Luca Pfister
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Empowering shared expression for 100+ UCSD Designers from 0-1
Role
Creative Director
Timeline
Feb - Apr 2025 10 weeks
Team
1 PM (me!) 3 Designers 4 Developers
Skills
Systems Design User-generated Content Prototyping
Overview
To Design Co, community is everything. What can we build that shows that we mean it?
This case study explores how we built a platform that enables designers to express themselves in the leadup to Design Co at UCSD's annual design-a-thon, Design Frontiers.
Outcomes
Created a collaborative platform for 100+ UCSD designers
Enabling seamless sharing and feedback on creative work.
Increased design collaboration and knowledge sharing
Students now regularly share work and provide constructive feedback.
Built a sustainable community of practice
Designers continue to use the platform beyond their coursework.
Process
We didn't just want to make your average event website. We wanted a place where users could leave an impact.
Community Research
Understanding the needs of UCSD design students
We conducted interviews and surveys to understand how designers wanted to share their work and collaborate.
Key Insights
Students wanted a dedicated space for design work
Existing platforms were too general or focused on other creative fields.
Feedback and collaboration were highly valued
Students wanted to learn from each other and improve their skills together.
Simplicity and ease of use were crucial
The platform needed to fit into busy student schedules.
Platform Design
Creating an intuitive platform for design collaboration
We focused on making the platform easy to use while encouraging meaningful interactions.
Final Design
An inspiring canvas for UCSD designers to leave a piece of themselves.
Reflection
Community platforms need to grow organically.
We learned that the best features emerged from how students actually used the platform.
Design students are eager to collaborate.
Given the right tools and environment, students naturally want to share and learn from each other.
Read more
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