As an Industrial Designer and mentor, I had the incredible opportunity to guide a group of seven young students in a competition that would challenge their creativity and problem-solving skills. These students, the youngest in the competition, were French-speaking and full of enthusiasm for the task at hand.
The journey began with my initial presentation to the group. I had prepared a presentation with one of the slides featuring Stan Lee, the legendary comic book creator, as inspiration for the students. However, on my way to the school, I heard the news on the radio of Stan Lee’s passing. This unexpected turn of events added a bittersweet note to our first meeting.
Despite the language barrier and their young age, these students showed remarkable dedication and ingenuity throughout the project. Their task was to create a survival object, a challenge that required them to think critically about real-world problems and devise practical solutions.
As their mentor, I was impressed by how quickly they grasped complex concepts and applied them to their designs. The mentorship process was not without its challenges, but it was incredibly rewarding to see their ideas take shape and evolve.
The culmination of their hard work was nothing short of spectacular. Not only did they create an innovative survival object, but they also went on to win the international prize at the competition. This achievement was a testament to their creativity, perseverance, and ability to work as a team. Not only that, but their prototype “Le Cardio-pelleto” was the only electronic prototype in the competition that actually worked.
What struck me most about this experience was the students’ unwavering enthusiasm and their ability to think outside the box. Even years after the competition, I am filled with joy to see that some of these students continue to pursue their passion for innovation, participating in and winning other competitions.
This mentorship experience highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young minds to explore their potential in fields like industrial design and problem-solving. I wish I had the same opportunities when I was their age.
As a mentor, I learned as much from these students as they did from me. Their fresh perspectives and creativity served as a reminder of why I entered this field in the first place. It’s experiences like these that continue to fuel my passion for industrial design and mentorship.
In conclusion, this journey with these young students was a highlight of my career as an Industrial Designer. It demonstrated the incredible potential that lies within our youth and the importance of nurturing and guiding that potential. As mentors, we have the privilege and responsibility to inspire the next generation of innovators, and I look forward to many more such rewarding experiences in the future.
Pour en savoir plus sur ce projet et les réalisations de ces jeunes talents, je vous invite à consulter les articles suivants :