Defining My Direction as a Designer

Defining My Direction as a Designer


Introduction

Throughout this module, I have developed a clearer understanding of my direction as a designer, both in terms of my strengths and the areas I need to improve. My focus lies within CMF and interior experience, particularly in how materials, light, and atmosphere shape user interaction and emotional response.

Alongside developing my Final Major Project, I have used this time to reflect on my portfolio, explore opportunities for further education, and establish a structured plan for entering the design industry.



Postgraduate Study and Further Education

A key pathway I am pursuing is postgraduate study, particularly the Future Mobility programme at the Royal College of Art. Through conversations with tutors including Chris Thorpe and Cynthia Chadwick, I received valuable feedback on my portfolio and application. Their guidance helped me understand how to strengthen my work, particularly in improving clarity, demonstrating a more resolved level of design, and showing a broader range of skills beyond CMF.

Based on this feedback, I aim to refine my portfolio further in preparation for applying for a scholarship. While I am confident in my CMF ability, I recognise the importance of presenting a more complete design profile.

Alongside this, I have also explored the MEXT Scholarship as an alternative route for postgraduate study. This scholarship offers the opportunity to study in Japan, but requires application to a university aligned with my research interests. This reflects my intention to remain flexible while pursuing advanced design education.



Portfolio Development and Industry Feedback

Through feedback, I realised that my portfolio was too heavily focused on CMF. While this is my strongest area, it became clear that it does not fully represent my overall capability as a designer.

To address this, I expanded my portfolio by including the Aston Martin project, which demonstrates stronger sketching ability, exterior development, and form exploration. This allows me to present a more balanced skillset, showing that I can work across interior, exterior, and user experience, while still maintaining CMF as my core strength.

Moving forward, I plan to further develop this project by creating a 3D Blender model. This will allow me to better communicate spatial qualities, material relationships, and overall design intent, while also improving my technical capabilities in visualisation.



Skills Developed During the Module

Through my Final Major Project, I developed a deeper understanding of materiality and its role in shaping user experience. My approach has moved beyond purely visual decisions, considering how materials perform over time, how they age, and how they contribute to atmosphere and comfort within a space. This has strengthened my ability to think about CMF as part of a wider system rather than as isolated surface choices.

Alongside this, the development of my portfolio has improved my professional communication and engagement with industry. I have become more proactive in reaching out to designers, tutors, and professionals, seeking feedback and guidance to refine my work. Through these interactions, I have started to better understand industry expectations and how design trends and standards evolve over time.

This process has helped me recognise the importance of positioning myself within the wider design landscape, adapting and developing my work in response to feedback while maintaining a clear direction.



Areas for Improvement

A key weakness in my current practice is the speed and efficiency of my 3D modelling workflow. While I have started using Blender, I am not yet able to produce high-quality models and renders within tight deadlines.

This has highlighted the importance of not only generating strong ideas, but also executing them effectively to a professional standard. Improving this skill is essential for both my portfolio and future employability.



Next Steps for Development

To address this, I will continue developing my Blender skills through consistent practice and application. My focus is on producing clear and effective visual outputs that communicate spatial design, material relationships, and atmosphere.

I will also continue refining my portfolio after submission, ensuring that my work demonstrates both depth in CMF and a broader range of design capabilities across interior, exterior, and user experience.



Professional Identity and Career Direction

I am developing as a designer focused on CMF and interior experience, with a strong emphasis on material storytelling, atmosphere, and cultural thinking. My approach is grounded in design thinking, allowing me to translate research and context into meaningful design outcomes.

I am particularly interested in roles within product and transport design, especially within consultancies where I can apply a broad skillset while maintaining a strong focus on CMF and interior experience.

What differentiates me is my ability to combine CMF thinking with experience-driven design, alongside an understanding of cultural context and the use of emerging tools such as AI to support ideation and development.



Industry Engagement and Graduate Show Strategy

The graduate show is a key opportunity for me to engage with industry professionals and present my work at a high level. I plan to fully commit to this by being present throughout the event, actively networking, and building connections with potential employers.

To support this, I am preparing printed materials, including my portfolio and research report, to provide additional context and create a lasting impression. These physical outputs will allow me to communicate my work more effectively in person.

I have also already engaged with industry professionals, including visiting Silverlining Furniture, where I discussed luxury, materiality, and craftsmanship. Experiences like this have helped me better understand industry expectations and refine my approach.

In addition, I have applied to studios such as PriestmanGoode, Tangerine, Jaguar Land Rover, and McLaren. Although my portfolio was not fully developed at the time, these applications provided valuable experience. I plan to reapply with a stronger and more refined portfolio.



Post-Graduation Plan

Following graduation, I plan to continue applying for design roles while refining my portfolio. If necessary, I will take on part-time work while remaining fully committed to entering the design industry.

I also plan to develop a dedicated online platform to document my work, including design explorations, cultural research, and process development. This will strengthen my digital identity and allow me to present my work in a more curated and professional way.

Additionally, I will continue working with the university’s talent team, making use of the extended support available to ensure I remain on track towards employability within design.



SWOT Analysis


Strengths

  • Strong CMF thinking and material-led design approach

  • Ability to create atmosphere through material, light, and spatial design

  • Clear design thinking and structured workflow

  • Effective use of AI tools for ideation and iteration

Weaknesses

  • Limited speed and efficiency in 3D modelling and rendering

  • Some projects lack fully resolved final visual outputs

  • Portfolio previously too focused on CMF, lacking broader balance

Opportunities

  • Graduate show exposure and networking opportunities

  • Postgraduate study at the Royal College of Art or through the MEXT Scholarship

  • Continued development of Blender and visualisation skills

  • Building a strong online design presence and personal brand

Threats

  • High level of competition within the design industry

  • Need to stand out with both strong visuals and clear thinking

  • Balancing specialisation with a broad and adaptable skillset



Conclusion

Overall, this module has helped me better understand my position as a designer and the steps required to progress into industry. I have developed a clearer sense of direction, identified key areas for improvement, and established a structured plan for continuing my development.

Moving forward, my focus is on refining my portfolio, strengthening my technical skills, and actively engaging with industry to create opportunities.



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