Design Student of the Month - Diana Isaza Shelton

There are a lot of creative students in Canada who are doing innovative work to improve people's life through interactive, visual, informational, and other aspects of User Experience Design. I invited them to introduce who they are and share their work with you. To nominate a Design Student of the Month, email us. The Design Student of the Month for July 2009 is Diana Isaza Shelton! Congratulations!! Let's hear from Diana.

Who’s Diana?

I am from Colombia and I have lived in Canada for seven years. I have just completed studies in industrial design at Carleton University in Ottawa, with one semester of an Exchange Program with Monash University, in Australia. This summer I am completing my internship for graduation, and the last two courses for a minor in Business. The combination of study, work and travel has given me the opportunity to learn a range of subjects from inclusive design, perception, user interface design, human factors, user-centered design, sustainable design, among others. More interestingly, it has helped me to develop a holistic approach to design and encouraged me to explore new dimensions to enhance human interaction with the physical world.

Some facts about me: My favourite designer is Marc Newson, Nature is my main source for inspiration, I like to learn languages and learn about cultures. I am student member of Association of Chartered Industrial Designers of Ontario (ACIDO). I love model making and photography. My favourite quote is: “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.

What cool stuff is Diana doing?

In May 2009 Carleton University and Sonja Bata, widow of shoe manufacturer Thomas Bata, came together for a pilot project to design concepts that make the town of Batawa, Ontario, a model sustainable community. I led the School of Industrial Design team, along with two colleagues Michael Tomlin and Tomas Valencia, in the task of redesigning the ski hill facilities of the factory town into a year-round destination.

I was involved in the design of the recreational area at the foot of the hill, for which we proposed a cost-effective reservoir to solve issues with snowmaking and storm water management system, recreational ponds that create an ice rink and ice trails in the winter, and an entertainment stage for performances. The design focused on the innovative use of natural materials represented on snowmazes, yukigassen (an official snow fight competition) and a greenhouse-like research lab. The six-week project work was exhibited to the community in Batawa and Ottawa drawing special attention from national media. You can see the video of the project on CTV website.

Currently, I am working on a publication compiling the final projects of the industrial design 2009 class in sustainable product development. This includes my project “Clean Hands Compost”, an easy-to-use composting solution for the home, which was awarded the Michael Elmarson Memorial Award for outstanding environmental awareness.

What are Diana’s plans after graduation?

I look forward to join the corporate world, and to be able to apply my skills and creativity in providing meaningful experiences to people. Advancement opportunities in design management, human-oriented design and sustainable development are in my goals. I enjoy teamwork, learning new things and taking on new challenges. I enjoy getting involved and helping others. Some of the industries that I would like to contribute to include education, medical equipment design, exhibition and communication design. In the future, it is my intention to pursue further studies in strategic design research and design management to broaden my contribution to society through creative and responsible design.

Want to learn more about Diana?

You can see my sample work at: https://www.coroflot.com/dianaisazashelton

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