"I first got involved with StrathApp as a student tester, looking at how accessible the app was for screen reader users like me. That started out as just trying new features and giving honest feedback, but it grew into something bigger when I joined as a Project Assistant this summer.

In the Project Assistant role, I’ve been involved in a wide range of tasks. At the start, I worked on auditing the app’s features and content to figure out what needed improved, especially from a student perspective. I helped rewrite and simplify key user guidance so that new students can find their way around the app more easily. I’ve also contributed ideas for new features, like adding haptic feedback and emergency contact pop-ups to make the app more intuitive and supportive, particularly in stressful moments.

Behind the scenes, I’ve learned a lot about how complex it is to run a project like this in a big public organisation. It’s given me hands-on experience with things like content design, accessibility testing, and thinking about how different systems connect. Working closely with developers, designers, and communications staff has helped me build confidence in collaborating across different teams, and it’s shown me how important it is to bring the student voice right into the design process from the start.

I think the work we’ve done will benefit students for years to come. When you build something with accessibility in mind, it doesn’t just help disabled students — it makes the whole experience smoother and clearer for everyone. Having students directly involved in this kind of work also means the app actually reflects how we use it in real life, not just how it’s imagined on paper.

Personally, this experience has been a huge boost. It’s shown me that students can play a real part in shaping digital services, and it’s inspired me to keep pushing for more accessible and user-friendly tech both inside and outside university.

The co-creation model really works. It’s more engaging and honest than just asking for feedback after something is built. I’d love to see more universities doing this, because it makes digital services feel like they’re genuinely made for students, by students."