This week’s class focused on usability and its importance within design. We discussed what usability means in practice and how it helps ensure products are intuitive, accessible, and easy for users to navigate. By exploring how usability is applied throughout the design process, the session reinforced the need to design with real user needs in mind and highlighted how thoughtful usability decisions can greatly improve the overall user experience.
This week, we had a placement talk with Melanie, who provided an insightful overview of the business and what a design-focused role would entail within their team. She explained how the work spans multiple areas, from advertising and product design to social media content and broader visual communication, giving a clear picture of the variety and creativity involved. Melanie also shared her own journey, starting in a marketing role before transitioning into a more design-driven position, which highlighted how adaptable and evolving the role can be. She outlined what they look for in a placement student, including a strong creative mindset, a willingness to learn, and the ability to contribute fresh ideas. Overall, it was a different kind of placement opportunity compared to others we’ve heard about, but one that still seems genuinely interesting. It gave me a lot to think about, and it’s a role I might consider applying for.