Two students nominated for UX Design Awards

How did you get the idea for your project's theme?

The idea for this project came to my mind during conversations with my mother, who shared the challenges she faced during pregnancies and her lack of support and expert advice. Additionally, my aunt’s experience with postpartum depression highlighted the need for better care during this period. These personal stories inspired me to create an app that connects new mothers with experienced elderly women who can provide support, advice, and companionship. Further research reinforced the importance of this support network, leading to the development of Vimora.

How has your Communication Design master's helped you with the project?

My Communication Design master's studies have been instrumental in developing my knowledge and skills in UI/UX design. In the first semester, a workshop with designer, researcher and educator Jazzy Olive significantly enhanced my understanding of user needs and how to create the best outcomes for them. The feedback from my tutors, Bryan and Lizzy, helped me identify and address gaps in my project, ensuring a more refined and user-centred design.

How will you reach the older audiences that the platform relies on in the future?

To engage the older audience who wish to support new mothers, I will leverage their extensive experience and wisdom, which have been passed down through generations. I plan to reach them through community centres, social clubs, and online platforms tailored to seniors. Additionally, Vimora will offer a sense of community and purpose, making it appealing for elderly women to join and share their knowledge.

You have big plans to take Vimora forward - what is at the top of the list of new/extra features?

To enhance Vimora, I plan to refine the matching algorithm for better mentor-mentee connections and expand the support ecosystem to include a diverse resource library and virtual consultations. Additionally, integrating connections to health organisations and continually improving the user experience are top priorities.

Are you working on any other projects?

I am currently working on my Final Major Project, which focuses on enhancing the retail experience for visually impaired individuals. This project aims to improve accessibility features in stores, making shopping more independent and efficient for those with vision impairments. Many grocery stores overlook the needs of visually impaired customers, who often rely on assistance to navigate and shop. My project seeks to address this gap and promote inclusivity in retail environments.

Shivam Srivastava – Oddyssey

Shivam’s project, Oddyssey, is a career guidance platform that enables students to explore diverse career paths, connect with mentors, and make informed decisions about their future

Well done for getting nominated for the award - did it feel good to get some recognition for your project?

It feels incredibly rewarding to have my hard work recognised on such a prestigious platform. The nomination validates the countless hours I’ve dedicated to designing and refining the project. I originally created Oddyssey during one of my first modules on the master’s, and I didn’t initially think of submitting it to the UX Design Awards. It was only after completing my second study block that I decided to push it through. It's a significant milestone for me as I now look at pursuing a legitimate career as a UX Designer.

What can you tell us about the research stage of the project?

The research stage was intensive and thorough. I started with a series of user interviews and surveys to understand the pain points and needs of our target audience. This project was quite personal to me, having gone through the challenges of acceptance in society due to my background in Fashion Design. It’s unusual for a man to pursue fashion design in India, so I knew firsthand that I was addressing a legitimate problem. By validating my assumptions early on, I was able to design a product that truly resonates with users and addresses real-world challenges. I’m also excited about its proposed business model, which aims to make the platform free for students from all socio-economic backgrounds by reducing the need for payments or subscriptions.

How has your Communication Design master's helped you with the project?

The master’s course equipped me with a solid foundation in design principles, user experience, and effective communication strategies. Provocateur sessions, especially with Jazzy Olive during the Intersections module, have been incredibly helpful. That workshop was the best learning experience I’ve had, providing invaluable insights that helped shape the project.

You have big plans to further develop Oddyssey  – what's next for the project?

Initially, I want to conduct user testing to see how people interact with the platform and gather feedback on desired features. I'm interested in exploring advanced AI-driven features that offer deeper insights and analytics, helping users make more informed decisions. Additionally, I want to ensure the platform remains free, unlike premium subscription models on existing career platforms, which can be counterintuitive for users from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Do you have any other notable projects you're working on?

Yes, I am currently working on my Final Major Project, which focuses on languages and South-Asian scripts. It’s very different from my UX Design project, but that’s the beauty of this course—it encourages you to explore diverse areas before stepping into the industry. Since day one, I’ve made sure not to limit myself as a designer, working on a variety of projects. This one is based on typography and the dissolution of scripts due to industrialisation, and I am really excited about it.