2024 Hot New Things: Judy Jin, University of Auckland
Each summer DA profiles a selection of the top design graduates coming out of our tertiary institutions. We welcome these talented emerging professionals to our industry, learn about their passions, final projects, developing creative confidence and ambitions for the future.
Today we speak with Judy Jin, who recently graduated from the Design/ Commerce Conjoint programme at University of Auckland. You can find out more about Aotearoa NZ creative study options by visiting our design schools page.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am an international student with a Whakapapa from Beijing, China. I would describe myself as a motivated person who is always looking for new opportunities and challenges. My passion lies in product design, but I also enjoy working within fields such as graphic design and 3D modelling. In my spare time I enjoy painting, which I feel has contributed to my journey to grow as a designer.
What did your graduating project focus on?
My project “Pathway” is a digital platform that supports East Asian women in the technology industry with interview preparation. The aim is to foster a supportive community by streamlining mentorship and peer-finding processes for East Asian women in Tech. My goal was to build authentic relationships and networks, hence addressing Business diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) by bridging the tech gender gap.
Why did you choose to study at University of Auckland?
I chose to study at the University of Auckland because of its strong reputation for excellence in education. I was particularly drawn to the comprehensive curriculum which focuses on a deep understanding of design processes, theories, and principles. The design program has indeed offered me the opportunity to build a solid foundation for my career as a designer, ensuring that I am well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the industry. The diverse, creative community at the university also promised an enriching environment for personal and professional growth.
What did you enjoy most about your course, or what do you feel you can take away now that you’ve completed it?
What I enjoyed most from the courses was the hands-on, project-based learning approach. The various projects that I completed in my design courses allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge into practical work, gaining a deeper understanding of how to approach a problem with design thinking. Collaborating with peers in group projects has also allowed me to gain teamwork experience and communication skills.
Were there any exciting or unexpected discoveries to come out of your studies?
Before entering the degree, I used to have the mindset that design is very talent-based and involves a spontaneous process. However, that has completely changed. I now understand the importance of using a robust process of research, iteration, and collaboration to create meaningful designs, which I’m ready to apply to my future work and career.
What was your biggest challenge while studying and how did you overcome it?
One of my biggest challenges has been managing time effectively, especially balancing my two conjoint degrees, freelance work, internships, and student club activities. To overcome this, I started by using various time management softwares, such as google calendar, trello and notion, to keep my workdays structured and organised. I have also learned how to break down bigger tasks into small, achievable goals each day and manage uncertainties. Being able to gain support and feedback from my course instructors and peers also helped greatly.
Was there someone (or something) that inspired you to pick product design as a career path?
Many of my course instructors and tutors have backgrounds in product design. Seeing their work and journey has really inspired me to take product design as a career as I realise the amount of value it provides to our communities. Through creative thinking, product designers can make a real impact in today’s world.
Which piece in your portfolio are you most proud of and why?
There are many projects that I’m quite proud of. One really memorable project is the Strutfit digital refresh. It is a website redesign project I participated in. In this project I worked within a team of three designers to deliver an elevated brand identity and website redesign to our industry client. It is a truly memorable project as I learnt a lot from the senior designer that I worked with in terms of design processes and best practices. I was also able to contribute to delivering project outcomes that met client satisfaction, which I was quite proud of.
What’s next for you?
I am exploring career opportunities that allow me to apply my skills in both design and commerce. I’m excited to see where I can apply my understanding of user-centred design principles to enhance user experience and market appeal. I am also planning to continue to develop my design skills by participating in online courses and learning communities.
How can people get in touch or see more of your work?
Feel free to get in touch or see more of my work via the following:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-jin-a619aa192/
Portfolio: https://judyjin.notion.site/Judy-Jin-f9c4f386f1ac4154b1361f54ec870e5f?pvs=4
