PPP3 // TAKING THE NEXT STEP IN CREATING A START-UP

To start the process of a start-up I've decided to get the ball moving. I've contacted maneticNorth to see if there is anyone I could potentially speak to about my idea. magneticNorth are the best people for me to speak too. They've created their own apps before and all the staff specialise in some form of digital design. Also, I know the people there and feel more comfortable speaking to them.

All I want is the see how I could move to the next step. But to also see if the idea is possible. I won't ever find out until I try. The email to magneticNorth reads:

"Hi Adam,

I was wondering if I could come in the studio in the next couple of weeks to discuss a project I've been working on? It's a project I've to create at Uni but I'm thinking of taking it to the next level and hopefully set-up a start-up from it in the next year or so.

It's a project based on education, chatbots and social messaging. Is there anyone at magneticNorth I could speak for more advice? I would like general feedback on the idea and to see if it's possible to achieve.

When I was on placement I noticed Paul had a lot of experience with technology and coding. Could he be the right person to speak too?

Let me know if this would be a possibility.

Thanks,

Jack"

At the time of this blog post, the email is still a draft. I'm slightly nervous to send it. So it may take a few more minutes to send it. I suppose I'm scared of judgment and criticism, but I won't know until I find out. By the time you read this, I would have sent it!

PPP3 // RESEARCHING ABOUT HOW TO START A START-UP

In my five year plan and also my PPP presentation I have spoken about eventually creating a start-up. I would like to take e-mily, one of my Extended practice briefs and actually make it a reality. It's always been a dream of mine and therefore, I've looked into ways I could set it up. At this stage I won't be starting anything official it's more researching in preparation for when the day comes. I'd rather research at this stage and slowly build up a degree of knowledge than to suddenly decide to do it and have no idea on what to do. The process is very complex but this infographic puts the process in the most simplistic way. Right now, I think the step I'm at is 'Show the prototype to 100 people'. This is something I need to work on though. I'm very precious about my work but I need to be more open about it to actually see if what I've created is worthy enough to be made into a full business.

Next step is to contact professionals who know a lot about technology and the capabilities. To also get some advice on next steps and even if the idea is any good.

PPP3 // PRINTED PORTFOLIO

I would normally say that a printed portfolio for a digital designer is pointless. I still stand by that statement as you can't fully explain an app or website through a screen shot of the app. However, just in case I need one, I've made a portfolio booklet. This will be shown when there is no internet available or I quickly want to show my final piece in a situation where getting out my phone would be unprofessional. The book can even be given away to the client for them to flick through at a later date. They would also be effective at a conferences or events where there isn't much chance to go through my phone in such a busy environment.

The book is full of my final piece. Nothing fancy just full bleed images to let the work do the talking.

PPP3 // BUSINESS CARDS

Below are the business cards for For you the moon. The business card is the most important physical piece of promotion a digital designer needs. They act as the first line of communication, to introduce who you are. They give the client a glimpse into the brand and the style. I tried to make the business cards represent the rest of the brand. I wanted the cards to be as minimal as possible. There is no need to over complicate or to be clever. A business card is what they are. A method of introduction. 

PPP3 // SYNOPSIS FOR MAGNETIC NORTH

Hi Adam,

Synopsis below:

In terms of course requirements for the placement, there is none, the placement alone is the only requirement for the course.
At this moment in time, I'm working more on visual design, which I'm absolutely in love with but I do wish to venture into the role of a UX designer after my MSC. However, I'm not as educated or had much experience with the UX process. I would be happy to experience any part of the process you need help with. Whether it be research based, prototyping, or still within visual design, I'm very flexible.


Thanks,
Jack

PPP3 // UNI OF LEEDS OPEN DAY

The open day at the uni of Leeds was a bit different to the one at UCL. It consisted of sitting down and talking to one of the professors/tutors of the programme. The course was for an MA in Design, I only really went along for curiosity to see what they taught. But for such a prestigious uni, the MA sounded awful. It was basically a foundation. The way the tutor described it, was that you are given a number of briefs ranging from a number of disciplines and then in the second half of the year you pick what area you're interested in the most and then create an FMP from it. There is also no dissertation which is a bit pointless. What if somebody already knows what they want to specialise in? Even if I wanted to do an MA in design I wouldn't pick Uni of Leeds!

PPP3 // UCL OPEN DAY

As UCL was my first choice, they invited me to attend an open evening. So, off I went to London for the day to attend the open day. I was nervous attending as the uni had a really good global reputation. While everyone waiting for the evening to start a number of PHD students studying HCI were showing off what they have been working on. One guy was working on a music device which responds to your breathing. It helps people with anxiety to help and calm them down. It was incredibly amazing to see a PHD student create this kind of work. I got a bit intimidated but after I found out he was a PHD student I was relieved as I thought I was going to be expected to build such a thing. Another PHD student was also there and she created a piece of software that can help people with chronic pain in the legs, by alerting the user when they are going over the threshold.

Alongside this demonstration, I was able to speak to the professors and other students who are currently enrolled on the course. The course modules were also on the tables so I was able to flick through and read what I could be studying throughout the year. The open evening only consisted of a short presentation of the course. I was impressed with the presentation and it got me very excited. The most impressive thing abut the presentation was that the research facilities are ranked #1 in the UK. Sweet.

DBA PRESENTATION

Below are the presentation slides. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend due to being on placement but I'm proud of my group even if we didn't win.

PPP3 // PRESENTATION SLIDES

e-mily one of the best pieces of work I've created while at uni. Combining chatbots and social messaging to allow students to access their work from any social messaging platform.

Another piece of work I've done. Creating the Hungry House app for iWatch.

'Related' a game based around related artist. 

Final logo for my self-identity.

My self-identity is about going that extra mile. Going above and beyond what is require.

My website. Minimal and modern to allow the work to do the talking. 

After uni, I will be going onto further study. Studying MSc at University College London. 

An explanation of the subject I will be studying. It might have got confusing for a lot of people who didn't know what I was talking about.

My two-week placement was spent at magneticNorth In Manchester

I worked on a live brief which involved the BBC. Creating an accessible game for children who suffer from disabilities. I was also involved with a workshop where I was working directly with UX designers from the BBC.

Top row is the events, talks and conferences I attended. Bottom row is the podcasts I regularly listen to. They all allow me to extend my practice and knowledge of the industry. Also to increase my social presence and begin to speak to people.

All studios I visited around Leeds, Manchester and York. Asking for feedback and general career advice.

The book I'm currently reading. It's about HCI and it's in preparation for my MSc, to make I'm not lacking in any areas.

Currently, have no plans for summer. I almost got an internship in Berlin. Hopefully, I can go back to my current freelancing position back in London. The real goal for summer is to save up money to support me through masters.

For the future, I hope to set-up a start-up from one of my extended practice briefs such as e-mily. To also get rich. If not a start up then I hope to work for Google in Silicon valley.

Starting my own business is something that I've always thought about and I will regret it if I never give it ago.

PPP3 // 5 YEAR PLAN

This is my five-year plan:

Year 1 
Year one will be spent on my MSc. Working hard to establish an expert understanding of Human-Computer Interaction. It's time to get my head down and really focus on the subject, as the quality of work I want to produce should be at a very high standard. The MSc is also a great time for me to increase my social presence within the UX community and as UCL is a Russell group uni they have a global reputation and hopefull this will allow me to increase my contact with tutors and students.

Year 2
Year two will be me figuring our where I want to live. Hopefully, Berlin but my dream eventually would be Silicon Valley. At this time I want to work for a start-up who work on app development. This will allow me to get some experience in the industry and to build up contact. It will also get me prepared for when I start up my own start-up.

Year 3
Still working and soaking up experience and knowledge. It would also be vital for me to understand how businesses run, especially start-ups. This experience will provide me a lot of tips and tricks for starting your own company. It;s something that I can learn while working. See what works and what doesn't.

Year 4
In year four, I would of left work and started to build up a team of people to co-found the startup. My partner could be an old friend or someone completely new. It all depends on what life deals me. Hopefully, we can start putting into action a solid plan of attack. Building a business plan and try to generate funding.

Year 5
Receive funding from either an angel investor or seek investment from other sources. Once funding is successful, begin to build and test the product. From this, continue to grow the company year by year. By year 8, start to turn a decent profit and begin to expand.

*Hopefully the product will be e-mily, the outcome designed in extended practice for D&AD.

PPP3 // MASTERS PROCESS // PERSONAL STATEMENT

Below is the personal statement I sent to all four universities when applying for MSc. The statement was set up as a template which could be easily adapted for each uni. Below is the adapted version for University College London.

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Studying HCI at UCL is the next stepping stone in establishing my career as a User experience designer/researcher. There is no doubt of the recognition and reputation that University College London has within the industry; a reputation that I would feel honoured to uphold and to continue the achievements. I see myself as an innovator, an innovative designer with the drive to combat and solve contemporary, social, environmental and political issues through the use of user experience. My specialist area of interest is building and designing successful and well-examined apps with an understanding of the psychology of the user at the forefront of every step. Another preferred area is accessible user experience. Users who are visually impaired and disabled are often neglected and left behind in the continuous advancement of complicated and more dynamic web and digital platforms - an unfair set of circumstances in which I feel exceptionally passionate about changing. I thrive under pressure whether it be with a heavy workload or a large number of looming deadlines, these are the times where my best work emerges.

My formal work experience throughout the years has prepared me for a fast working and intense environment where deadlines are set week after week managing anywhere between 4-9 briefs at a time. The year I spent in the UX team at Incisive Media gave me the opportunity to shadow and be mentored by a senior UX designer. With the basic foundations, I began to thrive in my role and started to undertake more and more responsibilities, building my knowledge and learning whilst working in the industry.

Web Development apprentice

My year as an apprentice was spent with Incisive Media, a B2B information and events business. I was positioned within the UX/UI team for the duration of my apprenticeship. This was my first exposure to industry and I quickly became a crucial part of the team. My responsibilities were:

• Analysing data from Google analytics as well as gathering user data from eye tracking software. 
• Wireframing and prototyping using Balsamiq 
• Taking responsibility for the visual design. 
• Coding the final visual mockups into the internal CMS. 
• Presenting and advising internal clients 
• Collaborating with the internal digital teams, such as Web analytics, web production, ad trafficking and Design. 

As a current student, I take advantage of this by visiting a number of workshops, conferences and talks. A majority of which are around User Experience. I recently attended the NUX5 conference in which one of the speakers was an alumni who studied HCI at UCL, Lola Oyelayo. We discussed UX and ‘wicked problems’ while giving me valuable advice on the course. Networking is fundamental when it comes to career development and experiences, I have discovered new viewpoints, ideas, and collaborations from networking, whether it be social networking or a tangible conversation. I find collaborating and socialising with part-time and full-time students on the course of great importance and a beneficial method of creating links to the industry, giving myself the best opportunity of succeeding. Networking has worked for me recently at the NUX5 conference to secure work experience within the UX department for Co-op.

A masters course which contains a core focus academically and a dedicated area within the study of psychology and the science of behaviour that drives how humans interact with technology is an aspect that I am searching for in order to expand my knowledge and ensure I can get the best out my studies. For the past year and a half, my recent projects for my BA have been solely based on UX and UI. Exploring, researching and producing inventive and contemporary solutions that could potentially help with ‘wicked problems’ or just developing imaginative applications that make the user journey accessible for everyone. Another area I focus on is visual communication. This includes exploring key authors and philosophers, such as Vance Packard, Ferdinand De Saussure, Aristotle and Roland Barthes in order to understand how brands influence and persuade consumers alongside researching visual communication in more of an academic sense, such as how Rhetoric relates to visual communication.

Essentially, I’m all about the work. Studying a masters degree will be the next stepping stone to achieve my career goals. Google has always been a company that has inspired me from day one. My career goals are to complete my masters and move to secure a job within the UX team of Google to become the ultimate Googler, and, to eventually create an app that can solve an issue that affects the world or society. I have also potentially acquired an internship at Fueled over the summer period. Fueled is a mobile app design and development company based in London. This will allow me to soak up and absorb more work experience relating to UX and will prepare me for work after masters in this specialised field.

“We cannot solve the problems we have created with the same thinking we used in creating them.” - Albert Einstein

PPP3 // MASTERS PROCESS // CHOSEN UNIS AND RESEARCH PROCESS

Before I started uni I knew I was going to progress onto a masters. Therefore, when I had any spare time I would obsessively research into different university and the MSc courses they offered. As I approached the third year of uni and knew I wanted to study HCI I began to research a lot more. I looked into Universities who provided an MSc for HCI, along with their reputation and what other people were saying about the course. It was important to know the reviews from past and current student of the course to avoid any bias comments from the course itself. When I went to NUX5 one of the speakers graduated from University College London where she studied HCI, I emailed her after the conference to enquire about the course and if she had any tips for applying.

When looking at which Universities to apply for the main source of persuasion was the league tables. I can say that I was a bit of a snob but I wanted to aim high. The main university I wanted to study HCI at was University College London who is globally recognised for the course. Their Psychology and Computer Science research facilities are ranked 1st in the UK with the university as a whole ranking 15th in the world. I set the bar high but I believed in myself and my abilities. The rest of the universities I applied for were still highly regarded within the field of HCI.

The Universities I applied for were:

1st Choice: University College London
2nd Choice: London City University
3rd Choice: University of Nottingham
4th Choice: Kingston University

PPP3 // MASTERS PROCESS // RESULTS

The results for my MSc are below:

1st Choice: University College London SUCCESSFUL
2nd Choice: London City University UNSUCCESSFUL
3rd Choice: University of Nottingham SUCCESSFUL
4th Choice: Kingston University SUCCESSFUL


The offer I decided to accept was from UCL. They were my first choice and impressed me the most. Their reputation and recognition as a course were the deciding factors for me.

PPP3 // NUX5 CONFERENCE

Today on the Friday, 7th of October I went to my first ever conference in Manchester. This conference was situated around the subject of User experience. NUX5 is a yearly anual conference aimed at finding national and international speakers who want to share what they have learned. It’s big and exciting, and it’s just as friendly as our monthly get-togethers. NUX is a organisation based in the north and holds regular meet ups in Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Since coming to university I've had a keen interest in this discipline as well as previous experience. It an area that I've always been fond off. There were a number of speakers from around the world who all gave an interesting and inspiring insight into their field of work within the domain of UX. Going into the conference I was inexperience, a new born out of the womb. My knowledge was mostly self taught and I knew I would be surrounded by many professionals within the industry. Therefore, my main objectives was to absorb as much information as humanly possible. The speakers were:

Every single speaker gave an incredible glance into the industry. It instantly became clear just how vast the area is. Scary but no doubt all exciting! From the talk about Wicked problems by Lola Oyelayo, security and UX by Glenn A Gustitus, Mixing methods abroad by Karina Van Schaardenburg and accibility user experience by Henny Swan. 

The main highlight from the conference was the talk by Henny Swan. She spoke about accesibility user experience when she worked at the BBC. Talking about designing and solving solutions for disabled or impaired users. 

PPP3 // STUDIO VISIT - MARAID DESIGN

Today I visited Maraid, a web design studio run by Jane Mcdevitt and Richard Claxton. Based In the centre of York Maraid specialise in the area of digital design, an area in which I have the most interest in. The reason for the visit was to gather feedback on my portfolio as well as current work; feedback from a studio that works and understand digital design and the key process within its core. This type of feedback is valuable and often hard to come by if asking for it within crits within uni. As I'm one of a handful of people specialising in digital, it makes it hard to gather sufficient, critical and constructive feedback on the type of work I produce. A lot off people look from a style/aesthetic point of view and not from a user journey perspective which often leads to people shaking their heads up and down while saying "Yeah, I love it". What I want more of is "how would you user get from point 'a' to point 'b'?." This is the type of feedback I was hoping for from Maraid.

In my time there, I presented three projects. The feedback was more of a discussion of my thought process and the conceptual idea behind the game more than 'change this and that' approach and this helped me so much. We discussed at length about my 'related' music game and how I could take it further in terms of actually making the game and who I could talk too.  The iWatch project when down very well. It was the only project that was half finished, so it was beneficial to get their feedback and thoughts about the grid/pattern concept. They both loved it and suggested trying to demonstrate what the user has to do as they might not understand the functionality of the pattern concept straight away so might become confused.

After presenting my work Andy and Jane introduced me to Andy Gibson from Team Pesky. Andy works in the office next door and develops apps and console games from Playstation all the way to VR. Andy sat down with me and discussed what I wanted to do after my degree and how I could go about getting my 'related' music app developed. First, he talked through the game and talked about the things I should be looking to and not focus too much on the design by really understanding the mechanics and functionality of the game because if you crack the functionality and make the game as seamless and efficient enough then it's that, that makes an app a success. After he told me about a few sites that I could look into if I wanted to build the game myself such as Game Maker and Unity but also told me about a game developer company called 'Game Toast' a community of gaming developers who do monthly meetups in Leeds where they gather and discuss what they've been working on in terms of ideas and the development of these ideas. Andy offered to introduce me if I ever wanted to attend one of these meet ups.


Overall, Andy from Team Pesky was extremely valuable for my progression. It's the first time where I felt that I'm actually getting somewhere with trying to get one of my apps developed and with the help and guidance of Maraid they also gave me beneficial feedback and provided me with a few contacts who are also app developers which I'm going to look into.