Jinkeng has learned how to use design to help society in his classes. He enjoys the lectures and discussions about a range of different wicked issues. Discussions have included topics around living crises, mental health, politics, poverty, and services.

“Design and Social Innovation opens my mind and allows me to understand the social system more deeply.”

Jinkeng wants to become a social entrepreneur once he graduates. He aims to achieve his dreams and give back to the world with his design skills.

“I understand how important it is to have people from various backgrounds working together to help the community, the natural environment, and different fields. I am willing to use design to help others achieve their dreams and improve society.”

University enhances Jinkeng's knowledge, physical and mental well-being, and allows him to pursue his hobbies.

“It is great to meet diverse people from different cultures and backgrounds at university.

Studying and living in Wellington is a cool experience because you can enjoy nature, innovation while studying. It’s a peaceful and extremely awesome place.

“In my opinion, Wellington is definitely one of the best cities to live and study in.”

In studying a Bachelor of Design Innovation majoring in Media Design, Stacey has found an area she’s truly passionate about.

“After I finished college, it was hard to decide on a specific area in creativity and design. First-year Design at the University offered a mix of classes from all the disciplines. I knew I could try a class from all of the areas that I was interested in to help me choose a direction.”

“I was initially trying to choose between three majors, but in the end I stuck with Media Design. It turned out to be the right choice.”

Stacey was awarded the Victoria Excellence Scholarship in 2016.

The opportunity to create practical designs with the potential to be used in real life has been a highlight for Stacey.

“My favourite course so far is Mobile Media because it was the first time I was able to make a real-world, working application. I was really proud of the final project, which was a safety app for trampers that allowed automatic delayed alert messages to be sent to saved contacts in emergency situations.”

Taking advantage of the University’s civic connection, a group project from one of Stacey’s classes was presented to Wellington City Council.

“The Council helped to craft the brief and were looking at the resilience of Wellington in the context of rising sea levels. This showed us that our work could be used in serious real-life situations and be taken on by places like the Council.”

Carym Wharerau hopes to use his degree in Communication Design to influence the design sector through a Māori/indigenous lens.

Before choosing Communication Design, Carym spent his first year exploring the different facets of design which gave him an idea of the path he was looking to pursue.

“Since starting the Communication Design major I have had some really exciting assignments that have challenged the way I approach design, while also allowing me the opportunity to communicate messages and ideas through my own distinct lens.”

He chose Victoria University of Wellington partly for its location in diverse, vibrant Wellington, a city that “keeps you constantly inspired to do and try out new things every day”.

“Not only does the School of Design Innovation offer great facilities and learning spaces, the campus as a whole has a great atmosphere and feels like the perfect place for me to explore my own design.”

Anne's research and work span a variety of digital and analog media—including video, audio and interactive installation—but it’s her passion for wearable technology that she’s known for at the School of Design Innovation.

As someone who has had a garment selected as a finalist in the renowned World of Wearable Art competition (WOW), Anne is well-equipped with skills and knowledge to teach the students on her wearable technology course.

Since establishing the course a few years ago, a handful of her students have also gone on to design garments that impressed the judges of WOW and made it into the show.

Anne says she discovered her passion for wearable technology when she was a student.

“I fell in love with the topic. There are just so many challenges and so much potential for creative expression,” she says.