The iOS Design Challenge is a national initiative for all students aged 13-18 created by Sandooq Al Watan in partnership with Apple Professional Learning Specialists to develop the UAE's next generation of app developers.
Are you ready to unleash your creativity, sharpen your problem-solving skills, and unlock the power of collaboration? Join us on this exciting journey as we build something extraordinary together!
We challenge you to design app prototypes to help communities become
Sustainable Citizens!
We want you to create an app prototype in one of these areas:
Quality Education (SDG 4)
This goal is all about making sure everyone has access to a good education. How could you design an app that makes learning more fun and interactive? How could you help students in underserved areas access educational resources? How can an app support skill development and career planning?
Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
This goal is about making energy cleaner and more accessible. How could you create apps that promote energy-saving tips, provide information about renewable energy sources, or help people track their energy usage and find ways to save energy at home while at the same time make sure they are doing this in an innovative and creative way?
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
This goal is about making cities safe, inclusive, and sustainable. How could your app focus on encouraging sustainable practices, like recycling or reducing waste, helping people find eco-friendly transportation options, or providing information about local green spaces and community events?
Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
Goal 12 is about being mindful of what we buy and how we use resources. How could you design apps that promote sustainable shopping choices, provide tips for reducing waste and recycling, or help people track their carbon footprint and make more environmentally friendly choices?
Climate Action (SDG 13)
This goal is all about fighting climate change and its effects. How could your app raise awareness about climate change, provide tips for reducing carbon emissions, offer ways to get involved in climate activism, or share information about local environmental initiatives?
How it works…
Timeline
October 2023 to May 2024 — and beyond!
Get excited!
App Teams
This year, creating a team will be super important when working on iOS Design Challenge. It's like bringing together a group of awesome people with different skills and ideas. When everyone works together, we can solve problems and come up with cool stuff that we couldn't do alone. Each team member will have their own special role and talents that they bring to the table. By having a well-formed team, you’ll can get things done faster and have more fun doing it. Teamwork helps us communicate better, support each other, and be more creative.
Roles: Ideally you will have four team members. However, iOS Design app prototype teams will also work with three, it just means that you will have to cover the role of the fourth team member. Each team, should cover four basic roles. Take a look at this fictional team. Your team should look something like this:
Digital Disruptarz
Digital Disruptarz, an extraordinary group of young minds is a force to be reckoned with in the world of app development. With their exceptional skills and unwavering passion, they embark on a journey to create innovative and user-friendly digital experiences. Led by their visionary project manager, Omar, the squad combines the artistic genius of Ayaan, the UI/UX designer, with the coding prowess of Layla, the tech whiz. Emma, the market mavan, brights her business acumen to the table, ensuring their apps conquer the market. Together, they form a powerhouse of creativity, teamwork, and determination. From brainstorming mind-blowing ideas to meticulously crafting every pixel, the Digital Disruptarz is dedicated to shaping the future of technology, one groundbreaking app at a time. Brace yourself for their ingenuity, as this squad of tech-savvy superheroes unleashes their skills, making a lasting impact on the digital landscape.
You are welcome to explore all the roles or help your team members with theirs but establishing roles will give each team member their responsibilities and makes sure you are working towards a common goal.
What's in store...
Prizes
For the Top 200 winners…
iOS Design Challenge prepares you for Swift Accelerator. Swift Accelerator awards design winners* of the iOS Design Challenge with:
180 hours of coding instruction and project work
A new Mac
Mentoring (through online and in-person sessions)
Design and Coding Resources
Special guest sessions
Apple Pro-Level Certification
The opportunity to publish your App on the App Store
* New ideas may be generated under Swift Accelerator not related to iOS Design. Thee mentoring sessions will be held in the Academic Year 2024/2025 (usually on Saturdays). Students should think carefully about their commitment if they are final year students Students will be expected to Pass the Apple examination (2 attempts) and submit an app to the Apple App Store for publication.
Are you a Teacher?
Become an iOS Design Club Leader!
We need your help! Become an iOS Design Club Leader. Join the student teams, coach, mentor and facilitate them and earn your certificate.
There will be special Apple Professional Learning sessions for you.
You will also have the opportunity to join winning student teams on Swift Accelerator and continue your Professional development and becoming vital members of the app development team.
You do not have to be a coder or techie just have a passion for sustainability and app design — any discipline welcome!
FAQ
1. Who can participate?
2. Is the competition free?
3. Do I have to work in a team?
4. Do I need to know coding to participate?
5. How will I be supported?
6. Does my teacher need to sign up?
7. How much work is involved?
8. What will I have to submit?
9. What do I get at the end?
10. Can I apply with a previous project I made?
11. Do I need an Apple device to take part?
