Describe your role within the StrathApp team, what have you been working on?

I had the amazing opportunity to join the StrathApp team as a Project Assistant. My tasks ranged from gathering ideas on how the app could be improved, exploring the implementation of new features, and contributing to content creation, to organising the Fresher’s Fair and capturing user requirements.

How did you get involved with working with the team?

I heard about this job opportunity through my Software Development course. The StrathApp team is collaborating with the CIS department and introduced themselves during a lecture. I have a background in customer-oriented roles, and my goal was to combine my soft skills with technical skills by applying the software development knowledge I gained from my degree. I saw this opportunity as a stepping stone towards a career in Software Development. During my time as Project Assistant, I was involved in implementing a new feature in the app and took on tasks across various phases of the project life cycle.

What experience have you gained by working with the team?

This role helped me transfer the theoretical knowledge I gained during my studies into hands-on experience and provided me with practical insights into project management. I was involved in the entire agile project management lifecycle, which taught me about different roles and their responsibilities, as well as the steps from initial idea to final implementation. This included requirements gathering, prioritisation and planning, participating in Scrum and Sprint meetings, and communicating and collaborating effectively with team members and stakeholders from different departments.

How do you think the work you have done with the StrathApp Team will benefit other students?

It was important to me to work on meaningful and impactful tasks. Other students can see the impact of the tasks I completed during my time on the project and benefit from an enhanced experience with the app. The requirements gathered can also be used to support future implementations and ongoing improvements.

How has working with the team benefitted you?

Communication and collaboration within the team was straightforward and helped me to complete my tasks effectively. Support was always available, and the team consisted of experienced and friendly individuals. The positive atmosphere within the team motivated us to achieve the best possible results. There was a strong focus on learning, with tasks tailored to my studies, as well as lectures and background information that supported my development. I really enjoyed working with the other project assistants in a supportive and cooperative environment, which allowed me to gain insights into their study-related tasks and get the work done together.

Any final remarks about the student co-creation model and how it could/should be applied throughout the sector.

StrathApp follows a co-creation model by involving the app’s users (students) directly in the development process. The focus is on creating an application that is genuinely useful to students by gathering information and feedback from them, rather than making assumptions about their needs. This approach helps ensure the best possible user experience and delivers real value. Other departments could benefit from adopting this model as well, as it helps keep their target audience involved, engaged, and satisfied.