S8 - working with third parties
S8: Brief and work with third parties such as photographers, model makers, agencies and data professionals
How I gained this knowledge
While I haven’t worked directly with traditional third parties such as photographers or model makers, I have collaborated with external platforms and digital agencies in a way that reflects modern third-party workflows, particularly through my ongoing work with Synthesia, an AI avatar video production platform.
What I learned
In developing e-learning content for healthcare apprentices, I used Synthesia to integrate AI-generated avatars, acting as both client and creative lead to writing scripts, selecting avatars, and reviewing outputs. I advocated for diverse representation, recommending the inclusion of younger male avatars and individuals with visible disabilities to improve learner experience. The platform’s new custom avatar feature has further enhanced the ability to tailor content for inclusive training design.
Challenges Faced and how I overcame them
In working with Synthesia, I honed the ability to write clear briefs, specifying tone, pronunciation, pacing, and visual layout. I also worked within the platform’s constraints, balancing creative needs with technical possibilities, and often revised content based on output previews, similar to the feedback loop you’d expect when working with Synthesia. Additionally, when designing my own business materials (e.g. Groove with Sooze), I considered working with freelance designers or content specialists, demonstrating my ability to engage third parties when a project requires expertise outside my own.
How I will apply at work
My experience briefing, evaluating, and collaborating with platforms like Synthesia reflects a valuable real-world skill, mirroring how creative professionals increasingly work with digital and AI-driven tools. As these technologies evolve, so will this skill set. In future, I plan to collaborate with voice over artists, AI script editors, and data professionals to design learning content tailored to user behaviour and feedback.
S9 - Portfolio of work
S9: Produce and maintain a portfolio of creative digital work
How I gained this knowledge
Throughout my degree, I have actively built and maintained a professional portfolio showcasing my development in creative digital design. This portfolio serves not only as evidence of my academic progress but also as a tool to communicate my skills, style, and areas of expertise to future employers, collaborators, or colleagues .
What I learned
I began building my portfolio in Year 4 with foundational projects like logo design, wireframes, and UI layouts using Adobe XD and Figma. As my skills developed, I added immersive designs, AI avatar videos, and social media assets.
In Year 5, I included interactive prototypes and immersive media from modules like UX200 and IMM200, using tools such as Spline, Skybox, and Adobe Aero to showcase user-centred and accessible design.
By Year 6, my portfolio featured independent and professional work, including my Groove with Sooze brand, website, and Synthesia content, along with research and concept development from PRP300 and CRP300 to highlight both process and outcomes.
Challenges Faced and how I overcame them
Key challenges have been keeping my portfolio current, professional, and audience-appropriate. I overcame this by regularly updating. I've had difficulty with compatibility by using my Apple Mac for uni, which I overcame by transferring to Google Docs to create online versions of documents. I tailored content to suit different audiences, for example, highlighting educational video design for subject matter experts or including technical UI case studies for design peers.
Each project includes context, objectives, tools used, and reflective commentary, allowing me to clearly communicate both the creative process and the rationale behind my decisions. This turns my portfolio into a meaningful narrative of my development.
How I will apply at work
My portfolio has already been useful in demonstrating my design and communication skills in both academic settings and when promoting my own business. As I continue to grow professionally, I plan to maintain this portfolio to support job applications, freelance work, and creative collaborations. It’s also a personal record of my learning journey, a reminder of how far I’ve come, and a motivator to keep improving.
S10 - Keeping updated
S10: Keep abreast of industry developments, creative trends and innovations, knowing what’s emerging, and when to act to make cost-effective use of new and emerging tools and technologies
How I gained this knowledge
Staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies is essential in creative digital design. I’ve learned to make this part of my regular workflow, not only to keep my skills relevant, but to make informed, cost-effective decisions about which tools to adopt and when. This skill has been especially important as I’ve explored AI, immersive media, and web platforms across both academic work and professional contexts.
What I learned
I began building my portfolio in Year 4 with foundational projects like logo design, wireframes, and UI layouts using Adobe XD and Figma. As my skills developed, I added immersive designs, AI avatar videos, and social media assets.
In Year 5, I included interactive prototypes and immersive media from modules like UX200 and IMM200, using tools such as Spline, Skybox, and Adobe Aero to showcase user-centred and accessible design.
By Year 6, my portfolio featured independent and professional work, including my Groove with Sooze brand, website, and Synthesia content, along with research and concept development from PRP300 and CRP300 to highlight both process and outcomes.
Challenges Faced and how I overcame them
Key challenges have been keeping my portfolio current, professional, and audience-appropriate. I overcame this by regularly updating. I've had difficulty with compatibility by using my Apple Mac for uni, which I overcame by transferring to Google Docs to create online versions of documents. I tailored content to suit different audiences, for example, highlighting educational video design for subject matter experts or including technical UI case studies for design peers.
Each project includes context, objectives, tools used, and reflective commentary, allowing me to clearly communicate both the creative process and the rationale behind my decisions. This turns my portfolio into a meaningful narrative of my development.
How I will apply at work
My portfolio has already been useful in demonstrating my design and communication skills in both academic settings and when promoting my own business. As I continue to grow professionally, I plan to maintain this portfolio to support job applications, freelance work, and creative collaborations. It’s also a personal record of my learning journey, a reminder of how far I’ve come, and a motivator to keep improving.
S11 - Market/user research
S11: Input into market/user research and UX briefs and work with their outputs
How I gained this knowledge
User research and UX briefs have played a central role in my creative development, particularly during UX200 – UX/UI Design. I have contributed to both the planning and execution of user and market research, then applied insights from this data to shape creative decisions, whether in interface layout, tone of AI avatar voice, or accessibility choices.
Involvement in Research & UX Briefs
In UX200, I worked on a team project that involved developing a UX brief for a mobile-first
interface. I contributed by:
• Helping define user personas based on desk research and stakeholder interviews
• Conducting user testing on early prototypes
• Analysing feedback from usability tests and surveys
• Prioritising user needs within the constraints of the project
I also explored secondary market research, looking at competitors, design benchmarks, and demographic data, to inform visual language and layout decisions.
Working with research outputs
I used insights from user testing to improve clarity, navigation, and accessibility. For
example:
•I discovered that some users found the initial button placements confusing, so we adjusted layout and labels for better usability.
• Feedback revealed a need for increased contrast and font size, leading to accessibility-focused changes.
• In my own business site and social media designs, I used audience analytics and user feedback (likes, comments, messages) to revise layout, messaging, and posting times to increase engagement.
These experiences taught me that UX design is never just about visual choices, it's about
responding to real needs and iterating based on evidence.
How I will apply at work
I now use research-informed thinking in all my design work. Whether I’m developing an e-learning resource using Synthesia or designing content for my business, I:
• Begin by understanding my target audience and their needs
• Gather and interpret feedback (formally or informally)
• Make iterative improvements based on user insights
As a result, my designs are more purposeful, accessible, and user-friendly, increasing their effectiveness in real-world settings.
S18 Planning and undertaking own development
S18: Be able to plan and undertake own development and life-long learning to keep abreast of emerging technologies and techniques to review how these are best
How I gained this knowledge
Throughout my degree and professional journey, I have consistently prioritised personal development and lifelong learning. I understand that in a fast-moving digital industry, staying current isn’t optional, it’s essential. I’ve developed clear strategies to manage my own growth, identify learning goals, and regularly reflect on how new tools or methods can improve my creative practice.
Planning and managing my learning
To support my development, I:
• Set regular learning goals aligned with my projects and interests (e.g. "Learn how to
use Synthesia to enhance e-learning delivery")
• Allocate time each week to explore tutorials or new tools
• Use reflective journaling (formally during projects, and informally in my own
practice) to track progress
• Create mini projects to apply new techniques in real scenarios, such as testing
immersive tools like Spline or Adobe Aero
I also stay aware of new technologies through:
• Newsletters (e.g. Creative Bloq, UX Collective)
• LinkedIn and design community updates
• Recommendations from tutors and peers
• Beta-testing tools and reviewing updates from Adobe, Figma, and AI platforms
Examples of Life-Long Learning in Action
Synthesia: I self-taught how to use Synthesia to create AI avatar videos for accessible e-learning, then applied this in both academic and business projects.
IONOS and website creation: I developed my own brand platform ("Groove with Sooze") to apply web content, branding, and analytics learning in a real-world context.
Spline and immersive tools: I trialled 3D design tools like Spline and Skybox to broaden my skillset and understand the potential of immersive media in learning.
Accessibility and inclusive design: After engaging with WCAG and related resources during UX projects, I continued to learn more about inclusive design and apply this in my content creation.
How I will apply at work
My ability to direct my own learning means I can respond confidently to new challenges and contribute to innovation in any creative team. I’m not only capable of learning new tools, I’m also proactive in reviewing when and how they can best be used. I often share these insights with colleagues or peers, encouraging a collaborative, growth-focused environment.
This commitment to lifelong learning ensures that my creative work remains relevant, effective, and adaptable, now and in the future.