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Elsa Bardout
Social and sustainable designer (industrial product & service)
Professional Background
Elsa Bardout is a passionate and innovative designer dedicated to addressing social issues and climate change through her work. With a rich background in service design and product design, Elsa collaborates with communities to give them a voice, enabling systemic change via co-design workshops. Her approach emphasizes the importance of collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring that various stakeholder perspectives are involved in the design process. Throughout her career, Elsa has been involved in several impactful projects which can be explored further at her personal website, elsabardout.info.
Elsa's professional journey began at FutureGov, where she steadily advanced from a Service Design Intern to a Mid-weight Service Designer. Her experience at FutureGov encompassed a range of responsibilities, allowing her to hone her skills in service design and foster her passion for social change. Additionally, she has held various roles that showcase her versatility in design-related fields. From working as a Design Researcher and Project Coordinator at Design Against Crime to co-designing at hackathons for BCG Digital Ventures and LATRA, Elsa has developed an impressive portfolio that reflects her commitment to improving society through design.
Her freelance work as a Service & Product Designer at IDEO and contributions to projects such as Esprit Porcelaine Association further exemplify her dedication and expertise in the field. With a focus on service design facilitation, she has contributed to impactful design sprints for organizations like the British Geological Survey, proving her capability to deliver results in challenging environments.
Education and Achievements
Elsa Bardout's educational background is as impressive as her professional career. She pursued a diverse range of studies in art and design, beginning with her High School degree in Design and Applied Arts (Baccalauréat STD2A) at the esteemed Lycée Polyvalent Rive-Gauche. Continuing her education in Fine Arts at Lycée des Arènes, Elsa laid the foundation for her future endeavors in the world of design.
Furthering her academic achievements, Elsa completed her Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design while studying at Université de Montréal, followed by a prestigious Master of Arts in Industrial and Product Design from the University of the Arts London, graduating with distinction. This combination of rigorous training has equipped her with a robust skill set, allowing her to navigate complex design challenges effectively.
Her commitment to lifelong learning and professional development is evident through her continuous engagement in various design-related workshops and mentorship programs. For example, as a Design Thinking Mentor at Acorn Aspirations, Elsa has had the opportunity to guide aspiring designers through hands-on experiences at hackathons, sharing her knowledge and fostering a love for design in others.
Notable Projects and Contributions
Elsa’s work encompasses a variety of projects targeting crucial societal needs and the urgent challenge of climate change. Her projects often include co-design workshops that empower participants to contribute their insights and experiences, leading to innovative solutions to common problems.
In her role at FutureGov, Elsa has worked on transformative service design initiatives that have had a positive impact on communities. Her contributions reflect a deep understanding of human-centered design principles, ensuring that the voices of those affected by social issues are heard and integrated into the design process.
Through her freelance endeavors, she has collaborated with prominent organizations such as IDEO and British Geological Survey, where she has utilized her design expertise to facilitate workshops and create impactful solutions.
Elsa's talent for design ensures that her projects do not only serve immediate purposes but also contribute to long-lasting positive change. Her work has attracted attention from various sectors, establishing her as a leader in the field of social and product design.
As a freelance designer, Elsa has worked on a variety of short-term projects, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to each initiative. Her commitment to addressing critical issues, coupled with her ability to collaborate with diverse teams, sets her apart as a unique talent in the design community.
Overall, Elsa Bardout is a remarkable individual whose professional journey in industrial and service design reflects her passion for social responsibility and environmental sustainability. She aspires to create a world where design not only serves commercial purposes but also acts as a catalyst for positive change. Her belief in the power of co-design and community engagement positions her at the forefront of the design thinking movement, inspiring those around her to imagine and create a more equitable and sustainable future.
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