The Fall 2024 Innovation Sprint came to an inspiring conclusion on November 20th with the Innovation Sprint Final Presentations. Over the past five weeks, four exceptional student teams tackled real-world business challenges in partnership with local organizations, demonstrating the power of innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving.
The Innovation Sprint is a unique, career-accelerating program that immerses students in a dynamic, hands-on learning environment. Through collaboration with industry leaders, participants use design thinking and innovation methodologies to address pressing challenges faced by businesses and organizations. Beyond the solutions developed,, students gain invaluable skills, expand their professional networks, and make a real-world impact, all while receiving a $600 stipend for their efforts.
Team Kale Health
Team Kale Health collaborated with their partner organization to tackle complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions. A standout contributor on the team was Rayna Bowen, a second-year Information Design student with a passion for UX design. Rayna thrives in the iterative processes of ideating, wireframing, and testing solutions to meet user needs—a skill set she brought to life during the Sprint.
In her role, Rayna conducted and synthesized user research and took the lead in designing, writing, and wireframing the team’s end solution: a lead-generation survey. Reflecting on her experience, Rayna shared:
“Getting the opportunity to collaboratively work under a real business to solve authentic problems in a team-based context was the most impactful part of the Sprint. This experience will help me navigate the workplace in my career.”
Looking ahead, Rayna plans to leverage the collaboration and communication skills gained during the Innovation Sprint in her upcoming work experience term. With her dedication and growing expertise, we’re excited to see where her journey as a designer takes her next!
Original reporting by the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.