Digital Media CMS

Author: Alexis Raya

  • Clink: Revolutionizing the Bar Experience for New Drinkers

    Research-Driven Design

    The development process spanned nine months and involved multiple stages of user research and prototype iteration. Key findings included:

    • 90% of inexperienced drinkers reported difficulty in deciding what to order
    • 75% of respondents expressed eagerness to learn more about cocktails

    These insights guided the team in creating a solution that addressed real user needs.

    Innovative Features

    Clink’s standout features include:

    • Personalized drink recommendations based on user preferences and interactions
    • A dark mode interface for easy viewing in dimly lit bars
    • AI-generated imagery for a cohesive visual experience
    • User-friendly search and filtering options

    The app’s design philosophy focused on minimal intrusion, aiming to enhance rather than disrupt the bar-going experience.

    Impact and Reception

    The Clink prototype made a significant impact at Westphal’s Digital Media Senior Showcase & Expo. Over 40 guests tested the live prototype, with many inquiring about its availability for download. The team’s newsletter garnered 47 sign-ups from individuals interested in following the app’s development and future launch.

    This project not only showcases the practical application of UXID principles but also demonstrates the potential for student-led innovations to address real-world challenges. The success of Clink at the showcase has inspired the team to consider further development, potentially turning this academic project into a marketable product.

    Clink stands as a testament to the quality of education and innovation fostered within Drexel’s UXID program, highlighting how user-centered design can create impactful solutions for everyday problems.

  • Sophomore Year as a GDAP Student

    Sophomore Year as a GDAP Student

    Sophomore year in Drexel’s Game Design & Production (GDAP) program is where students transition from learning the basics to building fully interactive and engaging games. This year focuses on game mechanics, programming, 3D modeling, and team-based development, helping students refine their skills and start thinking about their specialization in the gaming industry.

    Core Classes

    Sophomore-year courses dive deeper into game engines, design principles, and technical skills. Some key classes include:

    Scripting for Game Design (GMAP231): This course explores modern game engine scripting languages that are event-driven, control the art assets, provide multiplayer communication, and database access.

    Character Animation for Gaming (GMAP367): This course focuses on character animation techniques for real-time graphics, including cyclical animations, procedural animation, motion capture and integration into game engines.

    Game User Interface Design (GMAP211): This course explores the design, prototyping, and evaluation of game user interfaces, focusing on human capabilities, input technologies, and design principles. Students learn to create visually appealing, efficient interfaces through key concepts like learnability, visibility, error prevention, and user perception.

    Overview of Computer Gaming (GMAP260): This course presents an overview of computer gaming, including its history, its foundation in traditional games and its contemporary forms. The relationship among genres, platforms and audiences are examined and critical evaluation skills are developed.

    Skills You’ll Develop

    Sophomore year expands both technical and creative abilities to prepare students for larger game projects:

    Advanced Game Programming – Implement complex gameplay mechanics using C# (Unity) or Blueprints/C++ (Unreal Engine).

    3D Asset Creation & Animation – Model, texture, and rig game-ready assets for real-time rendering.

    Game Design Documentation & Prototyping – Develop structured plans and iterate based on playtesting feedback.

    Multiplayer & AI Integration – Experiment with online gameplay and enemy behavior systems.

    Projects & Challenges

    Sophomore year focuses on team-based projects and expanding creative problem-solving skills. Expect assignments like:

    First-Person/Third-Person Prototype – Developing a playable character with movement, interactions, and physics.

    3D Game Environment Design – Modeling and texturing immersive game worlds.

    Interactive Story Project – Writing and developing a branching narrative experience using Twine or Unity.

    AI & Enemy Behavior System – Programming non-playable characters (NPCs) with decision-making logic.

    A key challenge at this stage is team collaboration—learning to work efficiently with artists, programmers, and designers in a structured game development pipeline.

    Tips for Success

    Master your tools. Get comfortable with Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender, and game scripting.

    Test & iterate constantly. Playtesting is crucial—get feedback early and refine your work.

    Build a specialized skillset. Whether it’s level design, AI programming, animation, or storytelling, start focusing on an area of expertise.

    Join game dev communities. Participate in game jams, online forums, and networking events to build connections.

    Looking Ahead

    Sophomore year sets the stage for real-world experience—pre-junior year will involve more polished game projects, portfolio-building, and preparation for co-op applications. Whether focusing on design, programming, or art, now is the time to sharpen skills for future success in the game industry.

  • Sophomore Year as a GDAP Student

    Pre-Junior Year as a GDAP Student

    Pre-junior year in Drexel’s Game Design & Production (GDAP) program is a critical step toward specialization and professional development. At this stage, students are no longer just learning the fundamentals—they are refining their skills, developing industry-ready projects, and preparing for co-op applications. This year is about team collaboration, portfolio-building, and deepening expertise in game design, programming, or art.

    Core Classes

    As coursework becomes more advanced, students focus on game production pipelines, optimization techniques, and industry standards. Some key classes include:

    Game Development Foundations (GMAP345): This course introduces students to the computer game design process. Students also learn how the individual skills of modeling, animation, scripting, interface design and storytelling are coordinated to produce interactive media experiences.

    Advanced Game Design and Production (GMAP395): This course will step through the various modules of game engines, enabling students to gain access to real-time shaders and materials, particle systems and animation techniques.

    Advanced Portfolio (GMAP246): This course focuses on building skills for the career-long practice of producing and maintaining a professional creative portfolio while allowing the students the opportunity to create or refine additional student-driven portfolio work that synthesizes their skills and experience from direct class assignments in their other coursework.

    GMAP Electives: Many students explore course electives to focus on building their skills in the area of GDAP that they want to pursue after graduation.

    Skills You’ll Develop

    This year is all about polishing skills and applying them to real-world projects:

    • Advanced Gameplay Systems: Designing and implementing AI behavior, combat mechanics, and complex interactions
    • Optimized 3D Art & Animation: Creating high-quality assets for real-time performance
    • Multiplayer & Networking: Understanding online play, matchmaking, and real-time data sync
    • Portfolio Development & Industry Prep: Project refinement for co-op and job readiness

    Projects & Challenges

    With an increased focus on team-based development, students work on projects that mimic real-world production cycles:

    • Fully Playable Game Prototype: Custom mechanics, AI systems, and visual polish
    • Expansive 3D Level Design: Story-driven, interactive environments
    • Multiplayer Game Project: Networking features for real-time multiplayer
    • Portfolio & Demo Reel Creation: Polished assets showcasing technical/artistic skills

    A major challenge this year is finding a specialization—whether in design, programming, art, technical development, or UX/UI for games.

    Tips for Success

    • Apply early for co-op: The most competitive positions are filled early.
    • Develop a standout portfolio: Prioritize quality over quantity with refined case studies.
    • Collaborate like a pro: Use Agile, version control (Git), and project management tools effectively.
    • Network with professionals: Attend game dev events and connect with the industry.

    Looking Ahead

    Pre-junior year is all about preparing for professional experience. Junior-year co-op placements will allow students to work in real game studios, apply their skills in production settings, and gain valuable industry insights. The next step? Putting those skills to the test in the real world.

  • Sophomore Year as a GDAP Student

    Junior Year as a GDAP Student

    Junior year in Drexel’s Game Design & Production (GDAP) program is a defining moment, as students transition from academic learning to hands-on industry experience through co-op placements. This year is all about applying game development, programming, and design skills in real-world settings while working on advanced coursework. Whether working at a game studio, software company, or indie development team, junior year is the time to gain industry insights, refine portfolios, and build professional connections.

    While some students spend half of the year in co-op roles, coursework continues to focus on polishing game development skills and preparing for senior capstone projects. With junior year and real-world experience under their belt, GDAP students head into senior year ready to tackle their capstone project and industry showcase. The next step? Building an impressive final game project and preparing for full-time job opportunities.

    Core Classes

    While some students spend part of the year in co-op roles, coursework continues to sharpen game development skills and prepare students for senior capstone. Key classes include:

    • Game Development: Workshop I (GMAP377): Covers pre-production, game design documents, and prototype creation in small teams.
    • Advanced Game Playtesting (GMAP321): Teaches rigorous playtesting methods, player behavior analysis, and usability testing.
    • Game Development: Workshop II (GMAP378): Transitions pre-production into full game development, with a focus on production pipelines and polish.
    • Electives: Allow students to focus on specialization areas like technical art, AI, or narrative design.

    Skills You’ll Develop

    • Industry Production Pipelines: Scrum, Agile workflow, and version control with Git
    • AI & Advanced Game Systems: Enemy behavior, pathfinding, game logic
    • Project & Time Management: Balancing projects, portfolio work, and co-op responsibilities
    • Professional Communication: Presenting ideas, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams

    Co-op Experience: Learning in the Industry

    Many GDAP students spend six months working in professional game studios, indie teams, or software companies. These co-ops provide real-world experience across several disciplines:

    • Game Programming: Gameplay mechanics, physics simulations, AI behavior
    • Game Art & Animation: 3D modeling, animation, texture work
    • Game Design & Narrative: Level design, player experience, interactive storytelling
    • Technical Art & Optimization: Shaders, VFX, real-time performance improvements

    Through co-op and coursework, students also tackle more complex and industry-aligned projects:

    • Full Game Prototypes: Playable, polished game experiences
    • Cinematic Cutscene Development: Motion capture, animation, and storytelling integration
    • Game AI & Physics Systems: Complex logic and responsive environments
    • Portfolio & Resume Refinement: Creating strong case studies and demo reels

    Tips for Success: Treat your co-op like a long-form job interview—ask questions, build relationships, and absorb as much as possible. Tailor your demo reel to your desired job role. Learn new tools like procedural generation systems, real-time rendering workflows, or AI-assisted design tools. Attend game dev meetups and online events to expand your network.

  • Sophomore Year as a GDAP Student

    Senior Year as a GDAP Student

    Senior year in Drexel’s Game Design & Production (GDAP) program is the grand finale before stepping into the professional world. With co-op experience, technical skills, and portfolio projects under their belts, students spend this year developing their senior capstone projects, preparing for the Drexel Digital Media Showcase, and finalizing their portfolios. This is the time to specialize, network, and ensure readiness for careers in game design, development, or production.

    The final year is focused on large-scale projects, portfolio refinement, and industry networking. With senior year wrapping up, GDAP students take their capstone games, portfolios, and professional experience into the real world. Whether entering AAA game studios, indie development, VR experiences, or technical game production, the journey is just beginning.

    Core Classes

    The final year is focused on large-scale projects, portfolio refinement, and industry networking. Some key classes include Advanced Portfolio (GMAP246) which focuses on building skills for the career-long practice of producing and maintaining a professional creative portfolio while allowing the students the opportunity to create or refine additional student-driven portfolio work that synthesizes their skills and experience from direct class assignments in their other coursework. Digital Media Senior Project (DIGM490) is a course where students create professional media assets for a team-based senior project in a simulated production environment. They integrate academic and practical knowledge, refine digital media production skills, and enhance written, oral, and visual communication through collaboration and industry best practices.

    Skills You’ll Master

    • Full Game Production Workflow: Managing development from concept to launch, including QA and optimization.
    • Polished Game Design & Mechanics: Creating balanced, engaging gameplay with player-focused interactions.
    • Team Collaboration & Leadership: Managing group projects and working in structured pipelines.
    • Presentation & Industry Communication: Preparing for studio interviews, portfolio reviews, and the Digital Media Showcase.

    The Drexel Digital Media Showcase: Showcasing the Capstone Project

    The Drexel Digital Media Showcase is the highlight of senior year, where students present their capstone projects to faculty, industry professionals, and potential employers. How to Prepare for the Showcase:

    • Finalizing the Capstone Game: Ensuring smooth gameplay, polished UI/UX, and bug-free mechanics.
    • Refining the Portfolio: Featuring the best projects in a professional online portfolio and demo reel.
    • Perfecting the Pitch: Practicing game presentations for an audience of recruiters, professors, and industry peers.
    • Networking with Industry Professionals: Engaging with game studios, indie developers, and hiring managers.

    Tips for Success: Start job hunting early. Many studios begin hiring months in advance—don’t wait until graduation. Polish your demo reel. Focus on high-quality work that aligns with your career goals. Practice public speaking. Game designers must be able to pitch and present their ideas confidently. Stay ahead of industry trends. Emerging tech like AI in gaming, virtual production, and real-time rendering can give you an edge.

  • A Peek Into UXID Electives

    Beyond core UXID coursework, electives offer students the chance to explore specialized topics that deepen their understanding of user research, product validation, and interactive app design. These courses provide hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and methodologies, preparing students for the dynamic field of UX design. Here’s a look at some of the key electives offered in the UXID program and what students can expect to learn.

    The UXID elective courses allow students to focus on specific areas of UX design—from research and product validation to mobile and web application development. These courses help students build a competitive portfolio, gain experience with industry-standard tools, and prepare for careers in UX/UI design, product strategy, and app development.

    User Research Methodologies

    Understanding users is the foundation of UX design. This course teaches students how to construct, implement, and analyze user interviews to gain deep insights into their target audience. Students explore qualitative and quantitative research methods, persona development, and usability testing strategies.

    Example assignments include:

    • User Interview Reports: Conduct and synthesize interviews to identify pain points and user needs.
    • Affinity Diagrams: Organize research findings to discover common themes.
    • Persona Development: Create data-driven user personas for better design decisions.

    Validating Product Ideas

    This course focuses on how to design, implement, and measure multichannel experiences to ensure they deliver value for users and businesses. Students learn techniques such as competitive analysis, A/B testing, and customer journey mapping to validate product-market fit before development.

    Interactive App Design

    Building on Mobile Interactive Design I, this course guides students in converting web-based applications into cross-platform native mobile applications. Emphasis is placed on optimizing experiences across screen sizes and incorporating mobile-specific features.

    Students build and test dynamic web application prototypes using event-driven JavaScript frameworks like React or Svelte. The course focuses on user interaction design, animations, and responsive interface development.

  • Digital Media Alumni Spotlight: Paul Phan

    Meet Paul Phan, a 2016 graduate of Drexel University’s Interactive Digital Media program. Paul’s career has flourished through his dedication to digital media, and today, he plays multiple roles as a Senior Software Engineer, an Adjunct Professor, and an entrepreneur.

    Paul credits his co-op experience as one of the most valuable aspects of his time at Drexel. Working in a professional setting before graduating gave him an incredible advantage, leading to part-time opportunities during his studies and a full-time job offer post-graduation. The fast-paced quarter system also strengthened his ability to manage multiple projects and quickly adapt—skills that have been instrumental in his success.

    Drexel Experience

    Paul credits his co-op experience as one of the most valuable aspects of his time at Drexel. Working in a professional setting before graduating gave him an incredible advantage, leading to part-time opportunities during his studies and a full-time job offer post-graduation. The fast-paced quarter system also strengthened his ability to manage multiple projects and quickly adapt—skills that have been instrumental in his success. His co-op mentor played a pivotal role in accelerating his growth, helping him gain skills and experiences that placed him years ahead of a typical new graduate.

    Career Path & Achievements

    Currently, Paul is a Senior Software Engineer at Dotdash Meredith, an Adjunct Professor in Drexel’s UXID program (formerly IDM), and the founder of his own digital software agency. Outside of work, he remains active in building websites and apps, mentoring students, and expanding his business.

    Advice to Students

    Paul encourages students to take pride in every project they work on—whether it’s a class assignment, personal project, or freelance work—because each one is a potential portfolio piece that can open doors. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation, staying curious, and experimenting with new technologies. His key advice: “The more you put into your work now, the more it will pay off later.”

    Connect with Paul: LinkedIn Profile | Website

  • Digital Media Alumni Spotlight: Mike Carbone

    Meet Mike Carbone, a 2020 graduate of Drexel University’s Interactive Digital Media program. Mike has made a name for himself in the tech industry, leveraging his design and engineering expertise to launch startups, run his own software agency, and contribute to cutting-edge customer engagement software.

    Mike’s most memorable project at Drexel was Pluto, a privacy-focused social network for iPhone and Android. He credits Drexel’s Digital Media program for providing him with unlimited resources and the creative freedom to bring ambitious projects to life. The faculty’s dedication to hands-on, real-world learning gave him a unique advantage in launching his career.

    Drexel Experience

    As part of an extraordinarily talented team, Mike helped create a beautifully designed product that users loved. He credits Drexel’s Digital Media program for providing him with unlimited resources and the creative freedom to bring ambitious projects to life. The faculty’s dedication to hands-on, real-world learning gave him a unique advantage in launching his career.

    Career Path & Achievements

    Currently, Mike is a Product Engineer at Knock Labs, a New York-based software startup specializing in customer engagement solutions. In addition to his role at Knock, he runs his own software agency and builds startups, constantly pushing the boundaries of digital innovation. His ability to blend product design with engineering has distinguished him in the industry, allowing him to create impactful digital experiences.

    Advice to Students

    Mike encourages students to collaborate beyond the classroom, experiment with new technologies, and seize every opportunity that excites them. He emphasizes the importance of networking with peers and professors beyond coursework, as these connections can open doors to incredible opportunities. His biggest advice? “This is your time to experience as much as the university has to offer—don’t miss out!”

    Connect with Mike: Company Website | Personal Website | LinkedIn | Twitter/X: @MikeCarbone

  • Sophomore Year as a GDAP Student

    Freshman Year as a GDAP Student

    Starting freshman year in Drexel’s Game Design & Production (GDAP) program is an exciting first step toward a career in the gaming industry. This year is all about building foundational skills in game development, design principles, and digital art while exploring different aspects of the gaming world. Whether you’re interested in game design, programming, 3D modeling, or narrative development, the first year lays the groundwork for future specializations.

    Freshman-year courses introduce students to the fundamentals of game development, focusing on design, interactivity, and digital creation tools. The first year builds a strong foundation in game design and development. Sophomore year will introduce more advanced programming, 3D modeling, and interactive storytelling, helping students find their specialization in the gaming industry.

    Core Classes

    Freshman-year courses introduce students to the fundamentals of game development, focusing on design, interactivity, and digital creation tools. Key classes include:

    • Game Design Lab (GMAP101, GMAP102): Covers image creation and editing tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, blending digital and physical fabrication. Introduces interactive text, 2D/3D engines, grey-boxing, and rapid prototyping.
    • Basic Portfolio (GMAP123): Teaches portfolio creation and presentation while reviewing examples from professionals across game development roles.
    • Overview of Game Playtesting (GMAP121): Introduces UX, usability testing, QA, and hands-on testing techniques used in real projects.

    Skills You’ll Learn

    • Game Mechanics & Player Interaction: Designing engaging and balanced gameplay
    • 2D & 3D Asset Creation: Learning digital art and basic modeling techniques
    • Basic Game Programming: Understanding logic and scripting in game engines
    • Prototyping & Iteration: Creating and refining simple games based on feedback

    Projects & Challenges

    Expect hands-on projects that apply fundamental skills to small-scale game prototypes. Common assignments include:

    • 2D Platformer Prototype: Design and code a simple side-scrolling game
    • Concept Art & Game UI Mockups: Create visual assets and design user interfaces
    • Game Design Document (GDD): Write a structured plan outlining game mechanics, story, and style
    • Paper Prototyping: Test gameplay ideas with physical tools before going digital

    A major challenge in freshman year is learning to work across disciplines. Game development involves art, programming, storytelling, and player psychology—and balancing these elements can be complex.

    Tips for Success:

    • Start learning game engines early—Unity and Unreal are industry standards.
    • Develop your art or coding skills. Versatility is valuable in team settings.
    • Play games critically. Analyze what makes them fun, balanced, and memorable.
    • Collaborate with your peers. Teamwork is essential—start now.

  • HexaGONE: A Chaotic Couch Brawler

    Party games thrive on chaos, quick reflexes, and nonstop fun, and HexaGONE delivers exactly that. Developed by Team HexaGONE, a group of junior-year GDAP students, this couch brawler pits players against each other in a fast-paced, physics-based battle where the goal is simple: be the last one standing.

    Game Overview: HexaGONE

    HexaGONE is a four-player local brawler that features dynamic, hexagon-based arenas filled with hazards and unique environmental mechanics. Inspired by classic party games like Super Smash Bros., Gang Beasts, and Boomerang Fu, the game focuses on quick rounds, unpredictable gameplay, and hilarious physics-based interactions.

    Key Features

    • Fast-paced, physics-based combat designed for local multiplayer
    • Dynamic arenas with destructible hexagonal tiles
    • Multiple level themes and hazards, including slippery ice and collapsing platforms
    • Designed for casual and competitive players alike, with a simple pick-up-and-play control scheme

    The Development Process

    Team HexaGONE built the game with an emphasis on engaging level design and unpredictable player interactions. Their early development phase involved prototyping different arena mechanics, testing movement physics, and designing unique hexagonal platform behaviors that force players to stay on their toes.

    Challenges and Solutions

    One of the biggest challenges for the team was balancing randomness and player control. To keep the game fun yet competitive, they refined movement mechanics and ensured that arena hazards remained fair but unpredictable. They also worked on making the game visually engaging, with distinct level themes and colorful, vibrant animations.

    Final Presentation and Future Development

    As part of the final showcase, Team HexaGONE presented their vision for the game, demonstrating chaotic multiplayer matches and highlighting future plans for additional maps and player customization. Their pitch was met with enthusiasm, showcasing the game’s potential as an exciting local multiplayer experience.

    Moving forward, the team hopes to expand HexaGONE with new maps, interactive hazards, and online multiplayer functionality. Their ability to craft a compelling and fun-filled party game demonstrates the strength of student-led innovation in game design.