Yarning With Our Mob: Emily

Tell us about you and your mob? 

Hello, I’m Emily, a Product Design student at university. My indigenous roots tie back to the Darkinjung mob on the Central Coast. However, I was born and raised in the Minjungbal group within the Bundjalung Nation, situated on the Gold Coast.

Tell us about why you choose Product Design? 

I’ve always been passionate about creativity, hands-on projects, and continual learning. In my early university days, I explored Information Technology and Secondary Teaching but didn’t feel a long-term connection to either. It was a stroke of luck when I stumbled upon product design. What excites me about it is the mix of skills involved—like sketching, graphic design, 3D modeling—basically, a bit of everything! Being able to create both physical and digital designs lets me explore various tools and methods. And there’s something truly fulfilling about collaborating with a team or users to create meaningful and innovative products for people. That’s where I’ve found my groove.

What are your career plans post graduation?

Once I graduate, I’m aiming to undergo a graduate program centered on product and customer experience design. I’ve got this real passion for learning but also creating products that aren’t just sleek but also user-friendly. Understanding how people engage with what’s designed for them really excites me. My ultimate goal is to step into the realm of Service Design or Product Design because, for me, it’s all about prioritizing people and community. If things align, I hope to build a career path where I can translate this passion into making a genuine difference for individuals and communities. 

What Skills do you need to succeed in your role? 

As a product designer, it’s all about having this diverse set of skills in your back pocket. Think of it as this mix of knowing your design stuff – understanding the ins and outs of design principles while throwing in some wild creativity to bring those mind-blowing ideas to life. Then there’s this tech side of things – being a pro with design software, like Adobe’s Photoshop and Illustrator, to whip up designs that not only look cool but also work like a charm. But it’s not just about solo work; good communication is a must to team up with different folks, understand what users want, and explain those design ideas like a pro. Flexibility? Oh yeah, that’s vital for navigating those back-and-forth design processes. And don’t forget that eagle eye for details! Making sure the final product isn’t just pretty but also nails the user experience. Oh, and staying hungry to learn and stay in the loop with what’s trending in design.

What is the deadliest thing about your degree course?  

The coolest part about my degree is how it lets me create stuff that really makes a difference! I get to design products for people that provide a purpose and look good plus I’m all about making things sustainable for the environment. For example I recently worked on an interactive toy using small plastic medical waste from the Brisbane children’s hospital. Those pieces couldn’t be recycled, so we found a way to reuse them in something awesome!

What study advice would you give to mob?       

Create a routine: So when you sit down to study or design you are in the right mindset. Plus it helps to prevent procrastination.

Ask questions: Don’t just ask questions to your tutors and teachers. Sometimes with creative tasks your peers can be a great source of inspiration.

What was your best support system that helped you get through your studies?

My fellow design peers but also the Gumurri Unit at Griffith University. Proving tutoring, fun events/catchups as well as sending through emails about study, career and scholarship opportunities.