Summer Research Series: Louise Blair - Product Design and Technology

Course: BSc in Product Design and Technology

Supervisor: Dr Louise Kiernan

Name of Research Project/Activity: Exploring the relationship between breastfeeding support products, their marketing on social media and, the experience of breastfeeding.

 

Why did you decide to study Product Design at UL?

I wanted to study Product Design at UL as I was interested in the variety of options it provided, not only during the course, but also for career options after graduation. I think I’m quite a curious person and I liked that it had a lot of variety to it, so looking at modules there’s design, sustainability, maths, psychology and I like that variety, and as well now looking at jobs after graduation, there's a lot of different avenues to go down and I think that provides a lot of interest.

 

 What motivated you to apply for the Summer Bursary Programme? 

During my final year project, which was also on the topic of breastfeeding, I really enjoyed the research chapter, and I enjoyed getting to talk to mothers about their experience breastfeeding, and also hearing about their challenges and designing for that. When I saw the research bursary, I knew I wanted to continue research on breastfeeding. I think there is a gap in research on the topic and there are significantly lower breastfeeding rates in Ireland, and I'm quite passionate about supporting mothers who want to breastfeed.

 

What are you doing as part of your research here at UL? 

As part of my research, I am interviewing breastfeeding mothers, and examining the usability and design of breastfeeding products on the market. I am talking to mothers about their experience breastfeeding and using breastfeeding products, looking at the benefits or hindrances that these products may provide to the natural process of breastfeeding.  I am also exploring the impact social media marketing of these products has on the mother’s breastfeeding experience. 

 

What skills have you developed over the summer? 

So far this summer, I feel I've developed my interviewing skills as well as my report writing skills. The project is like self-led, so it's a great opportunity to have a taste of research and working on my time management and project prioritisation skills as well.

 

What has this experience taught you and what would you recommend it to others? 

Yes, I would definitely recommend it to others. I think it's a really good opportunity to get a taste of a career in research. I think if you're interested or considering research it's great to kind of see what it's like day-to-day and if it interests you. I have really enjoyed it so far.

 

 What are your future career plans, would you consider a career in research? 

Yes, I’m considering a career in research and looking at the different opportunities that are out there. I’ve really enjoyed the Bursary and I think there's definitely potential for a career in design research.