There has been lots of undeserved grace for FYP. Before my presentation, I was preparing by researching on the presentation style of Steve Jobs, reading some articles, watching YouTube and getting inspired. Beside that, I was a little worried that my work done in my project was not substantial and convincing enough, even though it is only a one semester work.
And so I prepared my presentation in a slightly different way. The report helped to formulate most of the points for the presentation. I wrote out a rough script then created my slides for it, instead of creating the slides first. And this is the first time I practiced so many times (despite having another SS test on Monday), so much that after 5 times or so, you don’t need to refer to the notes anymore.
However on the day itself, I was still nervous. Who wouldn’t be? But if God is for us, [which evaluator] can be against me? I remember singing that just the Sunday before. I asked God for crowned goodness, took holy communion, and anointed myself with oil. My friend who presented before me was attacked quite badly by the evaluators, and me and the others who were presenting next were quite stunned. We were like looking at one another whenever the first person was questioned. And then my turn came.
My evaluators were Dr. Zhao and Dr. Steven Halim. Although they stopped me intermittently throughout the presentation, they were mostly satisfied. Dr. Zhao’s questions were answered in my presentation, and he was happy with my arguments and thought it was a good presentation, although he was not fully convinced by some of my ideas. As for Dr. Halim, he was asking more standard questions, like why didn’t I include this and that in the report, and also about my technical accomplishment, of which I demo-ed the Etherpad. He said that my case would be stronger if I have a working prototype of my interface proposal, but since it is only 1 semester’s work, it is good.
After the presentation, not 1, not 2, but 3 industry people actually mentioned that I presented well! Praise God! When I came out of the classroom, a few industry people sitting at the bench talked to me for a while. Later, the founder emailed me to invite me to present at their company next Monday. I also heard from my professor that they are trying to get IDA funding to develop my product. Wow! The second industry person is from a startup company, and asked me if I am interested to work for them as their UI/UX designer, because they saw that I have a good eye for design and user interface. So unexpected. And the last person, a lady, just passed by and said she thought it was good, my arguments were sound, and asked me if I am looking for a job, which I said I was not.
And one more thing, my professor requested me to convert my report into a conference paper to submit to HCI India too.
Thank God for all his providence and paths that are dripping with abundance. Finally, it is all over.
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Update: One week day, I went to a small company, which develops a similar e-learning product, to present my project to the developers there, with an intent to collaborate with me/us. This was the feedback from the founder:
With your strength in UI and interface design , I believe that the route that you are currently heading will entrench great potential for your future. Another talent that i have identify in you is your communication skills. It is definitely crucial to continuously hone these skills that you have. I believe you will be a powerful tech player / entrepreneur in no time.
Unmerited favour! But due to my limited time left here in Singapore,they were not able to engage me this time. Maybe next time!