IDEA Competition
We had Idea Competition on Feb 2, the second day after spring term commenced. It was the most exciting and inspiring REDbird activity that I have attended.
1. A very inspiring talk
In the morning, a REDbird coach gave us an inspiring speech. He talked about his experience of how to make his idea come true. His ideas always came from talking to other people. However, he continued after coming up with an idea. He always managed to carry out his idea by collaborating with other people. That really inspired me since sometimes I came up with an idea suddenly but I never thought of generating a project and making an idea to a reality. Even if I knew that crazy ideas from daily life may lead to useful products, it seems to be too difficult and takes too much time and effort. But the coach thinks in a different way that he made specific plan and form a team to carry out the project.
2. Our own project
Then it was time for us to create our own projects in the afternoon! There were six members in each group and we needed to create an idea that could either improve our campus life or serve the community. At first, none of us had any idea and we were all in silence. After brainstorming for a while, we came up with different ideas that could solve the problems in our university life. It was difficult to select one idea from our brainstorms because all ideas were great! After discussion and consideration, we chose the most feasible idea – to create a website for HKUST student to share past papers, exchange opinions about courses and professors as well as ask questions about student life. An idea alone was not enough. We also needed clear plans to implement it. This time the discussion atmosphere was not silent anymore. We all actively joined the discussion and soon we got a holistic plan.
3. We got the prize
Then, every group did a brief presentation about their ideas and we voted for the best idea in each nest. The polling was really amazing; we could either use QR code or go to the website. We can even make a phone call to vote for the best idea! There came the most exciting moment! I was holding my breath and hoping that our group would get the prize. When the result was released, all members in my group were so excited!! We got the prize, which meant that we could carry out our project!
4. My learning outcome
I really learnt a lot from Idea competition, especially from the speech of the coach. It changed my mind that a good idea will become something really great only if I try to make plans and make it come true, not just stopping it at an idea level. I think next time when I come up with an idea, I will talk to my friends about it and see whether we can make it into something real!
This workshop is also very useful for me that I learnt about how to generate an idea and what care I need to take to do the proposal.
Now, another group in Merlin that had a similar idea and our group are combined into one group and working for the project together. We are now writing a proposal for SEA fund. This is the first project that I participated in HKUST and I wish that we can get the fund and create a forum that is beneficial to all HKUST students!!
PS. We did not get the fund at last because there are alternatives that do not require any funds. However, getting a chance to experience the process of project planning is also very precious for me. It helps me put what I learnt from the workshop into action. In addition, a group of people working together and each contribute his own advantage to the project is also a valuable team spirit.
1. A very inspiring talk
In the morning, a REDbird coach gave us an inspiring speech. He talked about his experience of how to make his idea come true. His ideas always came from talking to other people. However, he continued after coming up with an idea. He always managed to carry out his idea by collaborating with other people. That really inspired me since sometimes I came up with an idea suddenly but I never thought of generating a project and making an idea to a reality. Even if I knew that crazy ideas from daily life may lead to useful products, it seems to be too difficult and takes too much time and effort. But the coach thinks in a different way that he made specific plan and form a team to carry out the project.
2. Our own project
Then it was time for us to create our own projects in the afternoon! There were six members in each group and we needed to create an idea that could either improve our campus life or serve the community. At first, none of us had any idea and we were all in silence. After brainstorming for a while, we came up with different ideas that could solve the problems in our university life. It was difficult to select one idea from our brainstorms because all ideas were great! After discussion and consideration, we chose the most feasible idea – to create a website for HKUST student to share past papers, exchange opinions about courses and professors as well as ask questions about student life. An idea alone was not enough. We also needed clear plans to implement it. This time the discussion atmosphere was not silent anymore. We all actively joined the discussion and soon we got a holistic plan.
3. We got the prize
Then, every group did a brief presentation about their ideas and we voted for the best idea in each nest. The polling was really amazing; we could either use QR code or go to the website. We can even make a phone call to vote for the best idea! There came the most exciting moment! I was holding my breath and hoping that our group would get the prize. When the result was released, all members in my group were so excited!! We got the prize, which meant that we could carry out our project!
4. My learning outcome
I really learnt a lot from Idea competition, especially from the speech of the coach. It changed my mind that a good idea will become something really great only if I try to make plans and make it come true, not just stopping it at an idea level. I think next time when I come up with an idea, I will talk to my friends about it and see whether we can make it into something real!
This workshop is also very useful for me that I learnt about how to generate an idea and what care I need to take to do the proposal.
Now, another group in Merlin that had a similar idea and our group are combined into one group and working for the project together. We are now writing a proposal for SEA fund. This is the first project that I participated in HKUST and I wish that we can get the fund and create a forum that is beneficial to all HKUST students!!
PS. We did not get the fund at last because there are alternatives that do not require any funds. However, getting a chance to experience the process of project planning is also very precious for me. It helps me put what I learnt from the workshop into action. In addition, a group of people working together and each contribute his own advantage to the project is also a valuable team spirit.