A leading Yorkshire mobile applications company is helping to shape young creative minds by developing innovative new software with a regional secondary school.
Harrogate-based McKenna Consultants are working with more than 50 pupils from Settle High School to create an iPhone application that will be developed and placed on Apple’s App Store to be purchased around the world.
The company is holding specialist workshops in the school on a regular basis and running a competition with year nine pupils, which will see the winner’s concept for an application being created.
The competition involves pupils working in groups, and thinking about their software’s aim, branding, usability, target market and pricing. The winning application will be chosen by McKenna Consultants in early July and then launched on the App Store later in the year.
During the last year McKenna Consultants has tripled the size of its business due to the rise in demand for innovative mobile software. The company also provides computer software development and full online marketing services, including website design and development.
Commercial director of McKenna Consultants, Aaron McKenna, said: “This is a real opportunity for the pupils to create something they can be proud of. Most of the pupils have used mobile applications before so they have a subconscious understanding of how it should appear and work. We are providing them with a blank canvas to be as creative as they can.
“Ideas for applications have already included exam revision apps and the Olympics. The most creative idea, which considers interface guidelines, will be selected.
“We are incredibly passionate about working with young people as we feel it is important to inspire them and broaden their expectations of what they can achieve.
“Hopefully this is something that will not only help the young people from an academic perspective but also lead them into the creative industry in the future.”
The special workshops are aimed at providing pupils with a more in-depth knowledge of a specialist field and to promote creative thinking.
Design and technology teacher from Settle High School, Mrs Partridge, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to see how a
modern day technology company goes about creating and developing software.
“Most of pupils play and use mobile apps so I’m sure they will all be downloading the winning concept.”
