Sustainable DESIGN
Isabelle is sharing her story about her internship January-March 2024.
HI ISABELLE!
Who are you, what are you studying and at which school?
Hi, my name is Isabelle Kemi. I grew up in the charming Swedish summer towns of Varberg and Skärhamn. In 2019, seeking new experiences, I moved up north to Umeå. During my time there, I delved into various creative disciplines. Through these explorations, I discovered my passion for industrial design. I am in my second year pursuing a bachelor's degree in industrial design at Umeå Institute of Design.
What attracted you to The Loop Factory?
What attracted me to The Loop Factory was the central focus on sustainability and the approach of creating something new from what already exists. Taking items destined for disposal and giving them a longer life and a new purpose resonated with me. This aligns with my own creative and work philosophy. Additionally, I was drawn to the "fail faster method." I am very hands-on and practical, preferring to experiment and test with both my hands and eyes to determine what works and doesn't. At The Loop Factory, I felt free to experiment without fear of making mistakes.
What is the purpose of your internship, and why did you choose that topic?
I've been an intern at The Loop Factory for 10 weeks, and it's (sadly) coming to an end. The purpose of my internship was mainly to gain insight into what it is like to work as a designer.
I have certainly gained that experience and much more. Not only did I meet a fantastic team, but I also deepened my knowledge of textiles, environmental sustainability, recycling practices, project management, and teamwork dynamics. I have also developed a design concept and a physical product in the form of a lamp, which has been great fun and educational.
What challenges have you faced so far, and how have you dealt with them?
My main challenge was trusting myself in making decisions about the design concept and physical product. Transitioning from school projects to managing my own project for the company was nerve-wracking yet ultimately rewarding. I have also learned yet again how important it is to ask for feedback and involve other people in the process!
Despite the challenges, I've enjoyed the experience and grown significantly as a person and a designer.
Have you discovered any exciting results or insights so far?
Not only have I learned how to structure and execute my project, but I have also gained a very good insight into working on projects in collaboration with a group of people with different competencies. It's interesting how structure and creativity work together to fulfil each other's goals and priorities in a project.
Are there any specific skills or knowledge that you have developed in the course of your work?
During these weeks, I have gained valuable knowledge of textile production and insights into the urgent development of sustainable solutions in the textile industry. Despite the daunting scale of the global problem of growing textile mountains, I have also seen and learned about promising solutions and regulations to address textile overproduction and waste management.
What future steps do you plan to take after completing your internship?
Good question! I still have one year of school left, and at the moment, I don't have a specific goal I have to achieve/do right after graduation. However, I want to learn more about innovative and modern production methods. In addition, I want to deepen my knowledge of materials, project management, and conscious design strategies so that I can provide sustainable input to the production and design of new products.
In what way do you want to be involved and contribute to a better world?
One reason I chose to study industrial design was to have an impact on the production of new products. Sustainability is a central part of my life, and I share the same goal as The Loop Factory: to use and prolong the life of our existing resources.
Thank you, Isabelle - we wish you all the best!
