Sophie Chu sits down with host Adam Fromme in this episode of the Thinking through Design podcast. 

“You have to be really mindful of what you make, because you don’t always have to create more just for the sake of creating more. You should create because it’s needed and because it’s going to do good in the world.” Sophie Chu

In this Student Spotlight episode, fourth-year industrial design student Sophie Chu reflects on her journey through Ohio State’s Department of Design, from discovering industrial design as an unexpected path to developing a Capstone project centered on sustainability and circular systems. Sophie discusses how extensive field research in Franklinton, Ohio led her team to identify barriers that prevent small businesses from adopting sustainable practices, inspiring her project, Local Loops, which connects business waste with artists to create public installations that make sustainability visible within the community.

We also talk about how industrial design extends beyond products into systems and services, the value of collaborative studio culture, and how her second major in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies broadened her perspective on inclusive design. The conversation concludes by touching on ethics, curiosity, and why designers should create only what is truly needed to improve people’s lives.

This episode is part of the Student Spotlight mini-series. During the summer, we sit down with students at Ohio State DESIGN, giving them a chance to share their experiences and talk about the ideas that inspire them.

You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts.