Dr. Nik Shahman Ariff

As a lecturer, I believe it’s essential for me to model proper manners and ethics to create a positive learning environment and set a professional standard for my students. Here’s how I strive to behave and present myself:

1. Professionalism

• Punctuality: I make sure to arrive on time for all my lectures and meetings. I know that being punctual shows respect for my students’ time and demonstrates discipline.
• Dress Code: I maintain a neat and professional appearance, ensuring that my attire reflects the seriousness of my role while being appropriate and functional for teaching.
• Communication Style: I use clear, respectful language in all interactions. I avoid any inappropriate or offensive remarks and remain mindful of the cultural and individual sensitivities of my students.

2. Respect for Students

• Listening Skills: I make it a point to be approachable and open to students’ concerns, opinions, and feedback. I believe that showing empathy and understanding fosters a supportive classroom environment.
• Fair Treatment: I treat all students equally, regardless of their background, performance, or opinions. Fairness in grading, feedback, and daily interactions is something I hold to high standards.
• Boundaries: I maintain professional boundaries with my students, avoiding favoritism or personal relationships that could lead to bias or perceived unfairness.

3. Ethical Responsibility

• Academic Integrity: I adhere to strict standards of integrity, ensuring that my lectures, materials, and assessments are original or properly cited. Plagiarism and dishonesty are things I actively discourage.
• Confidentiality: I respect students’ privacy by keeping their personal information and academic performance confidential. I never discuss grades or personal issues in public or casual settings.
• Honesty and Transparency: I am clear about my course expectations, grading criteria, and feedback. My goal is for students to have a transparent understanding of how they are being evaluated.

4. Being a Role Model

• Leading by Example: I understand that students look up to me not only for knowledge but also for guidance on how to conduct themselves professionally. By demonstrating ethical behavior and a strong work ethic in my own actions, I hope to instill these values in my students.
• Encouraging Open Dialogue: I aim to create an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas, asking questions, and respectfully challenging viewpoints. I believe this kind of openness encourages intellectual growth.
• Lifelong Learning: I am committed to continuous improvement. Whether it’s staying updated on the latest developments in my field or adopting new teaching methodologies, I strive to model a passion for lifelong learning.

5. Compassion and Patience

• Understanding Student Needs: I recognize that students have varying capabilities and circumstances, and I try to be patient and compassionate. I want my students to feel supported as they navigate challenges.
• Offering Guidance: I understand that students may seek mentorship beyond academic content. I’m always willing to provide guidance on career choices, personal development, and navigating ethical dilemmas.

By adhering to these principles of professionalism, respect, and ethical responsibility, I aim to create an enriching and supportive educational experience for my students, preparing them for their future as ethical professionals.

Self-Leadership

Knowing Yourself
Before joining UTM, I spent few years as an Industrial Designer and Designpreneuer as a freelancer while teaching at the Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) for 12 years in the field of Industrial Design. This period not only sharpened my technical expertise but also deepened my understanding of the practical demands faced by professionals. It reinforced the essential role of industrial design knowledge in thriving within the industry. With this experience, I believe university education should go beyond theory, equipping students with the skills needed to excel in real-world environments, where many will apply their knowledge after graduation.

My commitment as an academician is to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, particularly within the fields of Industrial Design and New Product Development. Through hands-on training, sharing personal industry experiences, and aligning coursework with current industry standards, I aim to prepare my students to succeed in their future careers. By focusing on fostering critical thinking, advanced design communication skills, and professional competence, I strive to nurture “Premium-Earning Graduates” who stand out in their chosen fields.

Knowing What You Need to Do
As a lecturer specializing in Industrial Design, Design Sketching, and New Product Development, maintaining strong ties with industry professionals is key. These connections help ensure that my knowledge remains up-to-date with the latest trends and technological advancements. By actively engaging in discussions and collaborations with industry leaders, I am able to transfer this knowledge to my students through interactive learning experiences and guest lectures.

This ongoing effort motivates me to continuously refine my curriculum, so students not only graduate with academic credentials but also with practical expertise that makes them competitive in the job market. My focus is on providing real-world relevance and opportunities, from internship placements to mentorship programs.

Knowing What You Need to Learn
To keep my teaching aligned with the evolving demands of the industrial design industries, I focus on professional development, collaborating with industry professionals, and consistently updating my curriculum. This includes inviting experts to offer guest lectures, creating opportunities for internships, and ensuring my students are exposed to the latest tools, methodologies, and design thinking approaches. Additionally, I incorporate valuable feedback from industry partners to continuously refine my teaching strategies.

In today’s fast-evolving design world, it’s crucial to integrate soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking into the curriculum. I also design assessments that reflect real industry challenges, ensuring that students are well-prepared to tackle complex problems in their future roles.

Using What You Know
Leveraging my background in Industrial Design and my hands-on industry experience, I incorporate cutting-edge tools and techniques into my teaching. I introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) infused methodologies relevant to design process, design sketching, product development, and industrial design to ensure my students are proficient in the tools used by today’s professionals.

I invite industry experts to deliver guest lectures and provide real-world case studies, giving students the chance to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. My courses are continuously updated based on the feedback I receive from professionals who employ my graduates. I also emphasize the development of essential soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, which are critical for career success in design and engineering fields.

Through networking events, mentorship programs, and exposure to industry conferences, I aim to help students build strong professional connections that will support their career progression.

Nik Shahman Ariff
Innovative Industrial Design Lecturer

“Empowering the Future of Design through Expertise in Industrial Design, Design Thinking, and New Product Development”

Background
Hailing from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, I am happily married to Mazura, and together, we are blessed with three wonderful children who bring joy and adventure into our lives.

Education
I began my educational journey at Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Sultan Ismail (1) and continued through Sultan Ismail College in Kota Bharu. My passion for design led me to earn a degree in Industrial Design from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), followed by a Master’s in Industrial Design from Loughborough University, UK. I then culminated my academic pursuit with a PhD from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), specializing in Design Sketching, where I explored the role of sketching in shared understanding in the designI began my educational journey at Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Sultan Ismail (1) and continued through Sultan Ismail College in Kota Bharu. My passion for design led me to earn a degree in Industrial Design from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), followed by a Master’s in Industrial Design from Loughborough University, UK. I then culminated my academic pursuit with a PhD from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), specializing in Design Sketching, where I explored the powerful role of sketching in fostering shared understanding in the design process.

Areas of Expertise
Design Sketching, Design Communication, New Product Development, and Industrial Design.

Personal Interests
In my spare time, I love exploring the world on two wheels—whether I am cycling through scenic routes or cruising on big CC motorbikes, the thrill of the ride never gets old.