How My College Courses Equipped Me with Practical Skills - SMAD 308

SMAD 308: the study of principles and practices for effective interactive media design. As I reflect on my college experience, there are a few courses that stand out as transformative chapters in my growth as a designer and this is one of them. This course centered on the user-centered design approach, incorporating animation, scripting, and the use of tools like p5.js and Github. A highlight of this class was the opportunity to apply the stages of UX design to redesign my college's parking application, enhancing its usability. In this blog post, I will share the invaluable insights gained from this class and highlight my experience in p5.js coding, utilizing Github, and the transformative power of UX design. Join me as we explore the world of interactive media design and its impact on creating exceptional user experiences.

Embracing User-Centered Design:

This course instilled in me the significance of user-centered design in creating effective interactive media. By understanding the needs, preferences, and behaviors of the target audience, we were able to craft experiences that resonated with them. Through user research, persona development, and iterative design, I learned how to put the user at the center of the design process, ensuring that the final product caters to their specific needs and preferences.

Animation and Scripting for Interactive Media:

In this class, I explored the realms of animation and scripting to enhance the interactive experiences I created. By harnessing the power of animation, I was able to bring life and interactivity to digital interfaces, engaging users on a deeper level. Through scripting, I gained the ability to create dynamic and interactive elements that responded to user actions, adding a layer of immersion and delight to the overall experience.

p5.js Coding:

The study of p5.js coding was a significant component of this course. By learning this powerful JavaScript library, I gained the tools to create captivating and interactive visuals and animations. With p5.js, I could manipulate graphics, incorporate interactivity, and bring my creative visions to life. This skill opened up new possibilities for me in creating engaging and immersive interactive media experiences.

Utilizing Github for Collaborative Development:

Collaboration and version control are crucial in the world of interactive media design. This course introduced me to Github, a platform that facilitates collaborative development and ensures project integrity. By leveraging Github's features, such as code repositories, version control, and issue tracking, I gained the ability to work seamlessly with team members, manage project iterations, and maintain a streamlined development process.

Applying UX Design to Redesign the College Parking App:

A standout project in this course was the opportunity to apply the stages of UX design to redesign my school’s parking application. Through user research, user journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing, I transformed the application into a user-friendly and intuitive experience. By addressing pain points, streamlining processes, and prioritizing accessibility, I significantly improved the application's usability and overall user experience.

My journey through the study of principles and practices for effective interactive media design has been transformative. Through hands-on experience with p5.js coding, utilizing Github for collaborative development, and the application of UX design to redesign my college's parking application, I have gained a comprehensive skill set to craft exceptional interactive experiences. By embracing user-centered design, incorporating animation and scripting, and understanding the power of UX design, I am well-equipped to create immersive and engaging interactive media that captivate and delight users. As I embark on my professional journey, I am excited to continue pushing the boundaries of interactive media design and creating experiences that leave a lasting impact on users.