Off I Went: My Year as a Design Master’s Student

Achieving a distinction (first-class honors) in my year as a design master’s student at Nottingham Trent University was a thrilling accomplishment that marked the beginning of an incredible journey. However, when I first stepped into the university's design studio, I felt a wave of uncertainty wash over me. The contrast with my previous commercial design experience was stark and overwhelming. The MA Design: Products and Furniture program wasn't just about creating beautiful objects; it was a deep, transformative journey into design research. Unlike my bachelor's degree, where design often felt like a surface-level exercise, here we were challenged to dig deeper, to understand the profound "why" behind every design decision.

Finding My Voice

My breakthrough came unexpectedly during a group project in the Design Research Methods module. Paired with an MSc technology student, I initially felt intimidated by his research prowess; he was analytical and methodical, while I brought creative design solutions. What could have been a challenging collaboration became our greatest strength as we complemented each other perfectly. Our project focused on a real-world challenge:

"How might we encourage coffee culture to be more sustainable and enhance revenue?

Our client was Grumpy Mule cafe, conveniently located on our City Campus. After participating in a "Cupping Session" where we sampled their coffee varieties and gained insights into industry practices, we embarked on extensive secondary and primary research. Ultimately, we proposed enhancing Grumpy Mule's packaging to raise brand awareness and foster sustainable conversations between customers and baristas. This experience not only earned us a distinction but also taught me that true innovation happens at the intersection of different perspectives, demonstrating how our unique strengths could address real-world challenges in the coffee industry.

NTU Grumpy Mule cafe

One of our primary research results

Storyboard: Touch points at NTU Grumpy Mule - By Giao Nguyen

Grumpy Mule coffee cup: Improved packaging - By Giao Nguyen

Living in another country inspired me to look at my Vietnamese culture from a different perspective, and I embraced it as a source of inspiration for my design work. In the Design Tools module, I focused on creating a set of cutlery inspired by Vietnamese cuisine and the role of the country's women as family caretakers. This project allowed me to explore my cultural heritage in a tangible way. My tutor and the technicians was incredibly supportive, providing constructive feedback that helped strengthen my approach and refine my designs. I felt a deep sense of pride when I showcased my 'em' cutlery set at the university's Design Exchange exhibition in May 2024. This experience not only deepened my appreciation for my roots but also make me realize how cultural influences can enrich the design process.

Cutlery sketches

'em' cutlery prototypes

'em' cutlery prototypes

'em' cutlery - first sketches

Beyond the Classroom: Nottingham as My Living Laboratory

Nottingham wasn't just a study location; it became my personal exploration ground. I deliberately immersed myself in local experiences, transforming academic learning into lived understanding. Volunteering at the British Heart Foundation and NTU community garden wasn't just about filling time - it was a way to understand community dynamics and design's potential for social impact. I discovered hidden corners of the city that even my local tutors hadn't explored. The Sneinton local vegetable market, The Cattle Market's secondhand vendors and auction houses, became my informal research sites. The By Our Hand workshop was a vibrant hub for DIY enthusiasts, where I connected with many passionate and creative individuals. Teaching Vietnamese cooking at Vietcentric wasn't just a cultural exchange but an opportunity to understand community interactions and design's role in cultural preservation.

Furniture auction houses

Secondhand market

Teaching Vietnamese cooking at Vietcentric

A Treasure Trove of Knowledge

NTU's resources were a revelation, especially given my previous experience in the commercial field. Worked as a freelance designer, I knew how challenging it could be to access reliable market research reports and design guidance. Hence, I was more than fulfilled to gain access to comprehensive databases like Mintel and Passport. These tools allowed me to construct detailed target customer personas and analyze market trends, which directly informed your design approach. The availability of such resources at NTU not only supported our academic work but also provided substantial opportunities for professional growth.

The university's facilities were equally impressive. The CAD Suite allowed me to work with advanced programs like Solidworks, enabling 3D modeling and output through various methods. The Metal Workshop, equipped with CNC lathes, plasma cutters, and unique welding machinery, provided hands-on experience with industrial-grade equipment. The Prototyping Workshops became my second home, where I could test and develop designs alongside fellow product and furniture designers.

NTU Wood Workshop

3D printed resin models

3D printing

I spent countless hours in these workshops, learning to translate sketches into physical prototypes. The 3D Printing Studio allowed me to produce models directly from CAD stations. Each failed attempt was a lesson, each successful model a small victory. The technicians weren't just staff; they became mentors, guiding me through complex manufacturing processes and helping me navigate the well-equipped spaces.

The university also provided access to industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Solidworks, and Autodesk Productivity Suite, further enhancing my technical skills. Free access to LinkedIn Learning courses offered additional opportunities to expand my knowledge in various design-related topics.

This combination of resources transformed my understanding of design from conceptual to tangible, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application.

More Than an Academic Journey

My class at the NTU Design Exchange 2024

This year transcended academic achievement. It was a journey of personal metamorphosis. I learned to view design not as a commercial product, but as a tool for solving complex societal challenges. My Vietnamese roots, which I initially saw as a limitation, became my unique design perspective. Interacting with international peers - from India, China, Taiwan, and England - broadened my understanding of design's global language. Each conversation, each collaborative project, expanded my worldview.

To future international design students, my advice is simple yet profound: be curious, be humble, and be brave. Utilize every resource, ask questions, and see challenges as opportunities. Design is not about perfection, but about continuous learning and adaptation.

The Road Ahead

This master's journey has transformed me from a commercial designer to a research-driven innovator. I'm no longer afraid to challenge conventions, to ask difficult questions, and to see design as a powerful tool for change. The road ahead is exciting, filled with possibilities of developing innovative products, systems, and services that can genuinely make a difference in the world.