At Remarkable, we’re always delighted to take opportunities to give back to the community and inspire the next generation of digital innovators. That’s why we were thrilled to take part in BIMA Digital Day—an annual event that brings together industry professionals to mentor young people, helping them explore potential careers in digital, technology, and design.
This year, we were invited to visit The Green Boys School in Twickenham, where we worked with a group of Year 11 students (aged 15-16). The challenge was to come up with creative digital solutions for real-world problems set by BIMA’s sponsors. Not only did the students have the chance to win exciting prizes, but the £500 cash prize for their school was a fantastic incentive to put their best foot forward.
The opportunity to mentor these students was particularly exciting for us because it gave them a glimpse into the varied departments that make up a digital agency. From strategy and design to development and quality assurance, we wanted the students to understand the many facets of digital work. Our team for the day included:
Having such a diverse mix of professionals gave the students a well-rounded view of the industry. From user experience design to technical quality assurance, each of us brought a unique perspective to the table, enriching the learning experience for the students.
The students were divided into six teams, each tasked with a different challenge provided by the event’s sponsors: Microsoft, RSPCA, and Burberry. Each group had to brainstorm, collaborate, and develop a digital solution to address the problem they were given. It was inspiring to see how the students approached the briefs with fresh ideas, leveraging their own experiences and creativity.
Challenge: How can Microsoft use its technology to re-invent home learning for secondary school students?
Some students proposed creating an AI-based learning assistant to help students manage their schoolwork while learning from home. It was fascinating to see how the students used their experiences during the COVID-19’s lockdown to inform their solutions, tackling pain points like lack of engagement and difficulties with remote learning.
Challenge: How can technology (apps, VR, AI, social media, etc.) be used to educate consumers about the importance of RSPCA Assured and higher welfare farming?
In this challenge, students designed a QR code system that would allow consumers to check if the food they were buying was RSPCA accredited. They identified a common misconception that the RSPCA is only focused on pet welfare and proposed a system to educate consumers about the benefits of higher welfare farming, as well as the importance of choosing certified products.
Challenge: How can we highlight Burberry trench coats to a younger audience as a symbol of sustainability, supporting British craftsmanship, and reducing environmental impact?
This challenge saw students diving into Burberry’s existing digital presence and brainstorming ways to appeal to younger consumers. Ideas included redesigning the website to be more relatable to younger audiences and introducing eco-friendly messaging to align with the growing trend of sustainability. They even suggested featuring models who are influencers that younger audiences can relate to, reinforcing Burberry’s connection to British heritage and craftsmanship.
To ensure the students stayed on track and maximised their creative potential, the day is structured into three key phases:
Each stage was timed to keep the students engaged and help them focus on what was most important. The pressure of delivering a complete solution by the end of the day was certainly challenging, but it also fostered a sense of accomplishment when they presented their ideas.
Looking back, there were several key takeaways that stood out from the day:
Mentoring at BIMA Digital Day was a highly rewarding experience for everyone at Remarkable. Going back to school gave us the chance to see the world through the eyes of the next generation of digital talent. It was a great reminder of how important it is to support and nurture young minds, especially when they’re exploring careers in technology and design.
A big thank you to the staff at Green Boys School, particularly J. Virani and Mr Moses, for making us feel so welcome and helping us facilitate the day. We were truly inspired by the students’ creativity, problem-solving skills, and enthusiasm for all things digital.
We left the day with a sense of optimism for the future—these young people are pushing boundaries and challenging the norms. As a digital agency, we’re excited to see how they will shape the future of our industry. At Remarkable, we’re proud to have played a small part in helping them realise their potential. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see where these young minds will take us!
