Mikee Panganiban

Favorite major course: My favorite course in my major is DS 341: Design Thinking for Transformation. In this class, we learned design thinking techniques that help strengthen creative analysis and problem-solving skills. What I enjoyed most about the course was how collaborative the projects were. It really gave me hands-on experience working in a team setting, similar to collaborating on real-world design projects. Many of our assignments were also grounded in real-world applications. For example, we designed a bus stop and even created a mockup of our design. Overall, the class was engaging, hands-on, and genuinely fun. It helped me better understand how design is applied in the real world and gave me a clearer sense of the kind of work I might want to pursue in the future.

Favorite place in SoHE: I think my favorite place in SoHE has to be the third floor overall. It’s where the Design Studies major is based, and the space itself is just really fun and inspiring. Walking through the hallway, you can see projects on display from different students, which always sparks new ideas and creativity. I also love that the patio is on the third floor. Whenever I get the chance, I like to step outside, sit for a bit, and take a breath of fresh air—it’s a nice reset during a busy day. Another space I really enjoy is the Digital Fabrication Lab. I might be a little biased since I work there, but it truly is a space that invites creativity and exploration. No matter what I’m working on, it’s an environment where I feel motivated and able to get things done.

Involvement on campus: Digital Fabrication Lab Assistant, Center for Design and Material Culture (CDMC) Exhibition Prep Assistant

Fun fact: I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Copenhagen, where I participated in the Furniture Design Studio program. During this experience, I learned extensively about furniture design, with a particular focus on woodworking. One of the most rewarding parts of the program was designing and building my own piece of furniture from start to finish. It was incredibly fulfilling not only to create something myself but also to bring it home as a reflection of everything I learned!