A jury from the D&AD New Blood festival has shared key tips for design students to stand out at their graduation stands. The idea is to set aside creative chaos and opt for a clear presentation, like a store. Including interactive activities, labeling each project with contact information, and explaining the project's objective are basic steps. For the public, this shows how young creatives can improve their job opportunities with careful planning.
Functional Technology: The Magnet for Recruiters 🚀
The jury insists that technology should be functional, not an ornament. A touchscreen showing the design process or a QR code linking to your portfolio can make a difference. Avoid projecting endless loops of videos without audio; instead, offer a quick and clear experience. If you include an interactive element, like an app demo or a physical prototype with sensors, make sure it works flawlessly. A well-planned stand with these tools helps secure a job because recruiters value efficiency over empty spectacle.
The Chaotic Stand: The Grave of Your Career 💀
Of course, you can always ignore these tips and set up a stand that looks like your teenage brother's room. Pile up your boards without order, forget to put your name, and let the laptop shut down every five minutes. Recruiters, fascinated by the chaos, will flee in panic to the competition's booth. But hey, at least you'll have a funny story to tell at the job interview you'll never get. Irony aside, a little order won't kill anyone, even if your creativity tries to.