Featuring Experience With:
Summer 2023, Spring 2024 - Design Research Co-Op
When I started my first Co-op semester with Live Well in 2023, I had little idea of what design research was or the important role it plays in a successful design outcome. I quickly learned the great importance of primary research and attained valuable skills such as interviewing, observation, and data synthesis.
During my first semester with Live Well, I worked with Procter and Gamble performing a research study on a potential new opportunity space. This was done by arranging and interviewing participants, introducing them to the product, and allowing them to use the product throughout the semester. We collected data on the impact the product made in their homes and presented it back to P&G.
During my second semester, I worked with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit on a project analyzing the workflows of the staff. Although this was a departure from my traditional ID background, It was an excellent opportunity to improve my skills in observation, data synthesis and mapping.
I also had the opportunity to work with Boeing during my second semester, designing the future of passenger comfort in a hectic air travel system today. As someone very interested in airplanes, being a part of this team was an amazing experience.
Spring 2022 - Industrial Design Co-op
In the spring of 2022 I had the amazing opportunity to Co-op with Crown Lift Trucks in New Bremen, OH as an Industrial Designer. Responsibilities included creating insightful concepts for future trucks and parts based on research and project goals set forth beforehand. I also was responsible for presenting my designs and communicating my intentions in a concise and understandable manner.
The mentorship at Crown was top notch. They really helped guide me to become a better designer, helping me focus on ways to improve how I communicate my designs (both in the artwork and in the presentation) instead of trying so hard to make the artwork accurate and beautiful. The brainstorming sessions helped me focus on designing with intent and focused possibilites, rather than just throwing out rogue ideas. Additionally, I learned to structure my ideas within the “step, stretch, leap” format, presenting ideas that are totally possible and within the company’s current product scope, as well as ideas that provide developmental challenges yet provoke thought on what the future of the product line could look like.
I am thankful for this experience and the great people at Crown for giving me this opportunity!
Summer 2019 and 2021 - CNC Machinist & Assembler
I started off with Signaworks in 2019 as an assembly assistant, putting together tower lights, switch boxes, and other products the company sells. This helped me gain experience with the tolerances of manufacturing, and importance of consistency. I also learned a lot about the usage of power tools in a safe and repeatable way, to achieve a standardized result.
In 2021 Signaworks acquired a CNC machine, which they planned to implement into their production to cut down assembly times. I was asked back to assist in the setup and usage of this mill. Not only did I learn a lot about how to operate a CNC mill and how to write toolpaths, but I also was challenged to create paths that are efficient, and waste as little material as possible. This became my driving focus as I oversaw cuts in plastic, wood, and even some more expensive materials during my time there. I also was responsible for training my co-workers on how to use the machine towards the end of the summer, writing out instructions as well to make sure they could replace me when I left.
I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to work in a setting relevant to my field of study even before I got into the thick of my degree, and will use these skills and continue to develop them as I progress in my career.