Current Fellowship
COURSE PROGRAM + EXHIBITIONLight is Necessary to Life
THE GAP
There is a clear disconnect between design students and professionals, often leaving graduates unprepared for the realities of the workforce despite their talent and fresh perspectives. While students possess strong conceptual and technical skills, they may lack the practical understanding needed to thrive in professional environments. To address this, we conducted extensive research with students, recent graduates, and industry professionals, leading to the development of the Current Fellowship—a program designed to bridge this gap by aligning student potential with professional expectations, benefiting all stakeholders involved.
BRIEF
In addressing the gap between students and professionals, we focused on human-centered design and cultural cultivation while considering the needs of all stakeholders. This led to a detailed program brief outlining required materials and collateral for a prototype. To bring the concept to life, we developed a temporary installation that engaged exhibit attendees as active participants. Guided by insights from a professional mentor, the program and exhibit effectively communicated the core themes and practical aspects of the proposed solution.
Having completed our research, we began to craft the specifics of our solution. We named our program The Current Fellowship. This name is rooted in the electrical circuitry used to illuminate light bulbs, providing energy and new perspectives. Additionally, it echoes the present state of being, one of connection—a current need for an existing gap. We centered our program as well its brand around the concepts of illumination, connectivity, and progression.
PROJECT TYPE
Exhibit Design, Brand Design, Branding Identity, UI/UX
ROLE
Research, Ideation, Course Calendar Designer, Exhibit set-up
SOFTWARE
Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign, Adobe Photoshop, Figjam
DELIVERABLES
Branding Identity, Mockups, Case Study, Poster
COLLABORATION
Mateo de los Cobos, Heidi Dillow, Rory Murphy, and Elianna Ruperto
EXTERNAL DELIVERABLES
Case Study
Course Syllabus/Calendar
THIS WAS MADE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
LITE BRITE
Everyone experiences a “light-bulb moment” at some point in their life, whether in academics, hobbies, or life. By letting these moments guide our thinking in vocational practice, we make space for progressive and connective growth. Each person who visited the exhibition was able to use the Lite Brite to make their own lightbulb moment.
LIGHT BULB
There is something that keeps us going, and gives us something to work towards. These moments might not happen often, but they keep us pushing forward to experience those moments. Constantly changing appearance—sometimes very dim and sometimes very bright. But always present.
CURRENT FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
A semester-long fellowship program between local design agencies and colleges can provide vocational insight through a non-hierarchical project-based environment.
Attendees had the chance to interact with a Lite Brite, placing a lite in the board to signify sparking their own lightbulb moments. A larger scale light installation encouraged visitors to reflect on past moments of inspiration and creativity.
“LIGHT IS NECESSARY” EXHIBITION
Formulating our installation around the more conceptual themes of our project, we highlighted the idea of lightbulb moments. We centered on both reflection and interaction, including a section of the exhibition that showcased the project itself.
OUTCOME + TAKEAWAY
This project presented its own set of challenges, particularly in translating a program into an engaging exhibition. Collaborating with a professional mentor was invaluable, offering deep insight into the experience gap and suggesting ways to improve the transition from student to professional. Through teamwork and research, we successfully developed an exhibition that provided a meaningful and impactful experience for attendees.