Personal Development Plan
There are five key expertise areas that I intend to improve upon based on my Proffesional Identity & Vision. These areas encompass Creativity & Aesthetics, Technology & Realization, Business & Entrepreneurship, Maths, Data & Computing, and User & Society. To drive my growth and development, I have established SMART goals for each of these areas.
Creativity & Aesthetics
In the pursuit of enhancing my creative skills and presentation skills, I aim to expand my proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering, particularly using software such as Blender and Fusion 360. My SMART goal is to complete a create over 10 high-quality model and communicative renderings by the end of my internship at D&D. This will not only demonstrate my capability but also align with the demands of modern-day design, where both understanding and proficiency in 3D software is essential. This skill would amplify my capacity to deliver refined and visually impactful industrial design solutions.
Technology & Realization
I will develop and refine my skills in technology and realization by applying design for manufacturing (DFM) principles and ensuring ease of assembly in my projects during my internship at D&D, while balancing aesthetics with performance requirements. This goal is relevant as it directly aligns with my career aspirations in industrial design and engineering. Mastering these skills will make me a more effective and versatile designer, capable of creating products that are both beautiful and practical.
I will utilize online recourses, long hours of practice and maintain close contact with my mentors.
I can measure success of this goal by documenting the design process for the project, highlighting how I balanced aesthetics with performance, how I avoided stacking tolerances etc . Additionally by receiving positive feedback on my ability to incorporate these principles.
Business & Enterpreneurship
In the domain of Business & Entrepreneurship, I will deliver a holistic business case together with a clear value proposition for the product concept at D&D. By january 2025, The business case will consist of:
Competition Overview
Value preposition
Unique selling points (innovation and differentiation)
Design & Features
Design alternatives
Cost Structure
and more.
This goal is relevant as it aligns with my career objectives as a product designer — able to navigate business and strategic decision-making processes. I will seek feedback from my supervisor to ensure it meets the company’s standards and requirements.
Maths data & Computing
I will learn parametric design to aid my efforts in 3D modeling — an essential skill for a product designer and engineer. I will achieve this goal within six months, with monthly checkpoints to review my progress and adjust my learning strategy as needed.
User & Society
Within the expertise area of User & Society, I plan to conduct extensive user-centered research.
This research will encompass data categorization, theme identification, and requirement gathering while adhering to user-centered design principles. My objective is to use qualitative research for both projects, validating the design solutions, all within the FBP timeline.