While at Sheffield Hallam, Libby Shepherd’s time undertaking an Undergraduates Sandwich placement year developed her design and interpersonal skills. Being responsible for developing products with licensees improved her knowledge of product design in a corporate context. Furthermore, presenting to international clientele increased her confidence in public speaking and design ability.

Shepherd’s major project has been a tool in discovering the areas of design she is most passionate about. Having the opportunity to present her ideas to a focus group of users increased her interest in design research. She found this experience highly rewarding, as she discussed with those who her products would directly impact and include an element of co-design in her project. The project has increased her interest and skills in issue-driven design, using design as a tool to aid and improve experiences.

Shepherd aspires to gain experience in a variety of areas of design, as she is curious to explore all this industry has to offer. She has thoroughly enjoyed her time at Sheffield Hallam and looks forward to future career and personal development opportunities.