starting at UC. I thrive in unfamiliar environments, and I am confident that being part of NIS will profoundly impact my future trajectory.
Public Furniture Design Studio
Before heading to California for my co-op, I participated in a public furniture design studio, “Section 001,” led by John B. Dixon. This studio was my first real taste of consultancy work. We partnered with a local non-profit to design, build, and install public furniture in green spaces near UC. Although some budget issues delayed the project’s completion, a dedicated group of students and John continued the work over the summer. I plan to contribute to the final construction when I return to UC in early August. This project taught me the value of perseverance and community engagement in design.
Looking Forward
Reflecting on this past year, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my journey. From hackathons, internships, joining NIS, and making crazy furniture, each experience has reinforced my passion for design and innovation. I am excited about the future and the potential to make a meaningful impact through my work.
