Designing in 30 Minutes: 2023 CDW Figma Design Competition
When I first heard about the Figma Design Competition for Cincinnati Design Week, I was excited but also a bit hesitant. The challenge was to design a website in just 30 minutes using a basic wireframe they'd provide. We'd get some photo assets and inspiration—but that's it! A 30-minute design sprint at UC’s Innovation Hub sounded pretty intense. It was my first time entering any design competition, and knowing I'd be up against some seriously skilled designers made me wonder if I was ready. Imposter syndrome was hitting me hard that evening, but I went ahead and submitted my application anyway!
Walking into the Innovation Hub, my stomach was doing flips. But as they briefed us on the challenge and the countdown began, something unexpected happened: a strange calm washed over me. There was no time for perfectionism or self-doubt; I just had to trust my instincts. It struck me that when you're under extreme time pressure, overthinking isn't an option. You rely purely on instinct, and in that space, you learn a lot about yourself as a designer.
With only 30 minutes to design a website for the event sponsor, Hunited, there was zero time for second-guessing or nitpicking over tiny details. I had to make quick, confident choices, laser-focused on creating something that met their needs. Surprisingly, the tight deadline felt liberating. It forced me to strip everything down to the essentials—creativity, simplicity, and focusing on what truly mattered in the user experience. In those high-pressure moments, you stop worrying about how others are doing and start trusting your own process. By the end, I was proud of what I'd produced, even if I wasn't sure it would stand out in such a talented crowd.
A Surreal Win
When they announced the winners and my name was called, I was totally shocked. Winning my first-ever design competition felt surreal—not just because of the recognition, but because it validated my instincts. In those 30 minutes, I learned more about my approach to design than I had in hours of working at my usual pace. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, when you let go of the need to be perfect and just trust your gut, you can create something really special.
The winning design can be see here!
Competing in this challenge taught me that real growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. I didn't just walk away with a win from Cincinnati Design Week's Figma competition—I left with a deeper understanding of myself.
