Checking in with LTU student Gabrielle Larkin who is designing @ Home

We’re right @Home with… Gabrielle Larkin who is in the midst of her fifth year at Lawrence Technological University (LTU) in Southfield, Mich.

Brighton resident Gabrielle Larkin is in her fifth year studying industrial design at Lawrence Technological University (LTU). She brings products to life that are focused on human-centered design. And she sees so much more beyond the auto industry here in Detroit. Her work involves creating office spaces that work in a COVID-19 world. She told us more about it.
 
 
DCDT: What brought you to LTU and what has been most inspiring about the education you’re receiving there?
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GL: “My initial draw to LTU was seeing the success a lot of Industrial Design graduates had and hearing about their experiences in the classroom and field. I think what's most inspiring with my current classes is the perspectives and guidance my professors bring to the classroom.
 
“Being in Detroit around the automotive companies, sometimes it seems like we get stuck on that specific side of the design. Not that there's anything wrong with that side of the industry, but you can only hear a sketch or render be referred to as ‘sexy’ so many times before it gets old. It was refreshing to gain new professors from different parts of the world, and hear their global, international scope and see different ranges of industrial design outside of transportation design.”
 
DCDT: What projects are you working on currently?

GL: “Currently, I am working on a video game controller design that ties AR/VR technology with a startup company based in Hong Kong. Also, a more conceptual project regarding future office spaces and COVID-19's impacts. I am excited to take a more speculative design approach with the second project and go a little more far out and a bit crazy. The prototyping process will sure be interesting and I am looking forward to the potential challenge.
 
“Lastly, I have the potential opportunity in the near future to be studying casting techniques and prototyping. That will be fun to mess around with and explore since everything has been more digital lately, it will be nice to get my hands dirty. “
 
DCDT: How are you adapting your work and making it accessible amid the pandemic? Anything you’ve learned along the way?

GL: “It has been an interesting transition for my last year of school to be (mostly) online, and it has forced me to better prepare for the ‘real world’ in the sense of creating more structure and personal deadlines or goals throughout the day. Also, I have gathered a better understanding of my workflow throughout the day and productivity. I have taken up going on more walks and enjoying the nice weather when feeling a bit stir crazy to relax and take a break.”
 
DCDT: What other local businesses are you supporting during this time?

GL: “Some local businesses I have been supporting are local restaurants and food places instead of getting take out from big food chains mainly. I am a big foodie, so it has been fun discovering more local food places in my area.”
 
Would you like to be featured in a future @Home with… interview? Just drop a line to stephanie@prologuedetroit.com and we’ll reach out with questions, request a photo and add you to our growing list of Detroit entrepreneurs, designers, architects and artists. Stay safe. Stay @ Home with us.