Unleashing My Creative Potential
Since the commencement of my internship with the BMW Group and QUT Design Academy, my life has been an exhilarating whirlwind of opportunities and enriching experiences. This unique opportunity has not only added value to my present but has also opened doors to numerous exciting prospects in the future as I approach graduation.
The position at the academy, while not explicitly labelled as a graphic design internship, captivated my interest due to my role as a multidisciplinary designer rather than just a graphic designer. The project we undertook involved a diverse range of design work, with significant involvement not only in visual communication but also in various other design fields.
Collaborating with my talented peer, Keagan, specialising in UI/UX design, was an invaluable experience. Our combined expertise in visual and interaction design allowed us to produce top-tier visual content, leveraging each other's strengths. This internship marked our debut in the real-world industry, providing us with a first-hand experience of a 9-to-5 work schedule. The overall experience was incredibly positive and encouraging for both of us.
Our design project centred on creating an in-car STEM-themed digital experience for children. The open-ended nature of the project led us to explore the realm of in-car gaming, a domain relatively unfamiliar to us. The project brought about its challenges, demanding extensive research and experimentation to arrive at an effective design solution. Through this process, we gained insights into the dynamics of emerging technologies and their impact on the design landscape, particularly within the context of BMW's pioneering exploration of futuristic and innovative concept cars. Our initial exploration of VR game design soon shifted as our research deepened, revealing the exciting potential of other avenues.
Initially, grappling with understanding the preferences of our target audience and our limited knowledge of game design principles posed a significant hurdle. However, the guidance and insights provided by the capstone game design students were instrumental in setting us on the right path. Have to give them a special shoutout for their incredible time and support.
Throughout the internship, I delved deeper into 3D modelling, honing my skills in UI/UX design. Mastering the intricacies of lighting and perspective in 3D modelling was a rewarding learning experience that I deeply appreciate. I can proudly claim that I have improved my 3D and UI/UX skills during my internship, with further growth needed by exploring modelling in Blender.
What truly made my time at the academy exceptional was the unwavering support and guidance from the academy staff, along with our BMW Group colleague, Alexandra, with whom we held weekly meetings. Their valuable input during our presentations and design choices motivated us to deliver work of the highest quality.
If there's one takeaway I'd like to share from my experience, it is the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and fearlessly experimenting. Embracing this mindset not only facilitates the acquisition of new skills but also fosters personal growth and development. This transformative journey has left an indelible mark, and I'm eager to carry forward the lessons and experiences gained from this remarkable internship into my future endeavours within the ever-growing design industry.
Sri Sadhana
BMW Group + QUT Design Academy Intern, Semester 2 2023
