Meet Lauren Hersh
Mission
I’m an industrial designer with a passion for creating thoughtful, people-focused solutions that make a real difference in everyday life. I approach design as a balance between art, engineering, and innovation, using each to better understand and respond to real human needs. To me, design is not just about aesthetics, but about solving meaningful problems and creating products that help people feel more connected, supported, and empowered. This perspective has led me to focus on humanitarian and socially impactful design, where the goal is not only to create, but to improve the lived experiences of others.
Beyond my design work, I have been committed to applying these values in real-world contexts through community engagement. As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mongolia, I work in community development, collaborating with local partners on projects that support education, youth empowerment, and long-term sustainability. Through this experience, I have gained a deeper understanding of how design and problem-solving can exist outside of traditional settings and be used as tools for impact. I have also been involved in building communities within the design field itself. I co-founded Alpha Theta Delta, a professional design fraternity focused on mentorship and collaboration, and served as Vice President of the Purdue chapter of IDSA, where I organized events to help students prepare for careers in design. Through both my professional and community work, I hope to continue using design as a way to support others and create meaningful, lasting change.
A Little More
I grew up in the Chicagoland area with an early interest in the intersection of art, math, and science, but what has always driven me most is the ability to create solutions that genuinely help people. From a young age, I was drawn to problem-solving through design, often spending time sketching and building ideas that combined creativity with function. These early experiences shaped the way I think about design today, not just as a creative practice, but as a way to respond to real needs and improve everyday experiences.
Outside of my work, I find inspiration in nature through activities like gardening, walking, and practicing yoga. These moments provide a sense of balance and reflection, which often informs my approach to design. They have pushed me to think more critically about sustainability, inclusivity, and the long-term impact of the products I create. Through this perspective, I aim to design solutions that are not only innovative, but also thoughtful and grounded in the lives of the people they are meant to support.