Are you ready to change the world around you?
The Urban Hack is a Service Design programme for young changemakers, like you!
What is The Urban Hack?
The Urban Hack is a new 8-week programme that gives you the skills to creatively solve real challenges in your local area.
You will be encouraged to reimagine outdated systems and services, using design to improve accessibility, affordability, and sustainability. Through hands-on activities, you will learn to conduct research, generate ideas, build and test prototypes, and explore the world of Service Design.
Real-World Skills Development
Throughout The Urban Hack, you will learn to think critically and solve problems creatively. You’ll learn about Service Design – a highly valued skillset in today’s job market – from experts in the field. You will explore methods, tools and techniques that will prepare you not only for school and university projects, but for future careers too.
Boosting Creativity and Innovation
The Urban Hack encourages you to use your imagination and think outside the box to develop innovative solutions to everyday problems. You’ll work on designing user-friendly services and experiences, which could range from apps to community projects.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Service Design is all about working with others to achieve a common goal. On The Urban Hack, you will collaborate with peers, learn to communicate effectively, share ideas, and work as part of a team. These are essential skills for both personal and professional success.
Technology and Design Thinking
You will be introduced to the latest tools and technologies used in Service Design, giving you a head start in a range of careers across various industries.
Confidence and Independence
Gain confidence as you see your ideas come to life! The Urban Hack provides you with the toolbelt to become an independent thinker and problem-solver, ready to tackle challenges with confidence and resilience; all within a nurturing environment.
Why Join?
Create Impact: Work on projects that matter to you and make a difference in your local area.
Team Up: Collaborate with passionate, like-minded young people.
Learn New Skills: Gain valuable skills in problem-solving, Service Design and teamwork.
Stand Out: Boost your CV and UCAS application with unique experiences and accomplishments. Badges will show your achievements to Unis and future employers.
Earn Digital Skills Badges: Receive recognition for each new skill you develop, adding value to your portfolio.
Immerse Yourself: Participate in engaging workshops, receive expert coaching, meet designers to learn about their work, and celebrate your achievements at a graduation ceremony.
Inspiring Project Themes
The Urban Hack projects are pro-social. They will be focused on themes such as:
Climate and Sustainability
Cost of Living Crisis
Homelessness
Mental Health
Keeping London Safe
Transferrable skills
Creative problem solving
Clear communication
Data interpretation
Bringing idea to life
Pitching & storytelling
Collaborative working
A range of professional tools & methods
Technical skills
Service Design
Desk research
User research
Journey mapping
Ideation
Prototyping
Experiment design
