VO SIMS is a professional simulation service that allows design students to experience real work in various vocational design positions. We created two types of service: One-day SIMS: 3.5-hour experience of working on fragmented tasks as adesigner in specific industries. And Project SIMS: 4-8 weeks of project experience working on a full project from 0 to complete.
There is a serious disconnect between university curriculums and professional work; curriculums are out-of-date and they lack professional orientation for career paths. Students lack career knowledge and vocational education, with few thinking about their future careers paths. Internships are difficult to obtain and the threshold for workplace practice is very high, especially for people with less than 2 years of experience and for students without a portfolio.
Many design students in China lack professional skills, practical knowledge and experience. Because of this, it is hard to define a career goal and be ready for the workplace when they graduate. Furthermore, they might waste money and time trying to gain practical experience. Our service helps students learn from professional designers to understand career paths and develop their perception of work and jobs, so they can set their own career goals earlier.
How might we help design students experience and better understand the practical experiences of work in different positions across the design field, discover their interests and strengths, and find the right career path for themselves?
VO SIMS is an online vocational simulation service that allows design students to experience real work in different design positions.
We offered two types of service: One-day SIMS: 3.5-hour experience of a design position in a specific industry/company and working on fragmented tasks. And Project SIMS: 4-8 weeks of project experience working on a practical project from 0 to complete.
For our final prototyping tests, we carefully designed day-in-the-life work schedules and scripts for 6 different team roles in design, to ensure the realism of the customer experience and sense of urgency in the work environment. We hoped to give users of our service the experience of a one-day internship that is aligned to the real experiences, routines and stresses of work.
We hope, through VO SIMS, users can discover their real interests and get clarity over their careers.
Thanks to all the supporters, interviewees and participants who contributed to this project. Special thanks to Mr Liu Yuntian, former Chief Experience Officer of Kingdee Software, and Mr Wu Zhuohao, Head of Design of Airbnb China, for their strong support.
Approved
