(1) Meeting Recap
(2) Exec Board Applications
(3) Education & Resources
(4) Opportunities & Events
Design Sprint Challenge! 🏃
Thanks so much to everyone who joined us today for our Design Sprint challenge! After a quick icebreaker, we broke into pairs & began brainstorming ideas for a physical symbol of appreciation for the iSchool’s experiential learning partners. Teams considered different shapes, materials, and even adding tech components! If you had fun during today’s workshop & are considering building your idea out further—message Madi on Slack or email (mzmeyer@wisc.edu)! This would be a great opportunity for anyone who is looking to add a physical design piece to their portfolios :)
Next meeting (4/14): Join us next Monday to learn how to build meaningful professional relationships and stand out in interviews! We’ll unpack what networking really means, how to do it authentically, and how cultivating a strong network can support your growth and success. Then, we’ll dive into the world of interviewing — not just general tips, but what to expect in design-specific interviews, including whiteboard challenges and case study reviews.
🚨 Exec Board Applications Are Open!
If you’ve been enjoying your time in Design Interactive and want to take your involvement to the next level, now’s your chance! We’re looking for eight awesome members to join our executive board for Fall 2025!
Serving on DI’s exec board is an incredible opportunity to strengthen your leadership skills, grow personally, and work closely with a team of creative, driven individuals. You’ll have a voice in shaping the direction of DI and play a key role in creating meaningful experiences for our members. Exec meets weekly to share ideas, collaborate, and bring exciting initiatives to life.
Have questions about the positions or the commitment? DM Madi on Slack! 😊
You can find the application linked below—it includes detailed info about each available role.
🗓 Applications are due by Monday, April 21st at 11:59 PM!
Education & Resources
Exploring the Designer’s Guide to Developer Handoff
Join Figma’s webinar, "Designer’s Guide to Developer Handoff" on April 10 at 11:00am CDT. While it may not be directly relevant for current students, it’s a great session for anyone curious about working in design in the future. Learn best practices for collaboration between designers and developers, and get insights on streamlining workflows. The session also includes a live Q&A.
ADPList
ADPList is a free mentorship platform for designers (and other creatives). You can book 1-on-1 video calls with experienced designers from companies like Google, Meta, or startups to get advice, portfolio feedback, career tips, or just chat about the design industry. It's a way to learn directly from people who are already doing the work you want to do.
UW Design Lab
Do you need help with upcoming design projects for class? DesignLab offers free one-on-one digital design tutoring for UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff! Get help with all of your digital projects, including presentations, posters, videos, audio, websites/blogs, infographics, and more!
Upcoming Opportunities & Events!
Virtually Unwrapping the Herculaneum Scrolls
Tomorrow from 4-5:30pm in L160 in the Conrad A. Elvehjem building, join Dr. Brent Seales, Professor of Computer Science at the University of Kentucky, as he shares how cutting-edge tech like AI and high-energy physics is helping reveal the hidden writings of scrolls buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE—making them readable for the first time in 2,000 years.
Madison’s Spring Tech Kickoff
If you're interested in Madison’s tech scene, don’t miss the Spring Tech Kickoff on Tuesday, April 15th from 5–7 PM at Element Hall (5510 Element Way). It's a great opportunity to connect with local entrepreneurs, startups, and professionals to kick off an exciting year ahead for the industry. To get there just take the A bus for a quick 17-minute ride, and there will be food and drinks. It’s free, but space is limited, so make sure to register in advance!
Design Field Notes - Hugo Eccles
On April 16th at 12pm, Hugo Eccles, the founder of UNTLD MOTO, a company that’s revolutionizing design and production for the automotive industry, will be hosting Berkeley’s next Design Field Notes. Hugo’s worked with top brands like Nike, Ford, and TAG Heuer, and now he’s shaping the future of electric vehicles. If you’re interested in design or the future of transportation.
Design Horizon: Focus on the Forest Symposium and Showcase
On Monday, April 21st from 10:00am-2:00pm, join the MS Design + Innovation (MD+I) program for a showcase of their capstone project: a collaboration with Menominee Tribal Enterprises and Massive Change Network. The event and will feature talks by partners from Menominee Tribal Enterprises and Life-Centered Designer Bruce Mau.
Volunteer with the Play Make Learn Conference
Want to strengthen your skills in marketing, event planning, or teamwork? Interested in networking with creatives & innovators? Join the Play Make Learn Conference as a volunteer! The conference will happen in late August, but they would love your help planning now! The theme this year “Breaking and Mending,” and is an excellent time with a vibrant arts/design/maker community and a healthy smattering of researchers, all coming together around playful education. Learn more about the Play Make Learn Conference.
That’s all for now! 🗓️👋
We hope to see you next Monday from 6-7pm in the iSchool Room 4191F for our Networking & Interview Workshop!