I am writing this statement to support my application for Innovation Design Engineering program. I graduated from Product Design at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) Indonesia with interest in technology design. I believe that I have the qualifications, as well as passion and determination to deepen my knowledge in integrated design and innovations.
When I was in high school, my talent in drawing fatefully gave me opportunity to join robotic team. Despite my zero programming skill, I was fortunate to do an important role in designing concept and technical drawing. Having Represented Indonesia in South East Asia Robotic Olympiad (SEARO) and awarded with gold medals, It’s the first time I realize the importance of creative and design process in creating innovations. I find most self-fulfillment in the freedom to make my own decision, from the quick drawing in the sketchbook then transforming the idea into sophisticated products. The two influences were strengthening my interest to industrial design.
Some relevant courses I took at ITB include Innovation Product Design, Technology Design, and Advance Digital Programming. Actively involved in student organization, I was selected as president of Industrial Design Student Organization (INDDES) and To fulfill my collaboration passion, I became designer in ITB Robotic Unit, designing Fire-fighting Robot and UAV, and selected as one of Indonesia’s Delegation in international Student Multidisciplinary Design Camp (IS-DEC).
One of my project involved developing a rural vehicle for emerging countries. From 6 months of deep field research in Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines. The outcome design was awarded as Grand Prize Winner of Mobility Vision International Vehicle Design Competition. I was invited to Nissan global headquarter for discussion and further development with Nissan’s design executive and vice president. Similar method was also used in my undergraduate final project to developing a Sea Mobile Clinic for Indonesia Remoted Area, where the requirement of basic health service system meet a geographical need and water based local transportation. The experience gave me insight about local wisdom, value and habit that often forgotten in technology implementation.
I realized that there was a lot more that went into designing innovation that what I would be able to learn while an undergraduate student, this is why I decided to pursue graduate study in the world’s best design school.
The program will increase my capacity in knowledge and experience, provide a perfect environment to directing my passion and build international network. The most important, the program will be a big step to be an expert in my field. I want to develop possibility of technology with indigenous knowledge of culture and traditions, generate local solution with new form and perspective.
My background and experiences gave me confidence and right mind-set to make significant contribution both in academics and projects in graduate program. IDE will bring out my full potential to achieve my ultimate goal, to lead global design firm as well as become creative catalyst for developing countries creative industry. I’m looking forward to join IDE program.