Emma Sól Jakobsdóttir (21) studies Graphic Design at Noroff. Recently, she won gold in the student category at the SABLA BRA design awards for an app concept she developed as part of a course assignment.
Several Noroff students were recognised in the student category during this year’s SABLA BRA awards in Kristiansand. Emma Sól Jakobsdóttir took home the gold for an app concept developed during her Graphic Design studies.
– The assignment was to create an identification app for an object of our choice. It was the first time I had ever designed an app, and I really enjoyed working on it, Emma says.
Her concept was inspired by something she had personally experienced many times herself.
Wanted to make second-hand shopping easier
The idea behind the app grew from her interest in clothing, jewellery and second-hand shopping.
– I often find myself looking for clothes or jewellery without knowing where to find them. I also love buying second hand because it is both more affordable and more sustainable, she explains.
At the same time, she found that searching through second-hand stores could often be both difficult and time-consuming.
– Sometimes you simply do not have the energy to go through racks and racks of clothing. That is where the idea came from – an app that can identify clothes, jewellery and similar products users want to find in second-hand stores, Emma explains.
The goal of the solution is to make it easier to discover pre-owned products while encouraging more sustainable choices within fashion and retail.
Found out about the award while visiting Iceland
When the award ceremony took place, Emma was visiting family in Iceland and had no idea what was about to happen.
– My friend and classmate Kristina sent me a video when they announced me as the winner and even gave a speech for me. It was so fun to watch. I was both confused and incredibly happy that I had won, she says.
For Emma, the award meant even more because it was the first design prize she had ever received.
Lecturer Tone Glamsland is proud to see the students already being recognised within the design industry during their first year of study.
– This is a highly respected award in the design industry, so seeing first-year Noroff students stand out in this way is incredibly impressive, she says.
– I had only heard good things about Noroff
Emma’s interest in design started early.
– I have always loved drawing and have always been interested in good design. After spending a year studying graphic design at a folk high school, I realised this was something I truly enjoyed.
That experience led her to apply for Graphic Design at Noroff.
– I chose Noroff because I had only heard good things about the school. People talked about the strong community, the quality of the teaching and how well students are prepared for working life.
So far, she describes the study experience as both inspiring and rewarding.
– The programme is going really well, and I enjoy it a lot. It is exciting to become more and more familiar with the design world.
Learning through collaboration
Emma especially highlights collaboration with fellow students as an important part of the learning experience.
– Being able to work and collaborate with classmates while growing together has been incredibly valuable for me. Feedback from others helps so much.
Although she is still exploring which direction within design she enjoys the most, there are already a few areas she feels especially drawn to.
– Right now, I really enjoy working with visual identities and UI design.
– You will not regret it
Emma also has a clear message for anyone considering studying graphic design:
– Go for it! You will not regret it for a second. You meet so many different people and learn an incredible amount of exciting things.
Want to study Graphic Design?
At Noroff, you can study Graphic Design and develop practical skills in visual identity, UI design, branding and digital design.
Throughout the programme, students work on real projects and build a portfolio that prepares them for working life and the design industry.