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The English Department hosted one public lecture and two seminars in November 2022. All of the events were held in a hybrid format. To attend the events, attendees would either go to the 7th floor of the Soegondo Building or Zoom meeting. The public lecture on November 1st, 2022, was titled What It Means to Be an Irish Writer. This public lecture was given by Irish novelist Audrey Magee. The first seminar, titled International Students’ Seminar on Gender Equality, was held on November 8th, 2022. Four speakers from three different universities shared their perspectives on various subtopics. The second seminar was held on November 26th, 2022, titled International Students’ Seminar on Children Issues. This seminar was also delivered by four speakers from three different universities. The event committee was divided into four divisions. They all carried different roles in the events.
Those three events that are being held in the month of November had been prepared one month before. As the committee was divided into four divisions, ours was given the task of handling the belongings and the equipment for the event. Our responsibility spans from ensuring the conditions to making sure it’s usable before the day of the event, on the day of the event, and after it. In regard to it, we had to cooperate with multiple people in order to make the event successful and a smooth ride until the end of it. Since the events were being held offline and online simultaneously, we had to make sure both parties could enjoy it without any hindrances or limitations to their viewing experience. Such as a well-equipped camera to be able to record the view and the sound from the conference and share it with the online audiences so they could see the event without having to attend the lecture in person. English Department lecturers and our faculty members have been more than helpful in our preparation for the events. They have offered assistance and guidance throughout the process while also giving advice to make the event more enjoyable for the guests and attendees. Those experiences were proof that without teamwork and communication, we wouldn’t be able to make the event run smoothly.
The events were carried out well, and in terms of the equipment division, these events ran without uncontrollable constraints. During the event, the flexibility and coordination between the committee in the same or different divisions was very good. Perhaps the thing that needs to be underlined is that, for the next event, the committee can consider using proper equipment that can be used by the timekeeper as the reminder tools for the speakers.
We learned a lot about teamwork while hosting the events. Some errors happened during the events, but they all were handled through communication. From this, we all realized that communication is the key. Since there was no leader, we all played the same role in the division. Still, we can learn the dynamics in committees and coordination between students, student-lecturers, and student-faculty administration.
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The UI/UX Independent Study Program at the Startup Campus was a valuable learning opportunity for me. Through the program, I gained a comprehensive understanding of user experience design, including how to create digital products that provide a seamless and intuitive user experience. I also learned various techniques for generating ideas through the brainstorming process and received valuable insights and best practices from industry professionals.
One of the most impactful aspects of the program was the introduction to the framework of design thinking. This framework has been invaluable in my design process and any creations intended for human use, such as writing or services. It taught me that the most crucial aspect of any creative process is considering the user’s rigour and benefit. Additionally, the framework emphasized the importance of research in the creation process to ensure that everything being made is actually needed and functional.
The program also helped me enhance my skills in using tools like Figma, Miro, and Fig Jam, which are essential for design collaboration in the digital age. I also learned the significance of good research, from preparation to fieldwork. In addition, I gained a strong understanding of visual design basics, including color theory, typography, and grid systems, which allowed me to create visually appealing designs.
Through the final project and assignments in the program, I had the opportunity to further develop my skills in critical and creative thinking. My critical thinking skills were refined as I analyzed the users’ needs for the web application features created by my group. My creativity was also stimulated as we carefully considered the design direction and language that would be not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional for the users.
In conclusion, the UI/UX Independent Study Program at the Startup Campus was an invaluable learning experience that has dramatically enhanced my design skills and knowledge. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and develop my skills in user experience design, collaboration, research, and critical and creative thinking.
Written by: Luis Evan Suprandono, English Studies Programme, 2019
Proofread by: Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt.
