Brittany MurphySenior Experience Designer, Think Company
Alumni Interview
"I experienced working with amazingly smart and talented people in EDI. I looked for a similar environment after leaving school."
When you started EDI, did you know what industry you wanted to work in or were you still exploring?
I actually was interested in product design going into EDI.
Tell us about an EDI course that made an impact on you.
Designing Product Interactions with Craig Sampson. I took this course during my first quarter in EDI. I remember I was paired with a second-year student for the first project with an assignment to redesign a door. During our first meeting, he started by asking "what's the purpose of a door?" The class changed the way I approach a problem. Instead of just fixing something, I learned to first question the problem being solved.
Is there anyone you worked with during EDI that you consider a mentor?
My entire cohort. We meshed so well together. I experienced working with amazingly smart and talented people in EDI. I looked for a similar environment after leaving school.
How did you decide on your EDI thesis project?
I babysat for a family north of the city. Like any kids, they loved building forts and were so creative in what they used. I was inspired to explore that creativity and openness children have— they aren't afraid to be wrong. My thesis evolved, but I kept that sense of play and open-ended creativity in my final product.
What advice do you have for an EDI student interested in working in your industry?
EDI provides a nice little design bubble. Challenge yourself to work with non-designers and to learn how to communicate and share your design process with others. But also be open to evolving your process. Once you leave EDI you will work with a mix of people—many who don't understand or don't care to understand design. It's important to learn how to work with them and to even teach them design along the way.
