Caitlin Tran

I’m driven by a love for new experiences, whether it’s during travel explorations or an unfamiliar hobby. Industrial design has equipped me with a wide variety of skills, instilling confidence in my creativity and problem-solving abilities. In the design space, I aim to foster emotional connections and create memorable experiences. My goal is to craft products that people will cherish for the long term, prioritizing sustainability and interest so they can be passed down and appreciated by future generations. I’m known for my attention to detail and my ability to independently tackle complex challenges.

Get In Touch

caitlintran.design@gmail.com Share This Page

The Four Essential Pillars for Design Excellence

The four essential pillars encompass human-centric design approach and the understanding of full-bodied, three dimensional physical interaction of user, product and environment. The projects generate innovative solutions using research-driven, evidence-based designs which focus on the user experience.

Click to enlarge

3D render of Anura language translation device

Click to enlarge

3D render of top of Anura language translation device

Click to enlarge

Enhancement of Human Lifestyle

Anura helps bridge the gap between generations, enabling grandparents and grandchildren to connect despite language barriers.

The device facilitates communication through real-time translation, improving their bond and fostering the exchange of cultural knowledge. As grandchildren engage with their heritage language, they preserve traditions, while grandparents can pass on valuable insights, ensuring both emotional and cultural connections endure across generations.

Click to enlarge

3D render of buttons on Anura language translation device

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

Human-Interaction & User-Centric Design

Anura’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for people of all ages to use.

Features like on-screen text, audio cues, and visual prompts enhance communication, ensuring seamless understanding. The device also incorporates gestural controls, allowing intuitive interaction. These elements create an inclusive experience that supports active learning, helping users of all backgrounds engage comfortably and efficiently, regardless of language differences.

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

Ergonomics & Human Factors Design

Anura is designed based on studies of the 5th to 99th percentile, focusing on the elderly and children aged 6-10 years.

This ensures comfort and usability across a wide range of users, supporting shared activities they engage in together. The small form factor allows easy placement on any tabletop surface, making it adaptable to various environments. This design approach promotes ease of use and ensures a user-friendly experience for both elderly individuals and children.

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

Sustainability & Social Responsibility

Anura promotes sustainability through thoughtful material selection and initiatives aimed at product longevity and reuse.

Its aluminum backings and POE mats are highly recyclable, with POE also being free from harmful chemicals during manufacturing. Designed with children in mind, the device uses food-safe ABS plastic for durability and safety. Regular software updates ensure long-term functionality. Additionally, Anura supports content downloads for memory preservation and offers refurbished programs, encouraging the passing on of products when children outgrow them.

Project Summary

Immigration offers the promise of opportunity, but the focus on survival can lead to the erosion of secondary language skills due to inconsistent use. As children grow up in a new country, they quickly adapt to the dominant language, often losing their mother tongue. This creates a language disconnect between first-generation immigrants and their grandchildren, resulting in miscommunication and emotional detachment. Reduced interaction and cultural exchange can lead to isolation, frustration, and tension within families. This project seeks to bridge generational language gaps by enhancing communication and preserving cultural traditions through shared activities and memory-keeping, ultimately fostering emotional connections and strengthening family bonds.