Thoughtform is happy to announce that Cain Tillar has joined us as a design intern for the Spring of 2025! We sat down with Cain to talk about human-centered design, his love of ABBA, and putting yourself into everything you design.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I’m currently a fourth year at DAAP studying Communication and Design. I originally have more of a background in fine arts but decided to pursue a path in design. I like to think of myself as both an artist and designer and try to let that show in my work.
What’s an example of design you admire today?
I admire human centered design and the processes within this area due to the focus on the user and their experience in creating a solution. I find it so important as a designer to always keep who I am designing for at the forefront as I work. Designers become stronger when they actively make an effort to interact with their stakeholders and create a space where they feel heard and seen.
What advice do you have for someone starting down a similar career path to your own?
Young designers should always find a way to make the design work you do reflective of yourself. Design is allowed to be fun even in an academic and work setting. I think this advice is more geared to students going down this path but it’s something I wish someone had said to me in my earlier years in the DAAP program. I urge any design students to make sure their projects are fun for them, it’s the time to do something you’re passionate about!
Who’s currently on your work playlist?
My playlist is all over the place! But I think the artists I’ve been listening to the most recently has been “The Winner Takes it All” by ABBA, the Rom on Fire album from The Strokes as well as some Plastic Tree.