Hi, I’m Mary Barone!
I’m a fourth year Industrial Design student at DAAP - but I got my start in Communication Design. That early training still informs my work.
I care deeply about equity, accessibility, and sustainability. While I am interested in exploring all areas of design, it is very important to me that the work I do is fulfilling and makes the world a better place.
Aside from 3D printing cool things, collaboration is my favorite part about being a designer! I have never met a person (or dog) that I don’t like, and I love to understand the ‘why’ behind a person’s decision-making. I am also a determined middle child - which means I have never met a challenge that I couldn’t tackle and it’s difficult to tell me ‘no’ once I set my mind to something.
Scroll down to learn more!
My Design Journey…
I fell in love with painting, drawing, and writing at a young age. I found it to be such a powerful way to express myself and connect with others. At the time, I had no idea that the field of design existed where I could turn my love for art and storytelling into a career.
I joined my high school’s journalism program where I honed my research, interviewing news reporting, creative writing, photography, and graphic design skills. My senior year I became graphics and art editor; I began to learn the importance of visual communication, rather than just making things that look pretty. I also mentored underclassmen, taught Adobe workshops, and trained our next wave of newsmagazine editors.
2018-2022
I came to DAAP in the Communication Design program. I spent a year studying typography, photography, and 2-dimensional composition. I also built a deeper understanding in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
Fall 2022
I transitioned to DAAP’s Industrial Design Program to pursue my passion for creating tangible objects. Since making the switch, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for physical prototyping, model making, and sketching - areas where creativity and hands-on problem solving come to life.
Fall 2023
I worked in Chicago doing UX/UI design at Chamberlain Group alongside a team of 5 other Co-Ops. The experience broadened my perspective and allowed to me to develop as a leader, designer, and human being.
Spring 2024
Fall 2024
I completed my first Co-Op with Hillman Group working on the Advanced Development team. I led and conducted focus groups, workshops, and worked on new product concepts.
What’s Next?
Before I graduate in Spring 2028, I want to gain as many new experiences as possible. I am interested in nearly every facet of design and am eager to learn as much as I can - in future Co-Ops I hope to continue to explore the unexpected and discover the unknown!