Nexus: RSA Submission
Encouraging creative careers
The RSA brief I chose was titled 'Creative Communities'; this asked me to design a product, experience or service to present the creative industry and creative jobs as a viable career pathway. I chose to design a platform which centres the educational awareness of students aged 13-16—the ages at which students choose their GCSEs and A-Levels.
Two versions for maximum impact
Instead of going down the path of pressuring children to choose one career pathway, I chose to embrace a STEAM approach, rather than solely STEM or creativity focused. This allows the app to encourage an equal view of all subjects, viewing creativity as an interest just as viable as maths or science.
Key features
The student app has a skill badge feature; this is a hub where the student can learn what skills they have gained at school. Presenting the badges as skills rather than subjects reinforces the notion that all subjects can use creative thinking, for example, removing the stereotype that creativity isn't a useful trait.
There is also a feature that matches the students' skills to GCSE and A-Level subjects, an Experts section which allows students to hear testimonials from industry professionals and a Skill Match Quiz which students can answer to find out which careers their skills and interests match well with.
Parent app features
The parent app, like the student version, allows the user to view activity suggestions for the child to do (with or without their parent) to continue to nurture their interests outside of school.
Parent app features
Additionally, the app features a Quick Qs tab, which dispels any myths and answers any FAQs that are commonly associated with certain subjects. This can be filtered by subject and other factors (employability, career field, entry requirements).
The community board allows parents to ask other users for anecdotal advice regarding any issues their child is having, for instance sourcing supplies for activities, local clubs and supporting children as they navigate choosing a career path.