During my time at the USC Iovine & Young Academy, I contributed to various impactful projects through the Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business, and Technology program. This program is designed to teach students how to think critically and creatively at the intersection of design, business, technology, and communication. It fosters high-level problem-solving abilities and skills that can be applied across a broad spectrum of industries, fields, and areas of endeavor, while also promoting a mindset of lifelong learning.
Through the strategic application of human-centered design, fueled by diversity and inclusion, technology, agency, and unbridled creativity, Academy graduates develop new ways of working, learning, collaborating, and engaging with communities to drive positive change for industry, society, and the environment.
I had the opportunity to work with renowned companies such as Pinterest, Beyond Meat, the LA Coliseum, the City of Los Angeles, and more. In these projects, I played several key roles, including researching, planning, business strategy, design strategy, and technology implementation. Each project allowed me to apply my skills in various capacities, contributing to meaningful outcomes and innovative solutions. Below are a overview of projects that I have worked on, Enjoy!
Problem: How might we design a feature for travelers to easily discover and save travel inspiration from Pinterest by utilizing interactive and emerging VR/AR technology?
Team Size: 5
Project Duration: 3 Months
Role: Design / Business Strategist
Impact: Created Pinterest Points Map, Pinterest Virtual Travel, & Pinteraries as new features for Pinterest.
Problem: Redesigning Beyond Meat's brand guidelines to assist with maintaining a noticeable brand and leadership in the alternative meat space.
Team Size: 4
Project Duration: 3 Months
Role: Design Strategist
Impact: Created a new logo and brand guidelines for Beyond Meat.
Problem: The City of LA owns historic building space in the El Pueblo area. Angelenos and tourists are not taking full advantage of its historical/cultural significance due to a lack of contemporary attractiveness, relevance, and innovation.
Team Size: 4
Project Duration: 4 Months
Role: Creative/Design Strategist
Impact: Created an interactive and educational experience with an industrial-themed bar and a 12-hole miniature golf course, each hole highlighting a historical aspect of El Pueblo.
Problem Statement: The LA Coliseum faced challenges in engaging youth in South Central Los Angeles. The personal and professional growth of youth athletes is hindered by a lack of career insights in sports and consistent mentorships.
Team Size: 4
Project Duration: 3 Months
Role: Business Strategist / Community Engagement Lead
Impact: In partnership with USC Athletics, created three touchpoint programs to provide youth athletes with exposure and access to sports career opportunities:
Problem: Students face pressures and uncertainties in pursuing careers. Traditional school systems are outdated, with an overemphasis on STEM fields, leaving students without guidance, access, and exposure to creative arts, design, and technology.
Team Size: 3
Project Duration: 6 Months
Role: Business Operations/Design Strategist
Impact: Designed a career-oriented supplemental educational service providing guidance and encouragement for students in public education, helping them feel confident in choosing rewarding career paths aligned with their interests.
Problem: An introductory project into coding and a passion project for martini lovers who want to find martini recipes or the best places to enjoy a martini.
Team Size: 3
Project Duration: 6 Months
Role: Software Engineer (HTML, JavaScript, CSS)
Impact: Created a website from scratch for martini lovers, offering the best recommendations, recipes, and locations to enjoy a great martini.