Design is more than just creating something visually attractive—it’s a thoughtful process that combines creativity, functionality, and purpose. Reflecting on design helps us understand how much it influences our everyday lives, often in ways we don’t consciously notice. From the way we interact with a website to how we feel in a particular space, design decisions guide our behavior, shape our experiences, and even impact our emotions. It encourages us to think critically and intentionally about how things are made and why they work—or don’t.
Personally, exploring design has deepened my appreciation for the details behind everything we see and use. It has taught me the value of observation, planning, and empathy in the creative process. Understanding elements like color theory, balance, and proportion has opened my eyes to how powerful design can be in communicating ideas and solving problems. Reflecting on design reminds me that every choice—no matter how small—can have a significant impact, and that great design is not just about appearance, but about meaning and purpose.
Design is the process of planning, creating, and organizing elements with a specific purpose in mind. It involves both creativity and strategy to develop solutions that are not only functional but also visually and emotionally effective. Design can apply to many fields—such as graphic design, interior design, fashion, architecture, product design, and more—and in each case, it serves to solve problems, communicate messages, and enhance experiences. In my post, Design? What is it? I explored the details of design principles and how they are used in daily life. This journey helped me realize that design goes beyond just looking good; it also involves being functional, serving a purpose, and effectively conveying ideas.
At its core, design is about making intentional choices to meet a goal. It considers aesthetics (how something looks), usability (how something works), and impact (how it makes people feel or behave). Whether it’s designing a logo, a website, or a piece of furniture, the goal of design is to create something that is both useful and meaningful.
DESIGN SAFARI
Going on the design safari and writing the blog post afterward really opened my eyes to the significance of observation in design. By immersing myself in the visual aspects of my surroundings, I found beauty and creativity in the simple things around me. This captivating exploration pushed me to think more critically about photography and composition, making me aware that every image can share a story. The stories that come with a photograph are filled with emotions, memories, and cultural meaning. My experiences during this unit showed me the power of visual narratives, especially as I captured the essence of life in Chile through my travels and research.
THE FOUR DESIGN ASSIGNMENTS
NEWS ARTICLE DESIGN: I was able to report about a whale who splashed around at the Anakena Beach at Easter Island, Chile.
Understanding Digital Culture: In this section I was able to incert myself in front of the Palacio de La Moneda Palace.
Design Personal Trading Card: For this assignment I was able to create a trading card of Jayden Daniels. I have a great time creating this card.
Design Event Poster: I composed a poster for our Study Abroad trip. Adding in UMW center for International Education logo and video clips into my blog post.
REFLECTIONS AND LESSONS LEARNED ABOUT DESIGN
Learning about design has completely changed the way I see the world around me. I’ve come to realize that design is everywhere—from the layout of apps we use daily to the way a chair is shaped for comfort. What once seemed like simple visuals or everyday objects now stand out as carefully thought-out creations with purpose behind every detail. Design is not just about making things look nice; it’s about solving problems, communicating ideas, and creating experiences that work for people. This realization has made me more observant, appreciative, and curious about how things are made and why they function the way they do.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the importance of intention in design. Every element—whether it’s color, shape, space, or text—should serve a purpose. I’ve also learned that empathy plays a big role in the design process. Understanding the needs, emotions, and behaviors of the people you’re designing for makes the final result much more meaningful and effective. Design taught me to think critically, be open to feedback, and never stop improving. It’s a journey of creativity and constant learning that inspires me to see challenges as opportunities to innovate and make a difference.
ONE DAY, ONE IDEA: DAILY CREATES
My daily creates for this semester ranged from making a creation out of shadow dust to imagining the type of food I would eat in a specific scenario. Each prompt challenged me to think outside the box and explore different forms of expression, whether visual, written, or conceptual. These short and fun tasks gave me a break from structured assignments and allowed me to explore my imagination in a more personal and spontaneous way. Even the simplest prompts often led to surprising insights or sparked new ideas I hadn’t considered before.
The daily creates are more than just small creative tasks—they’re a reminder that creativity is a skill we can practice every day. They pushed me to stay engaged and curious, even when I didn’t feel particularly inspired. Over time, I learned not to overthink my responses, but instead to enjoy the process of making something, no matter how big or small. These daily exercises helped build my creative confidence and reminded me that creativity can be found in the ordinary, as long as you’re willing to look for it.
CONCLUSION
As I think about my time in this unit, I appreciate all the insights and skills I’ve developed. Discovering Chile’s diverse culture has greatly impacted my view of design, and I’m eager to use what I’ve learned in my upcoming creative work. Feel free to check out my projects linked throughout this post—each one highlights the fascinating interplay of culture, design, and storytelling. Thank you for accompanying me on this journey!