Interaction Design Intern Review

My internship was challenging and interesting. I had the chance to design for TV, Mobile and Web, to organise user testing sessions and to learn how to write and present documentation. It was an extremely well-rounded experience.

I felt included in the team from the day I started the internship. Everyone was extremely welcoming and available to help whenever I needed. Discussing designs and ideas within the office is like any other conversation with people you know well, without fears. You feel empowered to have and express your opinions as much as possible.

My supervisor and colleagues were always available to help whenever I had any question. The YouView product can be quite complicated to fully grasp, because it involves a great number of devices. The learning process turned out easy however, because of how available everyone was to explain and point to the right sources of information.

I was quite busy throughout the entire internship. It never felt boring but neither did it feel overwhelming. While you are expected to do your best, you are entrusted to define your deadlines and workload, which propels you to work more and show your progress with enthusiasm.

I was given quite a lot of responsibility since the first day of my placement. I designed screens, prepared documentation and conducted user testing by myself, all of which had direct impact on the development process for the next versions of the software. I produced work like any other employee which felt real and exciting.

I am sure that I developed priceless skills during the course of this internship. YouView greatly values user-centered design, and has a team of skilled and experienced designers. It was extremely valuable to gain experience alongside them. Apart from design skills however, I also got valuable insight on the development process within a company, and how to communicate and present your ideas and concepts to other teams, from Product Management, to Development and Marketing.

The atmosphere within the office is light and informal, but always respectful. I always felt comfortable coming in.

My internship experience involved working alongside the UX team in deliveries that were necessary and important. My manager always made sure however that the work was interesting and challenging and that I got to experience a variety of work and learn as much as possible.

When we started our internship we were provided with brand new, powerful equipment that is ideal for a design position. We also given access to an interesting workshop learning to communicate with other people within the business environment.

A job at YouView would definitely be an exciting opportunity!

From lunch together almost everyday, to a few team charity events, we had many chances to get together and get to know each other quite well.

The area around the office can be expensive but is quite close to important landmarks which are free to visit.

There are lot of nice pubs to visit around the area.

During the course of the Summer there were a lot of nights out, company events and social opportunities involving either the entire company or just my colleagues.