VIEWS THROUGH VIEWS

It feels like only yesterday I flew to Belgium, brimming with excitement and uncertainty. From there, my mind was sent into a whirlwind of incredible experiences. I don’t even know where to begin! While brainstorming for this edition’s theme, I was pulled back into something I really wanted to experienceExchange. I indulged in delicious cuisine, met fascinating people, learned a new language, and heard thousands of stories that altered the way I saw the world. As an anonymous observer, I used all of my senses to take in the sight, sound, and smell of the place, tracing things back to their origins and documenting my findings in various ways. What a wonderful ten months it was!

When I got back home, although my home was still the same, something in my mind had shifted, changing everything for me. Fast forward five years later, here I am still trying to fathom how much I’ve not known and yet how much there is left to see and learn, still holding countless stories and experiences beyond the imagination of a 16-year-old me. It has shown me how people are different and yet so similar. As a designer, it is advantageous to interact with people from around the world to gain new perspectives and ideas. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and countries can open doors to entirely new ways to approach design.

And this is what I’ve learned through travelling and empathising with humans while designing. It motivates me to create for a larger group of individuals. I have gained a sense of what globalisation is, which has given me the power to broaden my horizon and show a sense of appreciation for various cultures and lifestyles, especially making me accustomed to tons of cultural shock. Additionally, observing how people use design in their everyday lives can provide insight into how design should be used. For example, designers from different parts of the world may have access to unique resources and materials, leading to new and innovative design solutions. Being able to observe how design is approached in various countries can be beneficial when it comes to creating designs that are universal and accessible.

My travels throughout Europe provided me with a wealth of inspiration to design. From Gothic cathedrals to Baroque palaces, visiting iconic landmarks and museums gave me a better understanding of the history of design and the influence that each country has had on the design world. The most breathtaking experience I’ve ever had was when I turned around and saw the grandeur of the Sistine Chapel, the air smelling of history and culture. The distance and difference were the secret tonics to my creativity. Travelling exposed me to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives that I may not have encountered in my normal life. This not only opened my mind but also inspired me to think beyond my capacity. It enhanced my creative problem-solving skills, giving me a better understanding of the world and opening my eyes to different ways of life.

Coming back to the same place is not the same as never leaving. The impact travelling has had on my thought process and work progression always encourages me to keep travelling and adding new stories and perspectives to the table. The power I gained by experiencing the taste of a foreign country has been the most incredible asset I have ever acquired. Having my own adventure has proven to me that anything is possible and that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. It was the best time of my life, a lifechanging event, and I will always cherish choosing to go out and discover what the world has in store for me. I thought then that living somewhere else for a while and having friends from another country would be the coolest thing in the world, but do you know what’s cooler? It’s what you hold within and that’s invaluable.