Role
Project Manager
Skills and Tasks
Leadership
Communication
Time Management
Problem Solving
Project Planning
Tools
Figma
Duration
10 Weeks, Fall 2024
Reimagining the Future of Airport Security
Over the course of 10 weeks, I collaborated with 15 students from various disciplines to reimagine a seamless airport security experience in partnership with Deloitte. Our goal was to improve passenger flow and reduce delays while adhering to the constraints of using only existing technology and low-cost solutions.
This project’s assets are currently under NDA
This case study focuses on our process, my role as project manager, and the lessons learned. All research findings and solutions remain confidential under NDA.
Key Responsibilities
Established team roles, accountabilities, and goals.
Planned and facilitated class sessions and meetings, then posted updates to the team.
Maintained project documentation, including Gantt charts, to-do lists, and progress updates.
Guided the team through research, ideation, and design phases.
Acted as a mentor, providing feedback and encouraging innovative thinking.
Led public workshops and user-testing sessions.
Learning to Foster Collaboration
From a prior project management experience, I learned to act as a mentor rather than directly imposing my own ideas and processes. I allowed the team to lead the research and design process while I provided guidance and feedback to ensure timelines and goals were met. By letting other team members take control of the research and design phases, I gained valuable insights from the team’s diverse methods, such as data synthesis approaches, ideation techniques, and prototyping methods, creating a collaborative environment where everyone contributed and grew together.
Cultural Probe
We led a public research session at Forsyth Park, engaging participants of various ages in tasks to reveal confusion surrounding security rules. This was my first time hosting a public research initiative, and it provided valuable insights into travelers’ challenges.
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Data Points
Organizing hours of research data into actionable insights was a collaborative effort. This intensive process enhanced my understanding of affinity mapping and its value in identifying core themes.`
Brainstorming Session
I facilitated an ideation workshop that generated an extensive list of ideas. Team members prepared individually beforehand, then engaged in structured group discussions to share and expand on concepts. Finally, a full-team synthesis session filled a whiteboard with creative ideas, sparking innovative directions for the project.
The workshop not only validated many of our initial concepts but also introduced fresh perspectives and highlighted areas for improvement, strengthening our final solutions.
Breaking Into Design Teams
Post-midpoint presentation, the team divided into three design groups, each focused on specific aspects of the traveler journey. As project manager, I defined team scopes, provided resources like Kanban boards, and monitored progress through regular updates.
Gaining Real-World Perspectives: Airport Visits
Touring two airports gave us firsthand insights into security operations and worker perspectives. Engaging with security personnel validated our solutions and deepened our understanding of implementation challenges.
Iteration Through User Testing
We tested prototypes in Forsyth Park to gather feedback from diverse participants. Observing user interactions highlighted areas for improvement and provided insights into their likelihood of adoption.
Listening and empowering team members to lead with their expertise.
Balancing organizational oversight with creative freedom.
Managing a complex project within business goals and strict constraints.
Balancing Responsibilities and Building Resilience
Alongside leading this project, I was also enrolled in two other classes, started a part-time internship, participated as a club officer, and continued my role as a resident assistant. My days often began at 7 AM and ended at midnight, filled with meetings, planning sessions, classes, and moments of focused work. While the demands occasionally felt overwhelming, this experience taught me how to manage my time effectively and maintain focus under pressure. Through dedication, the support of my peers, and a commitment to personal growth, I excelled in each area. These 10 weeks revealed my capacity for perseverance, adaptability, and ambition, and they reinforced my passion for learning and taking on new challenges. Even now, during quieter periods, I find myself eager to continue exploring and growing.
