Digital Media CMS

Author: Phil Sinatra

  • 2025 Unreal Engine Student Showcase

    The 2025 Senior Project Reverie has been selected for Epic Games’ official
    Unreal Engine Student Showcase Reel. Out of thousands of submissions
    worldwide, only about 25 projects earned a spot in this prestigious annual
    reel — and Reverie is one of them.

    We‘re thrilled to share some incredible news!

    The 2025 Senior Project Reverie, created by our Animation & Visual Effects
    (ANFX + DMVP) seniors, has been selected for Epic Games‘ official
    Unreal Engine Student Showcase Reel    . Out of thousands of submissions
    worldwide, only about 25 projects earned a spot in this prestigious annual
    reel — and Reverie is one of them.

    This marks the first time a Drexel University student project has been
    highlighted in Epic‘s showcase, a huge milestone for our Digital
    Media program and a testament to the talent, creativity, and technical
    excellence of our students and faculty.

    Congratulations to the entire Reverie team — your hard work is now
    inspiring the next generation of creators around the globe!

  • Worms through time

    Following a platform studies approach to video games, this article explores Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), a cluster of machine learning-based upscaling and anti-aliasing techniques designed to make graphically intensive games run faster and in higher resolutions. Its inclusion as an optional setting in video games influences how players sense time.

    Following a platform studies approach to video games, this article explores Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), a cluster of machine learning-based upscaling and anti-aliasing techniques designed to make graphically intensive games run faster and in higher resolutions. Its inclusion as an optional setting in video games influences how players sense time, in terms of increased frame rates and temporal artefacts, and the visual instabilities, flickerings and ‘ghosted’ images that this technology creates. To offer a closer look at the visual manifestations of temporal manipulation at play in contemporary upscaling technologies, this article focuses on the video game Control (Remedy Entertainment 2019). While Control is not mechanically concerned with time management or manipulation, this article argues that the game thematically addresses the takeover of futures by medial pasts in a way that rhymes with the temporal manipulation inherent in DLSS’s use of machine learning models.

  • There is no speed limit

    The standard pace is for chumps. If you’re more driven than most people, you can do way more than anyone expects. Raise your expectations. Realize you are capable of way
    more than the norm.

    As we begin a new academic year, I’m reminded of an idea I first heard about in a post from @dhh, referring to
    Derek Sivers’ book Hell Yeah or No –
    What’s Worth
    Doing.

    Not a month goes by where I don’t remind myself of this fundamental truth: There is no speed limit. It doesn’t
    just apply to learning, but also to doing. Everything can be done faster, if you judo the problems, and decide
    to see it through.

    One of Judo’s core principles is to maximize efficiency – using minimal force for maximum effect. Over the
    following weeks and months, the work will pile on, deadlines will get closer, and the pressure will build.
    Feeling overwhelmed may become the norm—but it doesn’t have to be the norm. Chaos shouldn’t be the natural
    state. Anxiety isn’t a prerequisite for progress.

    What can you do when the pace is so intense? For me, the answer is simple: embrace it. Challenge yourself. Get
    in over your head. Expect to fail, frequently. And when you fail, pull yourself up quickly and get back to work.
    Time is malleable—focus on it and it can seem to go by fast or slow. But if you focus on what you’re doing in
    the moment, time is no longer a limiting factor.

    The standard pace is for chumps. The system is designed so anyone can keep up. If you’re more driven
    than most
    people, you can do way more than anyone expects.     This applies to all of life, not just school. Raise
    your
    expectations. Realize you are capable of way more than the norm. Remember, there is no speed limit.

    Phil Sinatra
    Assistant Teaching Professor
    UXID

  • Building an AI-Powered Sound-Responsive Website

    At Drexel University’s Digital Media program, our students are pushing
    the boundaries of technology and creativity. In a recent DIGM Master’s
    course assignment Dheeraj Mantha explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can
    transform responsive web development. His project, integrating AI-driven sound
    classification with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript…

    At Drexel University’s Digital Media program, our students are pushing
    the boundaries of technology and creativity. In a recent DIGM Master’s
    course assignment Dheeraj Mantha explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can
    transform responsive web development. His project, integrating AI-driven sound
    classification with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, showcases the exciting
    potential of combining no-code AI tools with web technologies.

    The Project: A Sound-Responsive Web Experience

    Dheeraj set out to answer a compelling question:
    How effectively can a
    sound-based AI model, trained with Google’s Teachable Machine,
    classify audio inputs like button clicks and keyboard typing, and reflect
    those predictions in real-time on a responsive website?
     With no prior coding
    experience in web development, he aimed to create a website that listens to
    real-world sounds—background noise, keyboard typing, or PS5 controller
    button presses—and responds by changing its background color and displaying
    the detected sound.

    Using a browser-based workflow, Dheeraj trained an AI model to recognize
    three distinct audio classes, exported it to TensorFlow.js, and integrated
    it into a webpage built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The result? A
    dynamic interface that shifts colors in real-time: a neutral theme for
    background noise, a blue pulsing theme for keyboard typing, and a
    yellow-orange shaking theme for controller presses.

    Tools and Workflow

    Dheeraj leveraged three key tools to bring his vision to life:

    • Google Teachable Machine: This no-code platform allowed Dheeraj to
      train a sound classification model by recording audio samples directly in
      the browser. Its simplicity and TensorFlow.js export feature made it ideal
      for beginners.
    • TensorFlow.js: Running entirely in the browser, this library
      enabled real-time audio processing without complex backend setup, ensuring
      fast and responsive predictions.
    • Replit: As an online IDE, Replit provided a seamless environment
      for coding and testing the webpage, with live previews to streamline
      development.

    Despite his lack of coding experience, Dheeraj used ChatGPT to generate the
    necessary HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code, adapting it to integrate the AI
    model. He faced challenges, including bugs in Teachable Machine’s
    recording process and Replit’s preview functionality, but resolved
    them through persistence, browser restarts, and refined AI prompts.

    Challenges and Triumphs

    The journey wasn’t without hurdles. Teachable Machine occasionally
    froze during audio recording, requiring multiple retries. Replit’s
    preview button failed at times, forcing Dheeraj to test the website locally.
    Additionally, Chrome’s persistent microphone permission requests posed
    a usability issue. However, by refreshing tools, refining code with ChatGPT,
    and tweaking browser settings, Dheeraj overcame these obstacles to deliver a
    functional prototype.

    The website successfully differentiated between sounds, though the
    animations (pulsing and shaking effects) were less dynamic than hoped.
    Still, the color changes and real-time text updates provided clear visual
    feedback, making the interface engaging and interactive.

    Why It Matters

    Dheeraj’s project highlights the power of accessible AI tools in web
    development. For a beginner with no coding background, the ability to train
    an AI model and integrate it into a responsive webpage is a testament to the
    democratization of technology. His work also opens doors to real-world
    applications, such as:

    • Accessibility: Sound-based controls for websites, enabling interaction
      without touch or mouse input.
    • Interactive Installations: Dynamic interfaces for gaming or portfolio
      websites that respond to environmental sounds.
    • Education: Tools for classrooms to trigger UI actions based on ambient
      noise detection.

    Looking Ahead

    Dheeraj plans to enhance the project by adding more sound classes (like
    claps or voice commands), improving animations, and exploring Replit’s
    AI code generator. He also envisions logging user interactions to analyze
    sound patterns over time. These ambitions reflect the iterative spirit of
    Drexel’s Digital Media program, where students are encouraged to
    experiment and innovate.

    A Bright Future for AI in Web Development

    This project underscores how AI tools like Teachable Machine and
    TensorFlow.js empower students to create sophisticated, responsive web
    experiences without deep technical expertise. For Dheeraj, the process was a
    crash course in problem-solving, UI design, and the potential of AI-driven
    interactivity. His success inspires us all to explore the intersection of AI
    and web development.

    Stay tuned for more innovative projects from our Digital Media students as
    they redefine what’s possible!

  • DIGM 2025 Showcase

    The Senior Showcase is the electrifying culmination of a year’s relentless research, daring design, and cutting-edge development by Drexel’s Digital Media seniors. Teams unveil capstone projects that redefine digital innovation, from intuitive apps to immersive games. This event celebrates their vision and grit, launching the next generation of creators into industries hungry for bold ideas. Join us to witness the future, crafted today.

  • The Digital Peale Museum Project

    Charles Willson Peale was an 18th and early 19th century American portrait artist. In the late 1700’s, he began a museum of art, science, and technology in his Philadelphia home/studio on Lombard Street.

    The museum’s collection and popularity rapidly outgrew its space. In 1796, Peale moved his museum to the newly built Philosophical Hall, where it again rapidly outgrew its space. In 1801, he moved his museum into the recently vacated Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, a World Cultural Heritage Site renowned for the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.

    Digital Media faculty members Glen Muschio and Dave Mauriello are mentoring students interested in digitally recreating the Long Room exhibits in Peale’s Museum for use at Independence National Historical Park.

    Charles Wilson Peale’s Philadelphia Museum

    The following video, titled “Charles Wilson Peale’s Philadelphia Museum” shows student work on the project.

    Who Tells What Stories to Whom, When and Where

    The following video, titled “Who Tells What Stories to Whom, When and Where”, provides background about the project and future plans.

    For additional information about the ongoing project contact Glen Muschio

  • SIGGRAPH 2026 Conference Chair Chris Redmann

    ACM SIGGRAPH has announced Chris Redmann as the SIGGRAPH 2026 Conference Chair. As a familiar face across SIGGRAPH conferences, Redmann brings extensive experience having chaired several programs and…

    ACM SIGGRAPH has announced Chris Redmann as the SIGGRAPH 2026 Conference Chair. As a familiar face across SIGGRAPH conferences, Redmann brings extensive experience having chaired several programs and contributed his own work over the years. His appointment marks another milestone in a journey of leadership within the computer graphics community.

    An Experienced Voice in the SIGGRAPH Community

    Redmann’s voice is well-known to the SIGGRAPH community through his hosting of multiple episodes of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, including discussions on multiperson immersive experiences and building the open metaverse. His expertise extends beyond hosting – as SIGGRAPH 2020 Immersive Pavilion Chair and General Submissions Chair for both SIGGRAPH 2021 and 2022, he has played a crucial role in curating some of the conference’s most innovative programming.

    A Track Record of Innovation

    Throughout his tenure with SIGGRAPH, Redmann has contributed to groundbreaking initiatives across various domains. His program highlights include pioneering work in virtual production, specifically addressing challenges like standardizing color on LED walls, and innovative projects such as ESPN’s immersive VR batting cage. He has also championed important historical and environmental projects, including a VR experience focused on environmental awareness and a detailed exploration of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

    SIGGRAPH 2026 will mark the conference’s return to Los Angeles, taking place from July 19-23, 2026. Before then, the SIGGRAPH community can look forward to SIGGRAPH 2024 in Denver under Conference Chair Andres Burbano (July 28-August 1) and SIGGRAPH 2025 in Vancouver led by Ginger Alford (August 10-14).

    For more information about SIGGRAPH conferences and opportunities to get involved, visit siggraph.org.

  • Inspiration, Innovation, and Ice Cream

    We are thrilled to announce that Kristy Pron, an accomplished alumna of Drexel’s Digital Media program, has been appointed the Conference Chair for SIGGRAPH 2027. This prestigious appointment marks her second…

    We are thrilled to announce that Kristy Pron, an accomplished alumna of Drexel’s Digital Media program, has been appointed the Conference Chair for SIGGRAPH 2027. This prestigious appointment marks her second time leading the world’s premier conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques, following her groundbreaking leadership of SIGGRAPH’s first-ever virtual conference in 2020.

    From Drexel to Disney: A Digital Media Success Story

    Currently serving as a Walt Disney Imagineer, Pron leads the media arts and pipeline team responsible for pre-visualizing attractions across Disney’s global theme parks. Her team creates real-time visualizations that enable creative iteration and show reviews before physical construction begins, showcasing the innovative intersection of technology and storytelling that defines modern digital media.

    Vision for SIGGRAPH 2027

    “Computer graphics is involved in practically every industry from film and games to theme parks, automotive, medical, and beyond,” Pron shared in her vision for SIGGRAPH 2027. “I want to foster connections between attendees in different communities to inspire collaboration and ingenuity in design and production.”

    The conference will take place in Anaheim, California, from August 8 to 12, 2027, bringing together thousands of professionals, researchers, and artists from around the world. With Pron at the helm, SIGGRAPH 2027 promises to showcase the endless possibilities that emerge when innovation meets imagination.

    A Legacy of Leadership

    Pron’s journey with SIGGRAPH began as a student when she first participated as a Student Volunteer. This experience launched a remarkable trajectory that has included roles as program chair, conference chair, and special projects chair. Her story exemplifies the opportunities available to Digital Media students who pursue their passions at the intersection of technology and creativity.

    Join us in congratulating Kristy on this exceptional achievement. Her continued success and leadership in computer graphics and interactive techniques inspire current and future Digital Media students at Drexel University.

    For more information about SIGGRAPH 2027 and opportunities to get involved, visit siggraph.org.