Wednesday, September 19, 2018 // The Statement
4B
CHRISTINE
MONTALBANO
FOR THE USER
The idea that I can take my mind to whatever extent I desire and create
what I want is one of the most riveting feelings that continuously propels
me to create genuine work. Whether I am designing an infographic or
programming an application, I imagine how the user would experience it.
Studying design at The University of Michigan has put me in the hot seat to
help pave a better future for the world around me through design.
It is easy to get lost in our schoolwork, become selfish and block anyone else’s
needs out, but as a designer that is all I seem to think about. Through the
needs and desires of those around me, I have the power to alleviate stress,
evoke creativity and inspire those to join me in the process of improving the
world’s design. Being selfish is never in the equation for me, I consistently
create for myself in order to enhance my skills to create for others — it’s
a never-ending cycle. My work is undefinable, yet understandable. I don’t
believe one piece or even a presentation of my work can put a cap on the
depth of thoughts and aspirations I have for the good of the users. I refuse
to be defined by the opinions of others, but rather I rise above and prove
myself through design.
What is unique about being a designer is I can essentially help shape the
user’s life, their experiences and their mood as well as give certain scenarios
context and stir up conversation. The user’s mindless day-to-day tasks and
encounters are all shaped by design, and I am grateful to be a part of that
everyday bustle. The paper you are reading, your alarm clock that went
off this morning and the credit card machine at your coffee shop are all
shaped by design and gave your day meaning and context. Without your
alarm clock, you would still be in a deep slumber, and without your morning
coffee, who knows where you would be. It is beyond fascinating how every
single thing around me was intricately planned out through design.
Though I often joke about being in a relationship with my computer, the
reward is unlike any other. Behind the screen there are big dreams, ideas
and plans to enhance certain products and interfaces that are flawed for the
user. Behind my screen there are multiple Adobe Create Suite applications
running at once and a notebook flooded with sketches and mockups of
potential designs. Behind my screen there is a plethora of written thoughts
and emotions to keep track of how certain experiences affect me. The users
shape my life too, and watching them interact or experience my work is
extremely satisfying. The timeless hours I have spent “in a relationship” with
my computer, the countless nights my wrists and neck have been sore
and the endless contemplation of ways I can better my work suddenly
become worth it for those brief seconds I experience the user interacting
with my work with ease. The feeling of being a part of this ease is one of
the greatest gifts, and it is all through design.
Devoting my fingertips to the user will never get old. Taking my mind
to whatever extent I desire for the future of design will help me
remain in tune with the quick demands and desires of the
user. No matter what it is I am designing, I am designing for
myself to enhance my abilities for the user to pave the way
for the future of design. My design experiences will allow
me to be a part of the users’ everyday life. I realize what a
blessing it is to be able to experience life from both the
eyes of a designer as well as a user, and I know this will only
put me in a better place to design the future.