Digital Media CMS

Tag: Student Life

  • 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

  • Wallflower: A Digital Companion for Managing Social Anxiety

    Navigating social anxiety can be a daily challenge, but what if there was a digital companion designed to provide immediate support? Enter Wallflower, an innovative browser-based app created by students from Drexel University’s User Experience and Interaction Design (UXID) program.

    Understanding the Challenge

    The journey began when Kara Butler, a member of the team, experienced social anxiety at a public event and found existing resources lacking. This personal insight sparked the question: How can we assist people in managing feelings of social anxiety without long-term commitment?

    Research and Discovery

    The team embarked on a six-month project, initially facing challenges in gathering qualitative data due to ethical guidelines surrounding psychological research. Instead, they turned to reputable sources like the National Institute of Mental Health and the Mayo Clinic to understand the causes and symptoms of social anxiety.

    Competitive analysis revealed that existing apps often focused on single tools or long-term therapy, missing the mark on providing immediate, accessible support. Surveys of Philadelphia students aged 18-25 further highlighted diverse needs, leading to the creation of user personas like Lorne, Darla, and Barry.

    The Solution: Wallflower

    Wallflower offers seven content types designed to relax, uplift, and inspire:

    • Affirmations: Motivational phrases for courage.
    • Icebreakers: Phrases to initiate conversations.
    • Sounds: Soothing tracks backed by science.
    • Meditations: Grounding exercises.
    • Articles: Advice from credible sources.
    • Puzzles: Hands-on distractions.
    • Journal: A private space for reflection.

    Users can save content, filter by category, and access an S.O.S. section with hotlines, all without requiring a login.

    The Design Process

    The team embraced an agile workflow, dividing into App and Projects teams to handle multimedia, usability testing, content injection, development, and marketing. Visual design was inspired by the clematis vine, symbolizing support, with a color palette evoking fresh, warm, garden scenes.

    However, not every idea made it to the final product. A chatbot feature and texting integration were cut due to feasibility and ethical concerns, while a mood-tracking journal was scrapped due to limitations in data analytics.

    User Feedback and Impact

    Through iterative testing and feedback, the team refined Wallflower’s aesthetics and functionality. Ultimately, Wallflower aims to provide a bit of extra support to those who may feel like a wallflower in social situations, offering tools to grow and thrive.

  • Momentum: Photo Sharing and Community Engagement for Enhanced Productivity

    In today’s fast-paced world, staying motivated and focused on tasks can be a significant challenge. Students from Drexel University’s User Experience and Interaction Design (UXID) program tackled this problem head-on, creating Momentum, a social productivity app that leverages photo sharing and community engagement to help users achieve their goals.

    Project Introduction

    The Momentum team prioritized research and design, focusing on their strengths to develop a user-centric solution. Over 20 weeks, they conducted thorough research to identify user pain points and iterate on design concepts, culminating in an app prototype designed to resonate with their target audience.

    Research Insights

    Preliminary surveys revealed that many users find existing productivity tools ineffective in maintaining focus and motivation, leading to feelings of stress. Users also expressed a desire for autonomy and control over progress checks. This feedback led the team to prioritize user-driven features and customization options.

    The team’s research also highlighted the importance of accountability and community, with a significant percentage of users emphasizing the value of body doubling for staying productive.

    Design Exploration

    During the design exploration phase, the team focused on creating a brand identity that resonated with the core values of motivation, focus, and productivity. They chose blue as the primary color for its calming and productive associations and incorporated wave imagery to symbolize forward movement and energy.

    Iterative Design Process

    The team employed an iterative design process, progressing from low-fidelity to high-fidelity wireframes, incorporating user feedback at each stage. Changes included adding more detailed information to task cards based on user requests for better organization.

    Development and Prototype

    Recognizing their team’s strengths in design and research, the students pivoted to create an interactive prototype using Figma’s variable tool. This allowed them to effectively showcase the app’s functionality and user experience.

    Conclusion

    Momentum showcases the power of user-centered design and the adaptability of the Drexel UXID students. By prioritizing research, design, and iterative prototyping, the team created a promising solution for enhancing productivity and fostering a sense of community.

    Reflection

    The Momentum team’s journey highlights the importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous learning. While a fully functional app wasn’t feasible within the project’s scope, the team is proud of the research-backed design and the valuable lessons learned, which will undoubtedly inform their future projects.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Pre-Junior Year as an UXID Student

    Pre-junior year in Drexel’s UXID program is a pivotal time as students transition from coursework to real-world applications. With foundational skills in design, research, and front-end development already established, this year focuses on refining expertise, building a professional portfolio, and preparing for co-op experiences.

    Core Classes

    As UXID students move into more specialized areas, coursework becomes more project-driven, collaborative, and industry-focused. Key classes include:

    • User Experience Design (IDM215, IDM216): In this two-term course, students will design exceptional digital experiences through user-centered practices. Covering brand personality, research, content strategy, information architecture, and usability, they will develop predictive, enjoyable designs and build fully functioning web apps while executing a full production pipeline.
    • Storytelling for User Experience Design (IDM418): Learn how to use stories to understand the user, their goals and objectives, explain research, and describe design concepts.
    • Microinteractions (IDM241): Create exceptional digital experiences using user-experience design principles. This course covers brand personality, content strategy, information architecture, and usability to develop predictive, enjoyable interactions.
    • Content Management Systems (IDM250): Set up a content management system and develop a custom theme, focusing on project planning, organization, and maintaining a high-quality code base.

    Skills You’ll Learn

    This year is all about honing skills that make a UX designer stand out in the job market:

    • High-Fidelity UI Design: Build pixel-perfect designs that align with branding and user needs.
    • Data-Driven Design Decisions: Use research insights to validate design choices.
    • Advanced Prototyping & Microinteractions: Bring interfaces to life with motion design and animations.
    • Presentation & Client Communication: Learn to present ideas effectively to stakeholders and potential employers.

    Projects & Challenges

    Pre-junior year involves tackling more complex, multi-step design challenges. Many classes incorporate real-world projects where students work on UX solutions for businesses, startups, or nonprofits. Expect to create comprehensive case studies—documenting research, design iterations, and usability testing—which will become essential for building a strong UX portfolio.

    Tips for Success

    • Build a professional portfolio: Showcase your best projects with detailed case studies.
    • Master storytelling in design: Clearly communicate your design decisions and process.
    • Engage with the industry: Attend UX networking events, join online communities, and start connecting with professionals.
    • Prepare for co-op: Research companies, tailor your resume, and refine interview skills for UX positions.

    Looking Ahead

    The pre-junior year serves as a bridge between academic learning and hands-on industry experience. With co-op opportunities on the horizon, students will soon apply their skills in professional settings, gaining real-world insights that will shape their careers.