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  • Senior 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

  • Senior 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.

  • Plumes and Pixels: Bridging Digital Innovation and Artistic Heritage

    The intersection of digital media, science, and artistic expression comes to life in Plumes and Pixels, an innovative project developed by graduate students in Drexel’s Digital Media Masters Program. This unique exhibition, inspired by a vintage headwear adorned with a bird of paradise, bridges history, technology, and artistic interpretation.

    Project Overview: Plumes and Pixels

    The Plumes and Pixels project began with the digitization of a rare artifact from the Academy of Natural Sciences—a Victorian-era hat decorated with real bird plumage. Using advanced computational photography and 3D Gaussian Splatting, students created a digital twin of the specimen, preserving intricate details while exploring the ethical and environmental implications of historical fashion practices.

    Bridging Digital and Traditional Art

    Rather than using traditional art as a starting point for digital works, students reversed the process—using digital reconstructions as inspiration for physical artwork. This experimental approach fostered creative exploration, allowing artists to blend historical research with modern digital techniques.

    Artistic Interpretations: Blending History and Innovation

    Each piece in the exhibition represents a personal response to the artifact, addressing themes of beauty, extinction, and humanity’s impact on nature. Students worked across various media, including digital prints, textile art, and sculptural works, to express their interpretations.

    Featured Artists and Works

    • Arefeh Ahmadi – “Arsenic-King of Poisons” explores the paradox of preservation, incorporating chemical structures into her art.
    • Rghad Balkhyoor – “Threads of Nature” uses nuno felting to weave narratives of loss and conservation.
    • Darren Woodland, Jr. – “Feathered Futurism” fuses historical aesthetics with digital techniques to reimagine avian symbolism in fashion.

    Educational Impact and Public Engagement

    Beyond the artistic achievements, Plumes and Pixels serves as a model for interdisciplinary learning. The project demonstrates how digital media techniques can be used to preserve cultural artifacts, engage with environmental history, and inspire new artistic methodologies.

    By integrating cutting-edge technology with artistic storytelling, the project highlights the potential of SciArt education—where scientific observation meets creative expression. Through public exhibitions and discussions, students were able to communicate their research and creative process to a wider audience, fostering dialogue about conservation, history, and the evolving role of digital preservation.

    Plumes and Pixels is a testament to the power of digital media to transform how we understand and engage with the past. This exhibition not only showcases student creativity but also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping the future of art, technology, and scientific inquiry.

  • WOMB: Exploring Black Wealth Through Digital Storytelling

    The intersection of digital media, storytelling, and cultural heritage is at the heart of WOMB: The Black Wealth Project. Developed as part of Drexel’s Digital Media Masters Program, this project delves into themes of generational wealth, legacy, and identity through immersive media and visual storytelling.

    Project Overview: WOMB – The Black Wealth Project

    WOMB is an exploration of the Black experience and wealth through the lens of history, culture, and personal narratives. Using digital media as a tool for advocacy and education, the project presents a multi-layered perspective on economic empowerment, systemic challenges, and the resilience of Black communities.

    Key Themes

    • Historical and cultural perspectives on Black wealth
    • Personal narratives exploring generational financial experiences
    • The impact of systemic barriers and economic disparities
    • Innovative approaches to visual storytelling using digital media

    The Creative Process

    The project was developed through an iterative process that combined archival research, personal interviews, and digital visualization techniques. By integrating photography, motion graphics, and narrative media, WOMB provides a deeply immersive experience that engages audiences on multiple levels.

    Challenges and Storytelling Strategies

    One of the biggest challenges in creating WOMB was finding a balance between historical context and personal stories. The project team employed a documentary-style approach, combining data visualization with deeply human narratives to create an emotionally resonant experience.

    Impact and Future Development

    The project was showcased as part of Drexel’s Digital Media Masters exhibition, drawing attention to the importance of storytelling in economic justice movements. Future iterations of WOMB may include interactive elements, expanded research, and broader community engagement to further the conversation around Black wealth and financial empowerment.

    Through its innovative use of digital media, WOMB invites audiences to reflect on the past, examine the present, and envision a future where economic equity is achievable. This project stands as a powerful example of how immersive media can be leveraged for social impact and storytelling.

  • Senior Year as an UXID Student

    Senior year in Drexel’s UXID program is the culmination of everything learned over the past three years. It’s a time to refine expertise, prepare for the job market, and, most importantly, complete and present the Senior Project at the Drexel Digital Media Showcase. This final year challenges students to apply their skills in a high-stakes, real-world setting, ensuring they graduate ready for careers in UX design.

    Core Classes

    Senior-year coursework focuses on specialization and professional preparation, with classes that guide students through their senior projects and advanced UX concepts:

    • Digital Media Senior Project (DIGM490): The three-term senior project where students research, design, and develop a UX solution to present at the Drexel Digital Media Showcase. Create professional media assets for a team-based senior project in a simulated real-world production environment. This course integrates academic and practical knowledge, emphasizing digital media production, best practices, and effective presentation skills through collaboration and teamwork.
    • Professional Practices in IDM (IDM401): This course provides a broad overview of the practices of all areas included in the fields related to interactive digital media, including organizational structure and roles, client communication and creative process, needs assessment, brief writing, brainstorming, concept development, pitches, pricing, proposals and presentations.
    • Electives: Many students explore course electives to focus on building their skills in the area of UXID that they want to pursue after graduation. Some of these courses include Validating Product Ideas, SwiftUI, and Javascript Frameworks (Svelte, ReactJS). Students also take this time to explore electives that interest them. Pave your own path!

    Skills You’ll Master

    By senior year, UXID students fine-tune their skills, focusing on industry-level expertise:

    Project Management & UX Strategy
    Work through a full design cycle, from research to high-fidelity prototypes.
    Collaboration & Stakeholder Communication
    Present work to clients, faculty, and potential employers.
    Usability Testing & Iteration
    Conduct multiple rounds of user testing to refine the final senior project.
    Showcasing & Pitching Work
    Prepare for the Drexel Digital Media Showcase, a key event where senior projects are presented to industry professionals.

    Preparing for the Drexel Digital Media Showcase

    The Digital Media Showcase is the highlight of senior year, giving students the opportunity to present their senior projects to faculty, industry professionals, and peers. Preparation includes:

    • Refining the Final Product: Ensuring designs are polished, user-tested, and ready for real-world application.
    • Crafting a Strong Presentation: Communicating the problem, research process, and final design solution clearly and effectively.
    • Building a Portfolio-Ready Case Study: Documenting the senior project for job applications and interviews.
    • Networking & Job Hunting: The showcase often attracts recruiters, making it an excellent opportunity to make professional connections.

    Tips for Success in Senior Year

    • Stay organized. Senior projects require months of research, iteration, and refinement—plan accordingly.
    • Seek feedback early and often. Use professors, peers, and industry mentors to improve your work.
    • Practice presenting. Strong presentation skills make a huge impact during the showcase and job interviews.
    • Apply for jobs early. Start networking and applying to UX roles before graduation to stay ahead.

    Looking Ahead

    With the senior project completed and graduation approaching, seniors enter the UX job market with a solid portfolio, professional experience, and industry connections. Whether heading into UX design, research, or strategy, the skills developed in the UXID program prepare students for the next step in their careers.

  • Junior Year as an UXID Student

    Junior year in Drexel’s User Experience & Interaction Design (UXID) program is a game-changer. This is the year where classroom learning meets real-world application, with many students entering their first co-op experience. It’s a time to refine skills, work on professional projects, and start thinking about the future of a career in UX.

    Core Classes

    While some students spend part of the year in their co-op placement, coursework continues to build on previous knowledge with a focus on advanced UX methodologies and industry applications. Key classes include:

    • IDM Workshop (IDM371, IDM372): Work in teams to analyze project requirements, strategize solutions, and develop high-fidelity prototypes with a usability focus.
    • Future Digital Media (DIGM475): Explore emerging trends in digital media through case studies, product analysis, and industry forecasting.
    • IDM Electives: Dive deeper into specialized topics like Validating Product Ideas, SwiftUI, or frameworks such as Svelte and ReactJS.

    Skills You’ll Learn

    Junior year pushes students to take their UX skills to the next level, including:

    • Professional UX Workflow: Collaborate with developers, PMs, and stakeholders on real projects
    • Design Systems & UI Libraries: Build scalable, reusable components for large teams
    • Advanced UX Research & Testing: Execute studies and apply user data to design decisions
    • Time & Project Management: Juggle co-op, coursework, and ongoing portfolio development

    Projects & Real-World Challenges

    The biggest shift in junior year is the transition from theoretical projects to real-world problem-solving. Co-op students get hands-on experience working with clients, building products, and learning how UX functions in a business setting. For those still in coursework, projects become more advanced, often requiring collaboration with companies or interdisciplinary teams.

    Tips for Success

    • Make the most of your co-op: Take initiative, ask questions, and try to own part of a real product.
    • Refine your portfolio: Include co-op work (with permission) and highlight real-world problem-solving.
    • Build industry connections: Attend networking events, keep in touch with mentors, and follow up after co-op ends.
    • Stay adaptable: Learn to adjust to varying UX workflows and team structures.

    Looking Ahead

    With junior year coming to a close, senior year is all about specializing in UX fields of interest, completing capstone projects, and preparing for post-grad career opportunities. The experiences gained in co-op and advanced coursework will shape the path toward becoming a full-fledged UX professional.