After contacting many studios in the Liverpool area I was finally able to gain a placement at Red Ninja. A technology based studio who work on very interesting projects such as software that keeps mothers in contact with babies in intensive care as well as sensory technology which alerts Nurses if a patient falls. I will be working full time for two months which will give me a great insight into the role of a designer within this software/technologically based environment. This will also hopefully build my contacts in Liverpool as this is the area I hope to work in after graduation. The studio itself is situated within the creative area of Liverpool - the Baltic Triangle. This will give me a real taste of the creative scene in the city.
In preparation, it was advised that I look at a company named IDEO and their ideas behind design thinking as well as Hyper Island. This has been incredibly insightful and I expect this approach to the design process will certainly help my final year projects develop.
What I have learned from the experience so far is to come prepared with lots of questions. I was asked to come in for a chat expecting to simply discuss dates for the placement, however this chat was much more thorough. In hindsight I would have prepared more questions and approached the company with solid expectations for the placement - in particular I would have asked if the placement was paid, I was brave enough to ask about expenses and wish I had taken a step further.
Before I begin, I have set myself some aims -
-Always ask questions and note down the answers. Try and ask these in the first week so I am clear from the beginning.
-Make notes every day both reflecting on my time and notes for the work that I am given.
-Make friends, connect and network.
-Learn how the studio works and work to this - don't make my own rules.
-Get as involved as possible, offer to help with projects, go the extra mile, step out of my comfort zone.
-Be open to new ideas in order to develop my own process.
-Don't allow myself to be exploited - stand up for myself. I want to be designing, not making coffee.
-Most importantly, enjoy my time there. If its not for me, don't be afraid to leave.
Unfortunately, with the nature of applying and enquiring about placements, I currently have an unfinished offer from Peter & Paul in Sheffield - a studio I was very excited to potentially get involved with. I was yet to hear back from them and so settled my placement in Liverpool. My plan is to contact P&P and request to work there once or twice a week during third year - hopefully they will say yes!
