Exploring Design at Dolby

Alondra Maciel and Essence Spencer, our newest additions to the IP team, talk about their first in-person experience with IP students at Dolby Labs and share their thoughts on design.

By Inneract Project

We are always working to expose our students to more opportunities inside the design industry. As part of that, our partnership with Dolby has allowed us to introduce new IP students to different aspects of design. They recently invited us — twelve students and our programs team — to their San Francisco headquarters, where we toured the office, had a Q & A with Dolby designers, and more!

Our newest team members and Program Coordinators here at IP, Alondra Maciel and Essence Spencer, took the time to chat with us about their Dolby Labs experience. Not only was it their first IP field trip — it was also the first time they got to meet our students in person. We got to hear about their day at Dolby Labs, and also their inspiring words for our current and incoming students!

Tell me about how IP students engaged with Dolby (the designers, the space, the equipment, etc.) from your perspective?

Alondra: The designers at Dolby guided the IP students around their workspace and the students enjoyed interactive equipment. One example is the enclosed study room, where students took turns sitting inside the booth to see if sounds outside were muffled. The retro televisions, the colorful ears on the wall, and the paintings, moving images, and standing sculptures displayed throughout Dolby Labs were a representation to IP students of how various mediums of art can be appreciated.

Essence: The ice breaker before the activity opened up many conversations amongst students. They seemed to enjoy that portion of the event because they were able to expand on their imagination. The students also liked going into the labs and having the experience of being fully immersed into the space.

What do you think the value of visiting Dolby Labs was for you? For the IP students?

Alondra: After visiting the Dolby Labs, I have a greater sense of value in communication in design. Design is collaborative, and when you are working with a team, it’s important that you can articulate feedback. When they were working in groups, the IP students were able to not only relay their ideas to each other but also respect their perspectives.

Essence: For me, I got to see the magic behind my childhood. I think for the IP students, there were some potential strategies in the making that caused the students to want to further their repertoire of knowledge for future opportunities.

What would you say to encourage more youth to get involved in design?

Alondra: I would tell them, “You hold ideas that are waiting to be shared with the world.” We cannot effectively design and implement programs for youth without the perspective of youth at the table.

Essence: I would say to visualize something that they find is the most valuable, whether it is a concept, something tangible, or anything in between, and ask why is this important to me? From there, I would say to imagine that same love they have for that item and to know that it was designed to inspire some sort of connection to that object. Then I would tell them that they too can design something that people connect with!

What advice would you give someone who is intimidated by the design industry?

Alondra: Take risks, be bold, and have faith in your talents because there is no one else in the world like you. Don’t be afraid to take a chance — our pilot to growth and discovery is through mistakes and failure.

Essence: Design is everywhere. I would let them know it is okay to acknowledge that energy they feel behind their intimidation and lean into why they feel that way. Then, I would ask them to challenge it little by little so that they create their own pathway into the design industry. Design is not monolithic, and because of that there are always ways to pursue it.

What are you looking forward to doing with IP students and families in the future?

Essence: I am looking forward to learning more about the impact design makes in society as well as how it impacts IP students and families. I want to continue to wholesomely build community and relationships with them.

Alondra: I am looking forward to doing more programs and field trips with IP students and forging partnerships with community members. I would enjoy fostering relationships with IP families to help encourage their students to use design and technology as a form of expression as well as a potential career.

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