Shumka Centre is currently seeking 10 qualified students for research positions with the Design for Startups project in the Fall of 2024. This program will be delivered in a hybrid format, with some work being done in person and some remotely. Please note that internal meetings will be held virtually on Thursdays from 4:30 – 7:30 PM PST. 

 Student Research Assistants (RAs) will form an innovative design research team to work with early-to-mid stage technology companies in British Columbia. This is an exciting opportunity to connect to startup culture in BC and to gain unique experience engaging with the accelerated research and development (R&D) model used by Internet companies. 

RAs will be paired with partner companies and work directly with the technical and business leads on-site and/or remotely, supported through weekly internal meetings with faculty and project leads and peers. RAs will consider existing design gaps, perform user interface/usability studies, and develop design strategies for participating companies in order to develop and improve digital products, platforms, and services. Please note that RAs may be asked to work with partner companies in person. 

View the full call on The Leeway
Deadline to apply: 5PM on August 18, 2024

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, RAs should be able to:

• Solve problems by practicing a comprehensive user experience design process involving analysis, research, concept development, visual synthesis and feedback; 
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the issues involved in designing in lean or agile startup environments; 
• Respond to audiences, contexts and user experience needs in shaping design decisions; 
• Research and create design presentations, and document projects so as to reflect a personalized creative process; 
• Develop complex projects iteratively, from conception to completion; 
• Use skills, tools and technologies appropriate to each project, and present work effectively in visual and verbal form; 
• Manage time efficiently and work effectively in teams or individually, as required. 

Role

• Meet regularly with the business and technical team at one company to establish project deliverables and working processes; 
• Meet regularly with Research team to apply Lean Design methodologies to project work to provide shared feedback and keep projects on track; 
• Apply research and design methodology to establishing and proposing great design solutions;  
• Develop a series of reports summarizing findings and proposals, including a concluding report. 
• Develop and produce a public presentation for participating companies and other project stakeholders. 

Qualifications

Candidates must possess the following in order to be considered for this position: 

• Be enrolled at Emily Carr University of Art + Design (MDes program, 3rd or 4th year INTD/COMD major) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher 
• Be an amazing designer with flexible technical and creative skills across web, UX, and/or communication design   
• Possess excellent teamwork skills and a flexible, creative attitude 
• Have strong organizational, research, communication, and presentation skills 
• Have the ability to work independently and adapt responsively to changing conditions 
• Have use of your own laptop 
• Must be available to meet remotely with company teams and internal research group as needed. Internal meetings will be held on Thursdays 4:30 – 7:30 PM. Final Presentation will be on Thursday, December 12. 

For information on compensation and how to apply, visit The Leeway.

This program is generously supported by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) from Fall 2024 through Spring 2026.