(1) Workshop Recap
(2) DI Reminders & Upcoming
(3) Additional Support
(3) Design Opportunities & Events
Workshop Recap
Prototyping For All!
Thanks to everyone who came to our second workshop: Prototyping For All! We kicked off with a bingo icebreaker, then discussed our role as designers, explored what inclusive design looks like, and went over some key design principles for digital products and services. Next, in groups, we did an activity titled: “Inclusive Design Dash”, where we brainstormed ways to make designs more inclusive for a specific group, sketched UI ideas and user flows on whiteboards, and then presented our concepts!
Here are some key takeaways:
Why does it matter that we create realities that consider everyone (& everything?): When design is inclusive it ensures that all people, regardless of ability, identity, or circumstance, can engage meaningfully and equitably in society.
Designing for people with experiences different from our own involves combining deep empathy, inclusive research, participatory design, and critical reflection.
Inclusive design benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.
We hope you enjoyed today’s workshop! ☺️
Reminders & Upcoming
Next Week’s Scavenger Hunt 🕵️♀️🎨:
Get ready for an exciting and competitive adventure with DI’s Design Scavenger Hunt! Split into teams, you’ll explore different areas of campus to discover and capture images that showcase unique aspects of design. This team-building activity will challenge your creative eye and give you a fresh perspective on the design around you. It's a fun way to bond with teammates, spark friendly competition, and embrace design in all its different forms. The hunt will start at our usual meeting place, 4191F Helen C. White Hall, at 6pm on Monday the 24th! We hope to see you there! 😊
Let’s Chat!
DI is committed to offering not only general, but also personalized support. If you would like to chat about navigating design UW-Madison, possible opportunities, or have questions in general — we would love to chat with you! Scheduling a 30-minute meeting is easy—just click the Calendly link to check a member’s availability:
Madi Meyer is the President of DI, and is a senior in the Information Science major. She has taken courses such as Interaction Design Studio (LIS 470), Human-Computer Interaction (CS 570), Design Thinking (DS 341), & more! Set up a time to chat through Madi’s Calendly!
McKenzie Kujava is a Cohort Manager for DI, and is a junior studying Computer Science. She is interested in Interaction Design and Project Management. Set up a time to chat through Mckenzie’s Calendly!
Quyen Tonnu is a graduate student in the M.S. in Design + Innovation program with industry experience as a marketing agency designer. She is interested in realms of product design, design strategy, human-centered design, and civic tech! Set up a time to chat through Quyen’s Calendly!
Alya Herusasongko is a graduate student in the M.S. in Design + Innovation program with 4 years of experience as a digital product designer. She’s passionate to talk about UX & Product Design, Design Strategy, and 0 to 1 Product Development. Set up a time to connect through Alya’s Calendly!
Additional Support
Career & Internship Specialist — Technology, Data & Analytics
While fellow DI members can be a great resource for insights on courses, projects, and networking, Beth Karabin, Career Specialist for Technology & Data, is an expert at helping you chart your own path to success. She can offer guidance on resume and portfolio reviews, interview preparation, and determining how to meet your goals. Beth is an incredible resource—utilize her expertise!
Upcoming Design Opportunities & Events!
Workforce Futures with Gem Barton - DI Field Trip!
This Thursday, February 20th from 5:30 - 7:00pm at 821 E Washington Ave Suite 200 Madison, WI, join the MS Design + Innovation (MD+I) community in welcoming Gem Barton from the Royal College of Art in London during an in-person workshop. Gem will be leading participants in a forward looking workshop on future jobs and the potential for transdisciplinary practice in the workforce of tomorrow. DI is hosting a field trip—be sure to fill out the Google form if you’d like to join!
Black History Month spotlight: Advice from 10 Black Designers
In honor of Black History Month, this blog features advice from 10 influential Black designers who are shaping the design industry. Their thoughtful insights on resilience, authenticity, and embracing your unique perspective serve as powerful reminders for designers of color. These trailblazers share their experiences, challenges, and the importance of valuing your voice in a field where representation is still growing. Don’t miss their inspiring words that encourage creativity, confidence, and the drive to make an impact.
Tech Careers without Coding: Exploring Careers in Technology and Information Science
In an event hosted by the Information Science Major (although any student who likes technology from the human perspective is encouraged to join) explore career outcomes that require minimal technical skills! This event will take place on Tuesday, March 4th, from 5:30 - 6:30pm in Helen C. White 4207. “Technology Careers are in desperate need of students who understand Tech & Data, but specialize in design, communication, relationship management and many other “soft skill” areas.” This is a fantastic chance to define your career goals and take actionable steps toward achieving them!
Play Make Learn Conference
Proposals are currently being accepted to be presented at the 2025 Play Make Learn Conference (PML). PML is an inspirational space for educators, designers, developers, innovators, librarians, museum professionals, makers, and researchers of all kinds, to share and collaborate on work! The deadline for submissions is March 7th at 11:59pm, and the event will be held from August 21-22nd at Memorial Union.
Check-out our website!
If you missed joining our Slack, want to learn more about DI and our exec team, or to view or table of curated resources, then check out our Design Interactive website.
That’s all for now! 🗓️👋
We hope you enjoyed this week’s workshop, and we hope to see you next Monday, February 24th from 6-7pm in 4191F for the start of our Design Scavenger Hunt! 🕵️♀️🎨