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HI! I'M DARIA STANA

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PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY

Within my design practice, I position myself as a learner. I approach design as a continuous opportunity to exchange information and inspiration with the world around me, including its people, contexts and systems. Each project becomes a chance to learn about the relevant societal topics and translate them into tangible concepts that invite user reflection.

At the beginning of my bachelor, I believed my identity was defined by the technical realization of products that solved a problem, with the story added afterward. Now, I recognize that my passion lies in designing stories and experiences, which are later brought to life by technology.

My identity is shaped by a balance of rational thinking and creative empathy. I have a strong foundation in mathematics and programming, which supports a methodical, problem-solving approach to challenges. At the same time, I have an intuitive, abstract mindset driven by storytelling, emotional resonance, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to society.

This duality allows me to move comfortably between technical realization and conceptual ideation. I am particularly drawn to the early phases of the design process, where I can explore broad ideas that are later refined through reflection and iteration. Within this phase, I often use speculative thinking to challenge assumptions and imagine new possibilities. The purpose of my work, even if I wasn’t fully aware of it early on, is to craft narratives that provoke thought and invite connection.

Over time, I have come to see myself as a designer who thrives in interdisciplinary environments, where technology serves concept, and empathy grounds innovation.

'' FOR DESIGNING, I LEARN.

   FOR LEARNING, I DESIGN. ''

MY 'SKILLS SUITCASE'

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VISION

Design is often seen as the creation of aesthetically pleasing and functional objects, but I believe design holds a broader and more powerful potential, especially in today’s world, where consumerism dominates and traditional values are gradually fading into the background.

To me, design is not only about making; it is about meaning. It is a tool for communication, reflection, and change. It can exist beyond the physical, as an experience, a narrative, or a provocation, subtly guiding how people think, feel and interact with the world around them. In a fast-paced society that prioritizes efficiency and production, I see the designer as someone who slows things down, and who encourages people to reconnect with themselves, with others, and with the values that matter.

I once believed that conceptualizing was a weakness of mine. I have since come to realize that this difficulty often came from a lack of clarity in purpose, making the direction feel uncertain. I have realized that I tend to begin each project by asking not just what should be designed, but why.

Looking ahead, I want to continue exploring speculative design as a way to question assumptions and propose alternatives. I am especially drawn to textiles and soft materials as a medium for making these ideas tangible. I find that textiles offer versatility and autonomy within the creation process, unlike hard materials, which can often feel limiting in terms of technique and structure. Working with fabric allows me to create from scratch and apply ideas across diverse formats, including wearables, fabric-based objects, and spatial storytelling installations.

To bring this vision into reality, I aim to deepen my skills in storytelling, material experimentation, and cultural research, working in contexts that value design as a reflective practice. Whether through concept development, trend research, or experiential installations, my goal is to design with intention, helping others reflect through the experience of design.

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