Caitlin Tuagalu builds on industry experience and becomes immersed in the Bachelor of Design Innovation

When Caitlin Tuagalu enrolled in the Bachelor of Design Innovation, majoring in Industrial Design and minoring in Design for Social Innovation, she had been a surveyor for four years in Australia and was eager to make a career change to a more meaningful path while utilizing her industry experience.

7 March 2024

“Combining Industrial Design with Design for Social Innovation is much like surveying but in the design space. I use my in-depth knowledge to sustainably enhance different peoples’ lives and be conscious of any repercussions.

“I also enjoy the hands-on design tutorials and labs, also tinkering down in the workshop, trying different things with different materials and seeing what the output would be. The freedom to be creative and explore is a neat way to learn.

“The Bachelor of Design Innovation at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has given me the opportunity to reinvent myself really!”

Caitlin is currently in her second year of the Bachelor of Design Innovation programme.

“I enjoyed my first year of studies. It was a great change from the working realm and a chance to challenge myself in a completely new way. I kept an open mind and always gave everything my best, which made for a very exciting and rewarding year.”

As a student at Te Aro Campus, Te Wāhanga Waihanga-Hoahoa—Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation, Caitlin has access to 3D modelling, fabrication, virtual reality, ergonomics, photography, and digital design software workshops and laboratories facilitated by lecturers and tutors.

“First year was a great way to be fully immersed in the design sphere, and that provided me the opportunity to figure out which path was best suited to me.

“But this year, I am putting more emphasis on finding a solid design direction that genuinely improves lives on any scale.”

For Caitlin Wellington’s urban buzz and proximity to the coastline is the ideal lifestyle.

“I prefer to keep to the outskirts of the city so I can get a glimpse of the rugged coast every day as I grew up near the beach.

“I like how much there is to offer in Wellington City, and all the events that are put on make living here a pleasure. Wellington feels like a place where ‘change for the better' can happen, which is good when you need some inspiration.”

Caitlin has one more year of study before she graduates and is thinking of her future career.

“The dream is to design for companies with core values that aim to make meaningful change or to work within communities to help in any way, shape, or form.

“I am very much playing it by ear and keeping an open mind.”