POLAR project

The MAAI course were sent a callout for participants for the POLAR project. I applied and got selected.

This was my application letter to Mike:

Polar project

We are taught on the MAAI course to be change-makers. It is this way of approaching a brief and action research that I would bring to the project to analyse the problem, work through the process, to find solutions. I am a graphic designer and have been working in industry for many years. I was looking to make a change in my life and came on this course to embark on a creative journey without an idea of where it will lead. The projects have taken me through a planned process, teaching me and equipping me with the knowledge to confidently approach a problem and find an unpredictable solution through asking the right questions – and ‘asking a different question’.

I would like to be part of this project for lots of reasons. I came to CSM UAL because to me this is the centre of the universe for creativity. I love the creative energy that flows here and my course is about to end and I want to continue being here. I also came wanting to make International connections and to be a part of something. This project allows me to actually put to practice what I have learnt on this course. I bring with me a wealth of design solving experience and a level-headed maturity that is useful in team projects. I have also already worked with designers from other disciplines and understand their parameters.

I know that we are not expected to bring our own research projects to the table for this project but I think the fact that my natural interests lie in food and culture can only be a bonus. 

Using SMART IoT to solve food waste issues in a university canteen is a novel idea. It will be interesting to see how it can be utilised. If successful it could be a scalable solution that could be utilised in many ways. I would love to be part of that journey and can give commitment and skills to see it through for however long needs be. All I can say right now is that this feels like the ultimate final project to put into action my learnings from my course. The reason that I passionately want to take part is because I will never get an opportunity like this again.