Designing for Good | Marcus’ Volunteer Journey with Shakespeare4All

Together with Time Auction, the Swire Trust Go-Givers Program encourages skilled volunteers for Swire Trust NGO partners in education, marine conservation, and arts. From now to 2025. 10 outstanding volunteers will be selected annually as the “Swire Trust Go-Givers of the Year” with special rewards & recognition. Meet our 10 Go-Givers of 2024!

Meet Marcus — Designing with Purpose

With over seven years of experience in UX/UI and web design, Marcus is a product designer from Hong Kong who has honed his craft across various industries, including banking and education. In 2023, Marcus embarked on a new chapter, launching his freelance business to help startups and businesses build their brands’ online presence. His approach to design is rooted in simplicity: crafting solutions that meet the needs of both users and businesses while tackling complex challenges. Marcus’ story is a testament to how design, when driven by purpose, can create meaningful impact.

About Shakespeare4All

Shakespeare4All is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people through drama and the works of Shakespeare. By fostering creativity, teamwork, and communication skills, Shakespeare4All provides a platform for youth to develop their confidence and gain a deeper appreciation for the arts. The organization’s commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting the timeless relevance of Shakespeare’s works is at the heart of their mission.

A Perfect Match of Skills and Mission

Marcus was introduced to Time Auction by Blue Li, a Swire Trust Go-Givers Awardee in 2022. Motivated by a desire to give back to the community, Marcus explored opportunities on the platform and found a perfect match with Shakespeare4All. Drawn to their mission and the meaningful work they do, Marcus was eager to offer his skills to redesign their website so that it accurately reflects their vision and goals.

Inspiration Through Collaboration

Reflecting on his volunteer experience, Marcus was always encouraged by the positive feedback and appreciation from the team at Shakespeare4All. "Each time they expressed their love for the designs, it was incredibly heartening," he shared. The warmth and support from the team made the volunteer experience truly rewarding. Working alongside such a dedicated and friendly group, Marcus found not just professional fulfillment but also a sense of connection and shared purpose.

Likewise, Shakespeare4All's team was particularly impressed by Marcus and his team's contributions. They shared, "Marcus and the team at UXMargin provided us with an outstanding website design experience. They were extremely professional, efficient, and took the time to deeply understand our needs. Their designs perfectly captured our brand and identity, making a significant impact on how we are represented online." They highly appreciate the enjoyable collaboration and the lasting impact Marcus' work had on the organization.

Growing Through Design and Connection

For Marcus, the volunteer experience reinforced the importance of collaboration and open communication throughout the design process. Working closely with Shakespeare4All’s team allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of their vision, ensuring that the final design was not only visually compelling but also aligned with the organization’s mission. "This experience reminded me of the power of design as a tool for positive impact," Marcus explained. "It’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s about creating something that resonates with people and supports a greater cause."

The Shakespeare4All team further added, "The UXMargin team supported us in areas we lacked experience and were incredibly patient throughout. Working with them was a pleasure, and we are thrilled with the final result. We highly recommend the UXMargin team to any business seeking exceptional web design services."

Marcus’ Call to Action

For those considering volunteering, Marcus offered this advice: "Don't underestimate your impact." His experience with Shakespeare4All underscores the profound difference that skilled volunteers can make. "Marcus exemplifies the qualities we value in a volunteer: creativity, commitment, and a genuine desire to make a difference," the Shakespeare4All team praised. "We are grateful for his contributions and proud to have him as part of our community."

Thank you Marcus for contributing 48 volunteer hours, with Shakespear4All!

To see details of the Swire Trust Go-Givers Program and support their NGO partners, head over to Time Auction website.

Written by Time Auction team, Edited by Margaret Ng, Volunteer Editor