Review Request: Optional Criteria 2

Stage 1
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OC 2

Demonstrating that I have been recognized for my work outside of my immediate occupation to the advancement of the digital technology sector

So for this I am showcasing I conducted UX research and Shape Up workshops ( product development model) for startups to advance digital technology beyond my core job.

Evidence I’ll include (3 pages):

Workshop agenda/slides

– Covering Shape Up cycle planning (product development model), risk mitigation, and UX research integration

Screenshots from the live session

– Remote workshop via Microsoft Teams shown through screenshots from the recorded session while I participated from Canada.

Testimonials

Quotes — eg… We now plan sprints with research-led shaping—making product/feature launches faster.

Invitation letter pdf - Request letter inviting me to run the session, showing recognition of my expertise.

Letters of support
– Signed by the product owner of the startup highlighting how the sessions influenced their product planning and UX workflow.

Note about social media
– No public LinkedIn or Instagram posts, but evidence lies in formal letters and structured outcomes.

Note — I will include brief overviews of two startups I worked with, including how many users currently use their product. By adopting a more user-centric and research-driven approach through the workshop, these teams are now planning future product launches with clearer direction. This supports the advancement of digital technology by helping early-stage companies build more effective, scalable, and user-aligned solutions

Second evidence—————for OC2

I supported a University in by creating the syllabus for their Design Research course as pro bono work. I introduced frameworks like the Double Diamond process — model used in UX and UI…The curriculum is still in use, with around 20-30 students per year.

I’ve also received an **invitation from another university ** to deliver an online faculty training session (Aug/Sept) focused on equipping UI/UX educators with research-led methods they can pass on to students—extending the reach of digital knowledge even further.

Evidence I’ll include:

  1. Syllabus I created
  2. Student/professor testimonials
  3. Letter confirming ongoing syllabus use
  4. Invitation letter for the upcoming faculty training session — pdf format

The university asked me to create this curriculum because the student group came from diverse design backgrounds—such as fashion design, interior, architecture, and some early-stage tech-related courses. Their goal was to introduce digital thinking and research methods early in the program. Hence, I was invited to design and deliver this curriculum.

Do you think this would be a good fit for Optional Criteria 2? The letter of support will come from the Head of Department at a fashion institute within the university.

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Your OC2 evidence looks solid and shows genuine impact beyond your day job. The UX research workshops for startups demonstrate clear advancement of digital technology through practical application of Shape Up methodology. I’ve seen similar workshop-based evidence succeed when applicants show measurable outcomes like faster product launches and improved user-centric planning. Your testimonials highlighting specific changes to sprint planning and research-led shaping are exactly what the committee wants to see.

The university curriculum development work is particularly strong for OC2. Creating a Design Research syllabus that’s still being used with 20-30 students annually shows lasting impact on digital education. The fact that you’re now invited to train faculty at another university proves your expertise is recognized beyond a single institution. I’ve reviewed applications where curriculum development was the strongest piece of OC2 evidence because it shows you’re shaping the next generation of digital professionals.

Make sure your evidence clearly explains the “advancement” aspect - how these activities moved digital technology forward rather than just being additional work. Include brief company profiles showing user numbers and growth impacts from your workshops. For the university work, emphasize how you bridged traditional design disciplines with digital thinking. Your evidence should tell a story of recognition and impact, not just additional responsibilities.

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Thanks @Akash_Joshi . This is very helpful