Art and design alumni

Experience Designer, DNA Design
Bachelor of Design in Product Design

AUT’s outstanding facilities make it easy to turn your ideas into reality, says AUT art and design alumna Catherine Campbell who completed a Bachelor of Design in Product Design.

“I still remember the day I first 3D printed a part. The fact that the idea from the night before had become a functioning part the next day was pretty incredible. Having access to facilities like that as a student is amazing, not to mention the expertise of the technicians who are always there to help you and teach you new things.”

Collaborative and supportive
Another highlight of her studies was the supportive and collaborative learning environment.

“The classes were quite small and there was lots of time to pick the lecturers’ brains. The academics were constantly encouraging us to strive further and keep pushing to find the best possible design solution.”

“Our year group was very close, and there was always a sense of camaraderie – especially close to important deadlines – and we were great at sharing our successes,” says Catherine who graduated in 2013.

Making an impact
The practical focus and ability to make an impact is what first attracted her to product design.

“My initial intention was to study either architecture or engineering, but after attending one of the AUT art and design information evenings and hearing about the product design degree, I was sold in an instant. It sounded like it was comprised of so many of the things I loved and cared about.”

“I love that product design is concerned with finding design solutions to difficult problems, and has the potential to have a meaningful impact on the world we live in,” Catherine says.

Beautiful yet functional designs
Now working as an experience designer for design agency DNA Design, Catherine has a passion for designing solutions that are not just beautiful but also relevant and functional.

“My AUT degree taught me that good design is more than just creating products. It’s about using design methodology to solve problems. I use this way of thinking every day in my work now,” Catherine says.

“My job involves a range of activities, from the initial interviews with customers, synthesising all of this understanding, and mapping customer journeys. I’m involved from start to finish, briefing to delivery – designing products and services not just to make things, but to make things better. In any given week I can be working with a range of clients – public sector organisations, banks, telcos or FMCG clients with great new to market products, just to name a few. I love working as part of such a fantastic team on problems that matter.”

Employer comment

“We employed Catherine because of her ability to translate people’s needs into design solutions that will solve their problems or provide opportunities for organisations to better deliver experiences. We look for a wide range of skills, but one of the most important qualities we look for is mindset and attitude. Catherine has a unique ability to develop empathy with people’s needs, translate that empathy into structured thinking and then work in a flexible way when it comes to implementing solutions. Her willingness to learn and support the senior team, no matter what the task or its challenges, has made Catherine an extremely valuable member of the team.”

Stephen Maskell, Experience Director, DNA Design