Aalto BA in Design program – Elina’s experience

Elina has studied in Aalto University’s BA program in Design for two years. During that time, she has been able to do many different projects and develop herself as a designer. Read more about Elina’s experiences and see pictures of her projects!

Studying at Aalto University so far has been exciting; even with the whole pandemic situation, I learned a lot and developed as a designer. First of all, I want to say that the teachers at Aalto university are super supportive. When I started my studies, I was worried about how it would be (studying in a foreign country), but thanks to them, it all went perfectly.

– Elina

How to prepare for Aalto university’s entrance exams?

The application process to Aalto BA in Design program includes preliminary and intake assignments, which measure the creative skills and applicant’s general suitability to the studies of the designated design field. The high selectivity and perhaps an unfamiliar application process may seem daunting, if you haven’t done anything like that before.

That’s why Scandianvian Design School offers Aalto Ba in Design preparation course, which is suitable for anyone applying to Aalto University BA in Design program. Course lessons end just before the Aalto preliminary assignments are published so you have fresh knowledge and skills to stand-out in the process!

Aalto BA in Design Program – Read Ellina’s experience!

The first year went by quite quickly; nevertheless, it was full of new experiences and impressions. During it, my thoughts on design changed. From the beginning, Aalto university showed me a completely different side of design and made me see the value of my work and everything concerning it. 

The second study year is all about group projects and learning to work in teams. Which sometimes can not be that easy, especially considering that your team members are all designers with different styles and views on design. But even though this turned out very well, we all learned to compromise, listen, and support each other. Working side by side, we learned a lot from each other and created a lot of unique and thought-provoking projects. I’m proud that I had the chance to work with such incredible people from all around the world.

The Projects

In the first year, I learned things like 3D modeling and printing, programming, and video editing and tested new design directions such as open, human-centered, and sustainable design. I was excited to learn about human-centered design because it was something new each time I work on a new project, I always try to apply human-centered design principles to my designs.

First year projects

The best part of the first study year was that we could do an individual design project for which we used Aalto university workshops. I have to say that working there was an absolute pleasure. The project I designed was toys for newborns KIDDO. KIDDO are two friends that will support the process of developing, playing, and learning. I wanted to help the baby develop, make something simple and understandable (for parents and children), create a long-term toy, and encourage parents to play with their children. (They are made from sustainable and recycled materials)

Second year projects

During the second year, we worked with real clients, learned branding principles, worked on a big group project for almost three months, and published a magazine with our essays that explored the responsibility and value of design. I could try myself in service design, design and media management, and visual design. I have several favorite projects from my second study year;

• Fluid Generation – the concept of a self-exploring app, 
• App and merch for A-Clinic Foundation Volunteers, 
• Video concerning the future of design (which will be exhibited at the Designs for a Cooler Planet -festival)

However, the best part of this study year was designing a magazine; I truly enjoyed this course and am happy with everything I learned regarding layout design and production. The essay that I wrote for the magazine is called “Design your self-development” in this essay, I showed how you could apply human-centered design techniques for your self-development.

At the Aalto BA in design programme, you will be able to test the limits of your imagination and break the borders of design. If you want to know more and challenge yourself, this programme should be on your university list!

Contact us to Prepare for Aalto BA in Design Preliminary assignments and entrance exams!