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.