For the second year running, we are hosting the Triad UX Challenge with Manchester Metropolitan University. It is a six-week virtual challenge where students tackle a ‘life-like’ UX problem and design a solution. I know it well. This time last year, I was studying Web and User Experience Design and doing the Triad Challenge.
My Triad Challenge experience
I honestly loved the challenge. It was a fantastic opportunity to put my first two years of learning into practice with an industry-like brief. The brief tackled redesigning the NHS booking and referrals system, which I’m sure many people can relate to struggling with, so it was very exciting to feel like my work had an impact. The 6-week time frame was the toughest part.
Condensing research, design, iteration, and testing into such a short schedule required dedication. It was such a great way to challenge myself and see what I was capable of, though.
My advice to this year’s Triad challenge students
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everyone at Triad is so friendly, and I can promise you that there’s no such thing as a stupid question. If you don’t get something, you’re probably not the only one. After all, “you don’t know what you don’t know.”
User-Centred Design at Triad
I hadn’t heard of Triad prior to last year’s event, but my impressions were very positive! I was immediately fascinated by the idea of working in the public sector and having a tangible impact through user-centred design (something I had been seeking to do since beginning my studies). Triad opened my eyes to the world of consultancy, and as a budding professional, I was keen to explore that avenue.
I am now a Junior Consultant on the User Centred Design (UCD) team here at Triad. I really enjoy being able to be curious. Consultancy is an entirely new environment for me, and there are a multitude of things that I can’t wait to learn. I can now put my education into practice and continue learning from the skilled professionals around me. Currently, the only downside is that I have so much to catch up on, but I equally find that quite exciting.
Since starting at Triad, I’ve had access to a plethora of online training materials, which have been fantastic for my settling in. Now that I’m assigned to a project, I plan to keep getting stuck into anything that comes my way and keep saying yes to new and interesting opportunities. My favourite way to learn is by doing.
A strong support network is important
I felt incredibly welcomed by Triad and the UCD team when I joined. I’m very lucky to have Maddi as my mentor, and to be working with her on this year’s Triad UX Challenge with Manchester Met.
I’m also very lucky to be surrounded by people on the UCD team and in my project team who make me feel comfortable asking for help and advice – I feel as though I already have a wonderful support network.
It is important to never stop asking for feedback. Having input from outsiders is integral to creating unique services that work for your users!
At university, it’s difficult to consistently iterate on feedback due to assignment timelines and other responsibilities, and I’ve found UX in a consultancy environment to be very feedback-heavy so far. It’s exciting to have consistent conversations with clients and get regular input on my work, and I’m curious to see how that might look in future projects!
Note: The challenge will run from 27th July – 18th September and is open to students studying UX at Manchester Metropolitan University.
If you have a question for Chloe or the Triad team, please get in touch.
