Tiernan Dowd
Dia Dhuit, my name is Tiernan, an Irish designer from a small town in the west of Ireland.
My journey in design began with a degree in Product Design at the University of Limerick, where I developed a strong foundation in physical making, problem-solving and user-centred thinking. Since then, I have worked across a range of design contexts, building experience that spans both practical prototyping and conceptual development.
Most recently, I have been developing an international and more exploratory design practice through my postgraduate studies in Industrial Design at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. This experience has allowed me to expand my approach beyond traditional product design, engaging with narrative, cultural context and speculative thinking, while continuing to ground my work in tangible outcomes and material experimentation.
I have come to see design as a flexible language that designers help facilitate. My approach blends hands-on making, storytelling, interaction and co-design.
I initially saw myself as a creative engineer, focused on problem-solving through making and technical development. However my practice has evolved into a more conceptual and socially engaged approach to industrial design.
Studying at Central Saint Martins played a key role in this shift, strengthening my hands-on making skills while expanding my perspective to consider narrative, cultural context and the social impact of design. My work now reflects a balance between technical execution and critical thinking, allowing me to develop projects that are both materially resolved and conceptually driven.
Experience
Mechanical Engineering Intern
Designed and visualised prototype enclosures for a new catheter balloon cleanroom station, developed improved gowning layouts and contamination-reduction solutions, and supported cross-functional teams with process optimisation, site communication and rendered visual presentations.
Product Designer
Demonstrated strong time management and cross-functional collaboration by delivering ahead of deadlines, introducing innovative stent design solutions, enhancing client engagement through storytelling, leading sketching and 3D visualisation to support prototyping, and presenting strategic concepts to US Marketing and Development teams for future integration.
Design Assurance Internship
Supported heart valve development through quality testing, ISO documentation, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with clients, doctors and ultrasound teams during product evaluation.
Education
MA Industrial Design
Developed a socially engaged industrial design practice through conceptual thinking, critical design, research and hands-on making.
BSc Product Design
First Class Honours- Built foundations in hands-on making, technical graphics, CAD, prototyping and human-centred design.
Awards
IDA 2025 –Honourable Mention
Category - Conceptual Products/Other Conceptual
UAL Graduate Award – Central Saint Martins
Shortlisted for the Graduate Award 2025 by the Central Saint Martins Museum & Study Collection.
Junior Galway Film Fleadh
Galway winner, nationally longlisted, and selected for a one-week summer camp programme.
Skills
Product Design
From concept to market, combining engineering innovation with manufacturability.
Hands-on
Hands-on experience bringing physical prototypes through to final models and market-ready outcomes.
Community
Strong people skills, using conversation and community engagement to develop holistic design outcomes.