Reflection

To begin the year we started off with a quick introduction and a look into what will be expected of us throughout the year which was nice. We had a look into what content design is; the strategic practice of creating, structuring, and presenting information in a user-centred and effective manner. It encompasses the thoughtful planning and organisation of content to meet the needs and expectations of the audience while aligning with organisational objectives. Content design is vital because it ensures that information is clear, accessible, and engaging. By prioritising the audience's understanding and usability, content design facilitates seamless communication, reduces confusion, and enhances user experiences. It also fosters consistency in messaging and branding, reinforcing trust and credibility. Ultimately, content design plays a pivotal role in delivering valuable and accessible content across various mediums, from websites and apps to documents and marketing materials. Content design is crucial in interaction design as it forms the basis for meaningful and effective user interactions. It guides users through the interface, offers clarity, and provides essential information and instructions. Well-designed content shapes how users engage with digital products, making it a fundamental element in ensuring a positive user experience.

We then looked at content discovery and research in interaction design, this refers to the process of identifying, understanding, and strategically incorporating content elements into digital interfaces to enhance user experiences. This practice involves researching user needs, behaviours, and preferences to determine what content is most relevant and valuable to them. Interaction designers delve into understanding the context and objectives of the interface to ensure that the content is well-structured, easily accessible, and aligns with the overall user journey. Content discovery and research in interaction design are crucial for creating interfaces that not only function effectively but also provide users with the right information at the right time, facilitating seamless and intuitive interactions with digital products and systems.

Rapid 7

We also had a talk led by Zara Henderson from Rapid 7 regarding the placement opportunity for 4 UX roles and 1 UI role was undeniably informative, yet at times, a bit overwhelming due to the technical jargon associated with cyber security. Zara explained the essence of these UX/UI roles within their domain.

During the session, two former graduates shared their experiences, shedding light on the practical aspects and daily tasks expected in these roles. Their insights were valuable, providing a realistic preview of what candidates might encounter if they secure these positions. However, some of the technical terminologies used by the speakers left me feeling a bit intimidated.

Despite feeling a bit overwhelmed by the technical language, Zara's emphasis on the sense of community within their office was inspiring. Learning about the supportive and collaborative work atmosphere at Rapid 7 showcased the company's commitment to fostering a conducive environment for its employees.

Overall, while the technical aspects were a bit challenging to grasp, the talk provided an insightful view of the potential roles and the company culture at Rapid 7. It left me feeling both excited about the opportunities within the cyber security field and motivated to explore potential placements within the company.

Working Backwards from Magic

I had a look into Jordan Moores article which delves into the intriguing concept of "Working Backwards from Magic," a strategic methodology employed by pioneering companies such as Uber to foster innovation and develop groundbreaking products and services. At its core, this approach involves the process of envisioning the ultimate, magical, and seamless customer experience or end result and then meticulously reverse-engineering the steps and components required to bring that vision to life.

By working backward from the desired enchanting outcome, companies can transcend conventional problem-solving techniques and instead gain profound insights into customer needs and expectations. This innovative strategy places the customer at the centre of the design process, compelling businesses to thoroughly understand their audience's pain points and aspirations. As a result, it can uncover novel value propositions and solutions that might otherwise remain hidden when employing more conventional, forward-thinking product development methods.

In essence, "Working Backwards from Magic" challenges organisations to adopt a holistic and user-centric perspective that leads to the creation of transformative, customer-driven products and services, ultimately setting them apart in today's competitive landscape.

We were challenged with this approach for our first brief which involves designing three screens for a smartwatch app.

Brainstorming

We were put into groups to work together to create mind maps from certain categories to start brainstorming ideas for our smartwatch screens. My group decided to do these on health and travel as they are such large categories we thought we would get the most ideas from this. Here is the mind map we created.