At Element Seven, we are passionate about fostering the next generation of web design and development professionals. Recently, our Creative Director, Kyle Ferguson, had the privilege of visiting the Northern Regional College (NRC) to speak with students from the Interactive Digital Media Level 5 and Level 2 courses. His talk focused on the journey from education into the fast-evolving industry of web design and development, offering invaluable insights and guidance to aspiring professionals.
Bridging Education and Industry
Kyle’s presentation provided a roadmap for students in Northern Ireland who are navigating their educational paths and looking toward their future careers. Covering key topics such as university progression, business setup, and client management - he shared real-world experiences on establishing and running a successful digital agency. His insights into the industry highlighted the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and delivering high-quality solutions that meet client needs.
Beyond technical skills, Kyle also emphasised the entrepreneurial aspect of web design and development. He walked students through the realities of starting a business, managing a team, and ensuring successful project deliveries. By drawing from his experience at Element Seven, he illustrated how passion, resilience, and innovation are crucial for those looking to carve their own paths in the digital space.
A Hands-On UX Design Challenge
To put theory into practice, Kyle challenged the students with a project designed to test their UX design and problem-solving abilities. The task required them to conceptualise a functional, bespoke system that could be integrated into a tourism website. This challenge was crafted to encourage students to think critically about user experience, accessibility, and functionality - essential components of effective digital design.
As part of NRC’s work experience program, this initiative allowed students to engage directly with industry professionals and tackle real-world problems. By simulating a client brief, the project provided an authentic glimpse into agency workflows, helping students build confidence in their ability to create meaningful, user-centred designs.
Strengthening Industry Connections
We believe that collaboration between education and industry is essential in preparing students for successful careers. Initiatives like this help bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, giving students the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a competitive field.
We are proud to have contributed to the NRCs Interactive Digital Media department's efforts in shaping the next generation of digital professionals and look forward to future collaborations that continue to inspire and support students in their creative journeys.
