Overview
About
Collaborating with a cross-functional team made up of all co-ops, we were given an open-ended question that we had to explore and define throughout the 6 months we were at the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT).
Working together with the amazing co-op team, mentors and subject matter experts, we were able to showcase our final findings to leadership, stakeholders and other FCAT members. Through research of social trends and experimentations with an array of technologies, we sought out information that may impact Fidelity in the next 5-10 years.
💌 If you would like more details on the specifics of this project, please reach out to me directly!
Impact
By practicing agile methodologies and engaging in user research, we identified specific issues and developed a targeted solution. Our proposed solution and research were presented to stakeholders, leadership, and the entire FCAT team, providing valuable insights for future use within the larger organization.
A high-level of the things that we worked on included:
Facilitating regular brainstorming and feedback sessions to align team efforts and incorporate diverse perspectives
Developing detailed user personas and journey maps to better understand and address user needs and behaviors
Creating comprehensive documentation of research findings and design processes to maintain transparency and ensure knowledge transfer.
Learnings
During my six months on this team, I faced challenges and learning experiences like never before. Working within a limited timeline alongside people from diverse backgrounds was a significant lesson. However, the most rewarding part was combining our different skills to present to stakeholders.
🌱 Just keep iterating
We dedicated a significant portion of our time to user research, iterating on our methods multiple times. This process of continuous iteration proved crucial in refining our approach and improving our outcomes.
📝 Go into stakeholder meetings with a plan
I learned to keep stakeholder meetings efficient and focused by setting clear objectives and specific requests. Instead of delving deeply into the details of our work each week, I prioritized meeting agendas to streamline focus and feedback.
💡 The importance of "why?"
I learned to emphasize the "why" at each of our design process. This approach helped align our work with user and business needs, ensuring our research was more impactful.
Experience
Throughout my co-op, I gained valuable hands-on experience, worked closely with diverse teams of experts, and had ample opportunities to think creatively. I formed strong bonds with my co-op cohort and learned valuable lessons from each of them. Professionally, I developed the ability to perform under pressure and contribute more effectively during demanding times. I learned more about myself as a person, discovering my strengths and areas for growth, which has been instrumental in shaping my career path moving forward.
Meetings with the other co-ops and a quick peek at one of our brainstorming sessions!
