In design competitions/hackathons, 99% of the time, ideas go unacknowledged because the panel judging the work may have alternative agenda or a very specific scope they are looking for (even when they say they do not).

Photo by Alex Kotliarskyi on Unsplash

Last year, I participated in a design hackathon. The given brief was to “innovate medical screening”. Based on my personal experiences, I have always observed frustration and pain in the screening process for both pets & their owners. Following my heart & love for animals, I decided to propose an innovative method to improve on the traditional methods of veterinary services.

Problem statement

In less than 3 days, I conducted UX research, created a high fidelity mobile app prototype, built a convincing business model as my design submission.

User flows

I crafted every single aspect of the app myself, right down to vector art, creative copywriting and a design system.

Wireframes

Of course, just like another underdog story with learning points, I did not qualify to move onto the next round. I was disappointed. I gave everything and I thought that my work was good enough to at least earn a pass to the next round. It made me question if I was a imposter designer.

Get your **** together!

Fast forward a year, today, I chanced upon an a business case study by VetNX: An E-Business Model of Veterinary Services in China. My proposal shared astonishingly similar insights to this case study. I was jubilant because it validated my own intelligence and skills, liberating me from my crippling imposter syndrome.

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

A message to all designers,

1. Do not seek validation from these hackathons or design competitions.
2. If you choose to participate, take it as an opportunity to drive yourself to the edge.
3. Research on the background of the judges, sponsors and companies. Based on their products and services, it is obvious to identify what they are looking for.

Never focus on the destination, focus on the design journey.

Never let anyone feel like you are anything less of a designer.

Never stop designing, ever.