Acceleration of Design
I still remember the wave of excitement that swept over me when I first heard about the BMW Group + QUT Design Academy Internship. As an avid car enthusiast and passionate industrial design student, it was as if the opportunity had been tailor-made for me. After compiling my portfolio and meticulously designing my website, I was overjoyed to be accepted into the program. The experience that followed was nothing short of incredible.
The project that caught my eye was the design of a futuristic autonomous supercar - a concept that resonated deeply with my interests. I was eager to make my mark, to sketch out the next innovative supercar, the one that would leave a mark on the industry. However, the initial weeks were a struggle. Despite numerous sketches and brainstorming sessions, I felt I was not making the progress I'd envisioned. Ideas seemed either too cliched or simply unexciting. It was a difficult period, filled with self-doubt and confusion. A turning point arrived when I sat down with the team — Jordan, Tim, Epi, and Dan — for a brainstorming session. Their collective wisdom and insight provided the structure my project needed. Together, we created an outline and set clear goals, giving me a sense of direction. This meeting breathed new life into my project and filled me with renewed motivation. Yet, the journey wasn't smooth sailing from there. The design process presented its own set of challenges, and at times, I felt I was stuck in a loop, unable to visualise the end result. Just a few days before my final presentation, Jordan intervened at the right time, helping me tie together the loose ends and consolidate my designs.
Having Jordan, Tim, Epi, and Dan around was invaluable. Their mentorship provided me with an understanding of the design process and project structure that surpassed anything I'd learned before. They encouraged me to push the boundaries of my creativity and to navigate through the complexities of the design process with a structured and informed approach.
One significant skill I acquired during this internship was a foundation in the 3D modelling software, Blender. I arrived at the Academy with zero knowledge of this software, and my first introduction to it, thanks to Tim, left me bewildered. However, with persistence and guided learning, I gradually got the hang of it. From completing the Donut Tutorial to modelling the entire interior of an ambulance, my growth in this area was significant. It was a joy to see my progress and to recognise the potential of this software, and I can't wait to further explore its capabilities.
In the end, the internship at BMW Group + QUT Design Academy was not just about learning new skills or designing futuristic cars; it was about understanding the nuances of industrial design, navigating challenges, and growing as a designer. Having the opportunity to be surrounded by such talent and expertise was priceless. It allowed me to ask questions, receive top-notch advice, and broaden my knowledge in ways I couldn't have imagined. In reflection, the experience was an amalgamation of challenges, learning, progress, and, above all, personal and professional growth. I am excited to take these skills and experiences with me into the future, applying them to new projects and challenges as I continue my journey in industrial design.
Thank you to the entire team at the Academy for providing me with this unforgettable experience. I am walking away with much more than just a project; I am leaving with a wealth of knowledge, an expanded skillset, new friends and memories.
Max Malouf
BMW Group + QUT Design Academy Intern, Semester 1 2023
