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Early INNOV8 Reflection

What is our current problem that we are focusing on?
Our problem focuses on students feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or unable to concentrate due to heavy workloads. We aim to create a solution that provides a space for them to recharge and regain their focus. This involves addressing mental health while helping students manage their productivity in a practical and meaningful way.

How is the use of the empathy map evolving our idea? What new ideas or insights have you uncovered from this process?
The empathy map helped us see the problem from the students’ perspective. We learned about their emotions, struggles, and needs, which inspired ideas like creative stations and mindfulness activities. This process ensured our solution directly responds to real challenges students face.

How is our group collaborating? What can I do to improve collaboration within my team? (contribution level, inclusivity, listening to others)
Our group is collaborating effectively, with everyone contributing ideas and sharing tasks. To improve, I can encourage quieter team members to speak up and ensure we actively listen to each other during discussions. This will create a more inclusive and balanced team dynamic.

What barriers are we currently experiencing?
The main barriers are time constraints and balancing creativity with feasibility. We need to refine our idea while ensuring it remains practical, which has proven challenging. Additionally, agreeing on certain elements of the pitch has taken more time than expected.

What are our next steps?
Our next steps include finalising the design of our solution, gathering feedback from others to identify potential gaps, and practising our pitch to ensure it is clear, engaging, and professional for the EXPO.

Post INNOV8 Marketing Pitch Padlet Reflection

What aspects did you see in other groups' presentations that were really strong?
I noticed some groups used persuasive language, compelling visuals, and clear examples to enhance their pitches. Their confident delivery and creative approaches made their presentations stand out and feel memorable.

What aspects did you see in other groups' presentations that were less successful?
Some groups struggled with clarity, either by speaking too quickly or not explaining their ideas in detail. A few lacked preparation, making their pitches seem rushed or incomplete.

Presentation skills—communication and persuasive techniques used
The most effective groups used strong communication techniques, such as rhetorical questions, relatable stories, and engaging visuals. Confident body language and good eye contact also made their presentations more impactful.

What were the really great ideas?
Great ideas included practical solutions like a recycling incentive programme and a mental health app. These initiatives addressed common issues students face and were clearly explained in terms of implementation and impact.

What feedback have you received from staff and students about your own INNOV8 pitches? This can include self-reflection for improvement.
Feedback highlighted the creativity of our pitch but suggested we include more practical details, such as the logistics of funding and implementation. Self-reflecting, I feel our delivery could have been smoother and more confident to better engage the audience.

Which of the 5C’s do you feel you and your group struggled with the most? Why is this and what could you do differently?
We struggled with Creativity and Critical Thinking because it was hard to balance innovation with practicality. To improve, we could brainstorm more as a group and test our ideas sooner to refine them effectively before presenting.

What improvements, changes, and tweaks do you need to make before the INNOV8 EXPO?
We need to refine our visuals, rehearse more to improve presentation confidence, and clearly outline the practical steps for implementing our idea. Including more specific examples will make our pitch stronger and more persuasive.

Reflecting on the 5C's

Choose one element/behaviour that you felt confident or showed effectiveness in. What evidence do you have that you engaged in it?
I felt confident in Collaboration. I contributed actively during discussions and ensured everyone had a chance to share their ideas. For instance, I stepped in to help clarify roles and provided support to keep the team on track with deadlines.

Choose an element/behaviour that you feel less confident in. How could you become more effective in this element of communication? Discuss one strategy that you could use.
I feel less confident in Communication, particularly during presentations. To improve, I plan to practise in front of friends to get feedback on my tone, body language, and delivery. Practising regularly will help me build confidence and improve clarity.

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What have you gained from this experience? (100 words)
From this experience, I gained valuable insights into teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. Working collaboratively allowed me to learn how to combine diverse ideas into a cohesive solution. I also gained confidence in presenting my ideas and communicating them clearly to different audiences. Problem-solving became a process of trial and error, where feedback was essential for refining our work. Additionally, I developed resilience when dealing with setbacks and learned the importance of staying focused on the ultimate goal. This project has equipped me with skills and lessons that I can carry into both academic and real-world settings.

What are the key skills you have developed? (100 words)
Throughout this project, I have developed critical skills such as teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving. Collaboration taught me how to work with diverse perspectives while ensuring everyone’s voice was heard. Communication improved through delivering clear, persuasive presentations and adapting my approach to suit different situations. Problem-solving skills were enhanced by applying design thinking and systematically addressing challenges. Additionally, I became better at time management, breaking tasks into smaller steps to meet deadlines. These skills are not only valuable for academic projects but will also be beneficial in my personal and professional life.

How has your understanding of problem-solving and design thinking changed throughout this course? (100 words)
Initially, I thought problem-solving and design thinking were straightforward processes. However, I now understand they are iterative and require flexibility. Empathising with the end-user was a critical first step that shaped how we approached our solution. I learned to brainstorm openly and test ideas without fear of failure, as refining through feedback is key. Design thinking also taught me to focus on practical, user-centred solutions rather than just theoretical ideas. This experience has made me more open to experimentation and more patient with the process, knowing that successful solutions require persistence and adaptability.

How has Action Project developed your understanding of the 5Cs? (100 words)
The Action Project deepened my understanding of the 5Cs by showing how interconnected they are in achieving success. Collaboration was essential as I worked with my team to combine ideas and share responsibilities. Communication improved through discussions and presentations, ensuring that ideas were clearly expressed. Creativity played a significant role in finding innovative solutions, while critical thinking helped refine those ideas into practical outcomes. Character was important for staying committed, especially when challenges arose. This experience taught me that all the 5Cs work together to create meaningful results and build strong teamwork skills.

How has your communication developed? (100 words)
My communication skills improved significantly throughout this project. I learned to articulate my ideas clearly and listen to others more actively, ensuring that everyone’s input was considered. Presenting our ideas required me to simplify complex concepts and deliver them in a way that was engaging and persuasive. I also became more comfortable adapting my tone and style depending on the audience. Whether through formal presentations or informal discussions, I focused on being concise and confident. These communication skills will help me in future group work, presentations, and professional interactions.

How has your collaboration developed? (100 words)
Collaboration has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this project. I learned how to effectively share tasks, respect differing opinions, and build on my team’s strengths. Inclusivity was key to ensuring that everyone contributed meaningfully, which also boosted group morale. I also improved my ability to mediate disagreements and keep the team focused on our shared goals. This experience taught me that collaboration is about compromise, trust, and shared responsibility. These skills will benefit me in future group projects, helping me to work more effectively with others.

How has your creativity developed? (100 words)
This project gave me the opportunity to explore and develop my creativity. I learned how to approach challenges with an open mind and think outside the box when brainstorming ideas. Instead of sticking to conventional solutions, I explored innovative approaches and refined them through feedback. Creativity became about combining practicality with imagination, ensuring that our ideas were both unique and effective. Working in a team also expanded my creativity as I was inspired by others’ perspectives. This experience has boosted my confidence in finding innovative solutions in academic and real-world scenarios.

How has your critical thinking developed? (100 words)
Critical thinking became a key skill during this project. I learned to analyse challenges thoroughly, evaluate multiple solutions, and refine our approach based on feedback. This process required me to balance creativity with practicality, ensuring that our ideas were both innovative and achievable. I also developed the ability to question assumptions and look at problems from different angles. Team discussions helped me see the value of diverse perspectives, which strengthened our final solution. Critical thinking is now something I approach systematically, and it’s a skill I’ll continue to apply in future learning experiences.

How can you use the skills developed in Action Project in other areas of your life/in the future? (70 words)
The skills I developed, like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, will be useful in academic projects, work environments, and personal goals. Critical thinking will help me analyse challenges more effectively, while collaboration skills will ensure I work well in diverse teams. These skills will also enhance my ability to adapt and stay resilient in the face of challenges, making me more prepared for future opportunities.

How will the knowledge you have developed in this course guide future experiences? (100 words)
The knowledge I gained from this course will guide me in approaching challenges with confidence and structure. I’ve learned to empathise with others, identify problems clearly, and work collaboratively to find effective solutions. The design-thinking process taught me to embrace trial and error as part of growth, and the importance of testing and refining ideas. These lessons will help me tackle academic projects, professional tasks, and even personal challenges more effectively.

What challenges did you face in this course, and how did you overcome them? Were any of your personal Character Strengths a benefit, or did you have to stretch your lesser strengths? Explain how. (100 words)
One challenge was balancing creativity with practicality. My perseverance helped me stay focused when refining ideas, ensuring they were achievable. However, I had to stretch my adaptability when receiving constructive feedback. Initially, I found it difficult to make major changes, but by listening to my team and staying open-minded, I improved this skill. Collaboration also tested my patience at times, but I learned that compromise was key to reaching the best outcomes. This experience strengthened both my perseverance and flexibility, two traits I can now confidently apply in other areas.