User Experience (UX)
Engage with UMSI students along the design cycle to provide meaningful, relevant, accessible, and desirable experiences for users via a variety of projects. Some examples of UX projects are field research and product ideation; evaluation of the usability and engagement of an existing website; creation of initial designs and mockups for a new idea; development and launch of a working prototype; and solving challenges with technology and accessibility
Visit the official UMSI website for the most up-to-date information on client based courses
Information on the site you are currently visiting is no longer being updated as of Summer 2021
SI 699: User-Centered Agile Development
What is User-Centered Agile Development?
In SI 699: User-Centered Agile Development, master's-level graduate students work with clients to identify potential project areas, then employ user-centered Agile methodologies to conduct research and develop products, applications, or services.
Deliverables
What do clients receive for participating in this course?
An MVP (minimum viable prototype—a scaled down or rough version) of an application, product, or service
A written report
A video presentation
Client Eligibility
Who can participate?
Potential clients should meet the following criteria:
Have a project idea that can be scoped down, together with a student team, to something feasible in one semester
Happy to have a minimum viable prototype (MVP) as the deliverable for the project
Willing to make a significant time commitment to working with students (setting weekly goals for the project, present for reviews, accessible to address students' questions and concerns as they arise, etc.)
Commitment: 2-hour bi-weekly sprint planning; 15 min stand-up meetings 2-3x weekly
Have some exposure to Agile methodologies (expertise is not required, but some familiarity is helpful)
Responsive to user research insights and flexible with potential changes to project
Project Examples
What kinds of projects are appropriate for the course?
Potential projects should meet the following criteria:
Not mission critical
In the early stages of development—ideally, still an idea or concept
Large in scope, but can be scaled down (e.g., you have an idea for an application that runs on multiple platforms, but for this project are willing to accept a version that runs on a single platform)
What are some examples of successful projects?
Due to the pandemic and the subsequent closing of their physical office, Chadsey Condon Community Organization needed to shift their in-person activities to an online system that community residents can come to for valuable information, resources, surveys, registration, and more. Students created a digital space for Chadsey Condon to easily and effectively maintain outreach and resources for their community. Link to Poster. | Link to portfolio site
Students worked to create a mobile and web app for Winning futures to allow mentor and admin use. Their product goal for this project was creating a mobile app to connect students with mentors to track their progress and attendance, while also working to develop a web-based application for program managers to be able to organize their student/mentor sessions and collect session data inputted by mentors. Link to Miro Board. | Link to portfolio site
Students worked with Mechanicus to build a mobile app to pair users with mechanics to complete repairs based on users location. Link to Poster. | Link to portfolio site
Collaboratory Online is a platform that enhances connectivity and relationships between community stakeholders who work for various organizations. They are working together to overcome the challenges plaguing Southwest Florida. Collaboratory Online serves as a tool to overcome shared problems collectively. Link to Poster | Link to portfolio site
What do students do during the project?
How many projects are selected for this course?
Winter 2021: 4 projects selected
Winter 2020: 3 projects selected
* Due to variability in the number of enrolled students each year, these numbers are subject to change and can be used as a rough estimate.
Participate
How do I become a client?
Potential clients should complete this brief form with their contact information and a short summary of their project idea. Our Client Engagement Team will review your submission and reach out to you within 3 business days with next steps.
What if I don't have a project right now, but I'm interested in future opportunities or want to learn more?
If you don't have a specific project in mind for the upcoming semester, but would like to stay informed about future opportunities to work with students through our client-based courses or other programs, complete this registration form to be added to our mailing list.
Timeline
SI 699 occurs in the Winter semester (January–April)
June – December
Client submits project idea
Client Engagement Team (CET) reviews project idea and requests full project proposal
CET works with client to scope and refine proposal
January
Faculty choose proposals to present to students
Students choose their project
January – February
Students begin project
April
Students finish project and provide deliverable(s) to client