Project Academia: Bridging the gap between IT & UX
When COVID-19 hit and the world came to a standstill, the SAP Design team in Sofia, Bulgaria, was about to kick off something truly exciting. 2020 marked the launch of Project Academia, a trailblazing initiative designed to bridge the gap between IT and user experience (UX) for IT students at one of Bulgaria’s most prestigious universities. The course was created to give students hands-on experience developing real-world projects from scratch—projects that would look great in a portfolio and, more importantly, prepare them for real-world design challenges.
Since its launch, over 68 students have participated, diving into projects with a blend of online and in-person learning at SAP Labs. As Viktoriya Kondova, Senior Designer at SAP and one of the instructors, explains, “This gives students a chance to experience how industry professionals work and engage with real design teams, making the whole experience more immersive.”
Impact
"Project Academia has had a huge impact, both inside and outside SAP," says Georgi Kolov, Design Manager and one of the biggest champions of the project. This is proven by one of the standout success stories: Adelina Todorova. Originally an IT student, Adelina made the leap to UX through Project Academia, and her journey is nothing short of inspiring. She was hired as a UX intern at SAP, then transitioned to part-time. Now, not only is Adelina a full-time UX designer at SAP, but she also teaches the course.
"My main advice to students? Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or change career paths," says Adelina. "And never stop learning. UX is constantly evolving, especially with the rise of new technologies like AI. Stay updated, keep reading, and talk to different people to learn new perspectives."
Adelina also encourages students to let go of the pressure to get everything perfect on the first try. "In Bulgaria’s education system, we're often taught to raise our hands only when we know the right answer. But UX is about researching, iterating, and brainstorming. There’s no immediate right answer—sometimes you have to try things out before you land on the solution."
Project Academia is also a valuable tool for leadership development. Through initiatives like this, team members gain hands-on experience in mentoring, project management, and leadership. It’s a treasure trove for nurturing talent and promoting collaboration.
Course creation
Veselina Petrova pioneered Project Academia. Leading the program since its inception is a testament to both her UX acumen and her belief in empowering communities. As Georgi recalls, "Launching Project Academia during the pandemic wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. People were already dealing with uncertainty, and we were starting something new. It might’ve seemed naïve - or brave - I'm still not sure."
One thing Veselina was sure of was her message to students. “I want the students to remember that the user is key. It's not about having a great idea and assuming everyone will love it. They need to test, get feedback, and observe real user behavior," says Veselina. "I also want them to understand that design isn't just about aesthetics—it's about solving real problems. Developers, in particular, should leave with a better appreciation of what designers do. And for those interested in design, I want them to know it's not easy. You need curiosity, persistence, and the willingness to learn different approaches," stresses Veselina.
Cultural impact and legacy
Project Academia isn’t just about creating great designers, it's about fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. As Georgi explains, “Culture is contagious. If you create a positive culture, it attracts people and leads to better results. A culture of learning and collaboration doesn't just shape individuals—it shapes entire industries.”
The fourth edition of Project Academia kicks off in February 2025, continuing its mission of empowering IT professionals with a design mindset, all while boosting SAP's design team. It’s about creating a culture of lifelong learning and transformation. Each new semester adds to the legacy, driving innovation and continuing the cycle of learning, teaching, and transformation. This is just the beginning!