Julia Pina
Undergraduate
Hi! I am a design student pursuing a minor in computer science at Georgia Tech. I have a passion for user experience, applying human-centered design principles. Constantly curious, I am always looking for ways things and processes can be improved. Empathy is at the core of my design process as I strive to understand how people interact with the world and each other in unique ways.
The Novela Light
Class: ID 2024 | Instructor: Steve Chininis
The Novela Light is an interactive shadow puppet lamp that allows kids to tell stories using puppets and scenes. This toy promotes kids to let their imagination wander through creative storytelling while fostering development of oral language and communication skills. The lamp comes with different sets of characters and environments to give opportunity for non-directed play or more directed bedtime story structure with an adult.
Video: https://youtu.be/6qJ1x_RVmKIx
CurviSip
Class: ID 1012 | Instructor: Yaling Liu
CurviSip is a reusable straw that doubles as a bracelet manufactured with 3D printing. This project was designed with product function, the human body, CMFM, and sustainability in mind. I focused on user research, 3D printing, and brand development to create a product that will be sold and produced from an e-commerce shop.
Around 500 million plastic straws are consumed every day in the United States. CurviSip adds style and convenience to sustainability. It can be such a hassle to remember to carry around a reusable straw. This product was created to help reduce their contribution to plastic pollution.
Curva Cubana
Class: ID 2024 | Instructor: Kimberly Snyder
Curva Cubana is a community of plates used for the main course, side, and appetizer dishes that reflect the bright energy of Cuban culture. This dinnerware set was designed for the high paced environment of a Cuban restaurant and for an array of different dishes to be laid out on the table at once. This set is meant to be served in large groups with friends and family in a communal dynamic. I drew inspiration from Cuban cars and architecture for color and form. I also wanted to incorporate traditional Cuban food portions without compromising the dish’s elements. Curva Cubana dinnerware is designed for community and conversation to bring everyone around the table together.
Gridy
Class: ID 2024 | Instructor: Kimberly Snyder
Gridy is a teaching toy for ages 9-13 that encompasses perspective, communication, and team building to foster an understanding of the coordinate grid system and strategy. I chose to focus my toy objectives on social/emotional learning; however, there is opportunity to add complexity for cognitive skills to implement in the school curriculum teaching math, graphing, and mapping skills.
Teachers can direct play based on the school curriculum and lesson plans. Kids can build the individual boards then assemble them together to make a larger 4x4 coordinate grid. Teachers can use the boards to instruct students in smaller groups or "stations" at their desks.
To play: teams or partners need to complete a challenge based on guiding a ball through the grid puzzle. One group works with the dial side which controls the puzzle pieces on the other side. Their teammates give instructions to the partner(s) behind the dials for what pieces to move. The students on the puzzle side can't TOUCH the pieces and the students on the dial side can't SEE the puzzle. Relying on effective communication, empathy/perspective, and grid coordinates, students have to work together to finish the challenge.