User Experience Association
XHacks 2023
XHacks 2023
As a member of the professional programming unit and the Webmaster for the User Experience Association, I helped organize and facilitated our annual flagship event: XHacks, a design hackathon for Carnegie Mellon students.
As a member of the professional programming unit and the Webmaster for the User Experience Association, I helped organize and facilitated our annual flagship event: XHacks, a design hackathon for Carnegie Mellon students.
As a member of the professional programming unit and the Webmaster for the User Experience Association, I helped organize and facilitated our annual flagship event: XHacks, a design hackathon for Carnegie Mellon students.
We invited students passionate about design, research, and innovation to join and explore the role of design in the AI era and discover how to incorporate AI into design practices.
We invited students passionate about design, research, and innovation to join and explore the role of design in the AI era and discover how to incorporate AI into design practices.
We invited students passionate about design, research, and innovation to join and explore the role of design in the AI era and discover how to incorporate AI into design practices.
The theme this year is "Design with AI".
The theme this year is "Design with AI".
The theme this year is "Design with AI".
Timeline
8 weeks
Timeline
8 weeks
Timeline
8 weeks
Role(s)
Event Programming
Webmaster
Role(s)
Event Programming
Webmaster
Role(s)
Event Programming
Webmaster
For
CMU + HCI Community
For
CMU + HCI Community
For
CMU + HCI Community
With
User Experience Association
With
User Experience Association
With
User Experience Association
Partners & Sponsors
Partners & Sponsors
Partners & Sponsors
A CMU Retail & Services Collaborative Sponsored by
Speakers + Judges
Speakers + Judges
Speakers + Judges
Context
Context
Context
We are witnessing a new “wave” of technology as new products, such as personal computers, IoT devices, smart sensors, and virtual reality headsets, become increasingly available and popular worldwide. Computing technologies continue to revolutionize the world at a rapid pace, resulting in a vast amount of data being generated.
We are witnessing a new “wave” of technology as new products, such as personal computers, IoT devices, smart sensors, and virtual reality headsets, become increasingly available and popular worldwide. Computing technologies continue to revolutionize the world at a rapid pace, resulting in a vast amount of data being generated.
We are witnessing a new “wave” of technology as new products, such as personal computers, IoT devices, smart sensors, and virtual reality headsets, become increasingly available and popular worldwide. Computing technologies continue to revolutionize the world at a rapid pace, resulting in a vast amount of data being generated.
Data is now considered to be the new "oil", as it enables the creation of new products, services, and opportunities in many businesses. Countless people have benefited from recent developments, but shortcomings and worries have also surfaced, such as hate speech, fake news, algorithmic bias, and concerns about AI replacing human workers.
Data is now considered to be the new "oil", as it enables the creation of new products, services, and opportunities in many businesses. Countless people have benefited from recent developments, but shortcomings and worries have also surfaced, such as hate speech, fake news, algorithmic bias, and concerns about AI replacing human workers.
Data is now considered to be the new "oil", as it enables the creation of new products, services, and opportunities in many businesses. Countless people have benefited from recent developments, but shortcomings and worries have also surfaced, such as hate speech, fake news, algorithmic bias, and concerns about AI replacing human workers.
Many scholars have suggested that AI is more profound than “fire.” We encounter AI today like our ancestors encountered fire. If we manage it responsibly, it will become a tremendous force for global good. But if we deploy it too quickly and without foresight, AI will have consequences that we cannot control.
Many scholars have suggested that AI is more profound than “fire.” We encounter AI today like our ancestors encountered fire. If we manage it responsibly, it will become a tremendous force for global good. But if we deploy it too quickly and without foresight, AI will have consequences that we cannot control.
Many scholars have suggested that AI is more profound than “fire.” We encounter AI today like our ancestors encountered fire. If we manage it responsibly, it will become a tremendous force for global good. But if we deploy it too quickly and without foresight, AI will have consequences that we cannot control.
AI has a huge impact on Generation-Z designers, as it redefines what we design and how we design. We are expected to create AI-powered solutions, from web-based services to conversational user interfaces to social media platforms and learning systems. We also start to adopt AI in our design process. For example, we may ask DALLE2 to generate an illustration for a website or have ChatGPT revise the promotional content on our social media. As a result, traditional design processes are being challenged due to the new types of challenges we face and the new tools we use.
AI has a huge impact on Generation-Z designers, as it redefines what we design and how we design. We are expected to create AI-powered solutions, from web-based services to conversational user interfaces to social media platforms and learning systems. We also start to adopt AI in our design process. For example, we may ask DALLE2 to generate an illustration for a website or have ChatGPT revise the promotional content on our social media. As a result, traditional design processes are being challenged due to the new types of challenges we face and the new tools we use.
AI has a huge impact on Generation-Z designers, as it redefines what we design and how we design. We are expected to create AI-powered solutions, from web-based services to conversational user interfaces to social media platforms and learning systems. We also start to adopt AI in our design process. For example, we may ask DALLE2 to generate an illustration for a website or have ChatGPT revise the promotional content on our social media. As a result, traditional design processes are being challenged due to the new types of challenges we face and the new tools we use.
Planning the Event
Planning the Event
Planning the Event
Every aspect of the event was meticulously planned and organized to provide students with an immersive and enriching experience in the realm of design innovation.
Every aspect of the event was meticulously planned and organized to provide students with an immersive and enriching experience in the realm of design innovation.
Every aspect of the event was meticulously planned and organized to provide students with an immersive and enriching experience in the realm of design innovation.
As a part of the professional programming unit, responsibilities included venue booking, guest / speaker invitations, presentation design, merchandise ordering, as well as promotion and outreach through multiple channels.
As a part of the professional programming unit, responsibilities included venue booking, guest / speaker invitations, presentation design, merchandise ordering, as well as promotion and outreach through multiple channels.
As a part of the professional programming unit, responsibilities included venue booking, guest / speaker invitations, presentation design, merchandise ordering, as well as promotion and outreach through multiple channels.
Since I joined UXA's Professional Programming sub-unit, I had planned a handful of events for the organization: Fall Kickoff 2022, our collaboration event with Figma, UX/HCI Internship Panel, Flavors of HCI lecture series, and Alumni Panel. But XHacks was on an entirely different level, in terms of scale and scope. To better coordinate our efforts, 4 teams were formed: Team Success & Operations, Event Experience Design, Resource Curation & Fund Raising, and Marketing, Engagement & Documentation. This helped our team divide and conquer by defining specific buckets our action items fell into and enabled coordinated communications of questions to the team that would be the most knowledgeable.
Since I joined UXA's Professional Programming sub-unit, I had planned a handful of events for the organization: Fall Kickoff 2022, our collaboration event with Figma, UX/HCI Internship Panel, Flavors of HCI lecture series, and Alumni Panel. But XHacks was on an entirely different level, in terms of scale and scope. To better coordinate our efforts, 4 teams were formed: Team Success & Operations, Event Experience Design, Resource Curation & Fund Raising, and Marketing, Engagement & Documentation. This helped our team divide and conquer by defining specific buckets our action items fell into and enabled coordinated communications of questions to the team that would be the most knowledgeable.
Since I joined UXA's Professional Programming sub-unit, I had planned a handful of events for the organization: Fall Kickoff 2022, our collaboration event with Figma, UX/HCI Internship Panel, Flavors of HCI lecture series, and Alumni Panel. But XHacks was on an entirely different level, in terms of scale and scope. To better coordinate our efforts, 4 teams were formed: Team Success & Operations, Event Experience Design, Resource Curation & Fund Raising, and Marketing, Engagement & Documentation. This helped our team divide and conquer by defining specific buckets our action items fell into and enabled coordinated communications of questions to the team that would be the most knowledgeable.
The Design
The Design
The Design
Meticulously planned and organized to provide students with an immersive and enriching experience in the realm of design innovation. From securing venues to inviting speakers and promoting the event, every aspect of XHacks was carefully curated to ensure its success.
Meticulously planned and organized to provide students with an immersive and enriching experience in the realm of design innovation. From securing venues to inviting speakers and promoting the event, every aspect of XHacks was carefully curated to ensure its success.
Meticulously planned and organized to provide students with an immersive and enriching experience in the realm of design innovation. From securing venues to inviting speakers and promoting the event, every aspect of XHacks was carefully curated to ensure its success.
Venue Booking
Venue Booking
Venue Booking
The foundation of any successful event lies in securing appropriate venues conducive to collaboration and creativity.
The foundation of any successful event lies in securing appropriate venues conducive to collaboration and creativity.
The foundation of any successful event lies in securing appropriate venues conducive to collaboration and creativity.
For XHacks, multiple rooms were booked well in advance to accommodate various activities, including ideation sessions, workshops, and presentations. Each space was thoughtfully chosen to foster a vibrant atmosphere conducive to innovation and teamwork.
For XHacks, multiple rooms were booked well in advance to accommodate various activities, including ideation sessions, workshops, and presentations. Each space was thoughtfully chosen to foster a vibrant atmosphere conducive to innovation and teamwork.
For XHacks, multiple rooms were booked well in advance to accommodate various activities, including ideation sessions, workshops, and presentations. Each space was thoughtfully chosen to foster a vibrant atmosphere conducive to innovation and teamwork.
To enrich the hackathon experience, prominent speakers from the design industry were invited to share their insights and expertise with participants.
To enrich the hackathon experience, prominent speakers from the design industry were invited to share their insights and expertise with participants.
To enrich the hackathon experience, prominent speakers from the design industry were invited to share their insights and expertise with participants.
Extensive efforts were made to identify and reach out to individuals who could inspire and mentor the aspiring designers. From renowned UX/UI designers to industry innovators, the lineup of speakers was curated to provide diverse perspectives and valuable guidance.
Extensive efforts were made to identify and reach out to individuals who could inspire and mentor the aspiring designers. From renowned UX/UI designers to industry innovators, the lineup of speakers was curated to provide diverse perspectives and valuable guidance.
Extensive efforts were made to identify and reach out to individuals who could inspire and mentor the aspiring designers. From renowned UX/UI designers to industry innovators, the lineup of speakers was curated to provide diverse perspectives and valuable guidance.
Speaker
Invitations
Speaker
Invitations
Speaker
Invitations
Presentation Design
Presentation Design
Presentation Design
A key aspect of XHacks was providing participants with opportunities to showcase their projects and ideas.
A key aspect of XHacks was providing participants with opportunities to showcase their projects and ideas.
A key aspect of XHacks was providing participants with opportunities to showcase their projects and ideas.
To facilitate engaging presentations, templates and guidelines were designed to assist participants in crafting visually appealing and impactful presentations. Emphasizing clarity and creativity, participants were encouraged to effectively communicate their concepts and solutions to the judging panel and fellow participants.
To facilitate engaging presentations, templates and guidelines were designed to assist participants in crafting visually appealing and impactful presentations. Emphasizing clarity and creativity, participants were encouraged to effectively communicate their concepts and solutions to the judging panel and fellow participants.
To facilitate engaging presentations, templates and guidelines were designed to assist participants in crafting visually appealing and impactful presentations. Emphasizing clarity and creativity, participants were encouraged to effectively communicate their concepts and solutions to the judging panel and fellow participants.
As a testament to their participation and achievement, custom merchandise was ordered for XHacks participants.
As a testament to their participation and achievement, custom merchandise was ordered for XHacks participants.
As a testament to their participation and achievement, custom merchandise was ordered for XHacks participants.
From branded T-shirts and stickers to notebooks and swag bags, every piece of merchandise was thoughtfully designed to commemorate the event and foster a sense of community among participants. The merchandise not only served as mementos but also as promotional tools to generate excitement and interest in future iterations of XHacks.
From branded T-shirts and stickers to notebooks and swag bags, every piece of merchandise was thoughtfully designed to commemorate the event and foster a sense of community among participants. The merchandise not only served as mementos but also as promotional tools to generate excitement and interest in future iterations of XHacks.
From branded T-shirts and stickers to notebooks and swag bags, every piece of merchandise was thoughtfully designed to commemorate the event and foster a sense of community among participants. The merchandise not only served as mementos but also as promotional tools to generate excitement and interest in future iterations of XHacks.
Merchandise
Ordering
Merchandise
Ordering
Merchandise
Ordering
Promotion & Outreach
Promotion & Outreach
Promotion & Outreach
Creating buzz and excitement around XHacks was paramount to attract participants and sponsors alike.
Creating buzz and excitement around XHacks was paramount to attract participants and sponsors alike.
Creating buzz and excitement around XHacks was paramount to attract participants and sponsors alike.
A comprehensive promotion strategy was devised, encompassing social media campaigns, email newsletters, campus flyers, and targeted outreach to student organizations and design communities. Engaging content, including teaser videos, testimonials from past participants, and sneak peeks of workshops, was shared across various platforms to generate anticipation and drive registrations.
A comprehensive promotion strategy was devised, encompassing social media campaigns, email newsletters, campus flyers, and targeted outreach to student organizations and design communities. Engaging content, including teaser videos, testimonials from past participants, and sneak peeks of workshops, was shared across various platforms to generate anticipation and drive registrations.
A comprehensive promotion strategy was devised, encompassing social media campaigns, email newsletters, campus flyers, and targeted outreach to student organizations and design communities. Engaging content, including teaser videos, testimonials from past participants, and sneak peeks of workshops, was shared across various platforms to generate anticipation and drive registrations.
Thoughts + Reflection
Thoughts + Reflection
Thoughts + Reflection
Large scale projects
Large scale projects
Large scale projects
The overall planning and organization of XHacks 2023 was an immense project. From judges, students, professors, guest speakers, university staff, to team members behind the scenes, I am grateful to have had the chance to be a part of such a large initiative, to foster innovation, collaboration, and community at Carnegie Mellon.
The overall planning and organization of XHacks 2023 was an immense project. From judges, students, professors, guest speakers, university staff, to team members behind the scenes, I am grateful to have had the chance to be a part of such a large initiative, to foster innovation, collaboration, and community at Carnegie Mellon.
The overall planning and organization of XHacks 2023 was an immense project. From judges, students, professors, guest speakers, university staff, to team members behind the scenes, I am grateful to have had the chance to be a part of such a large initiative, to foster innovation, collaboration, and community at Carnegie Mellon.
Communications is critical
Communications is critical
Communications is critical
Working on this project has also taught me how crucial communication is, when working in interdisciplinary teams. On our team, we had other interns that were from a developer background and a researcher background. During the times where I wore the project leader hat, I noticed how critical it was for work to be shared to support quick iteration. We would not have been able to move as quickly as we did had it not been for our team’s flawless communication.
Working on this project has also taught me how crucial communication is, when working in interdisciplinary teams. On our team, we had other interns that were from a developer background and a researcher background. During the times where I wore the project leader hat, I noticed how critical it was for work to be shared to support quick iteration. We would not have been able to move as quickly as we did had it not been for our team’s flawless communication.
Working on this project has also taught me how crucial communication is, when working in interdisciplinary teams. On our team, we had other interns that were from a developer background and a researcher background. During the times where I wore the project leader hat, I noticed how critical it was for work to be shared to support quick iteration. We would not have been able to move as quickly as we did had it not been for our team’s flawless communication.
Democratizing design practices
Democratizing design practices
Democratizing design practices
As I continue to develop my craft and design values, I will remember this project for how it democratizes design. By establishing a foundation or even a platform for designers senior and junior designers together can build a knowledge bank that everyone can access. And to me, building tools that enable these futures are what excite me as a designer.
As I continue to develop my craft and design values, I will remember this project for how it democratizes design. By establishing a foundation or even a platform for designers senior and junior designers together can build a knowledge bank that everyone can access. And to me, building tools that enable these futures are what excite me as a designer.
As I continue to develop my craft and design values, I will remember this project for how it democratizes design. By establishing a foundation or even a platform for designers senior and junior designers together can build a knowledge bank that everyone can access. And to me, building tools that enable these futures are what excite me as a designer.
And here are some highlights of the event!
And here are some highlights of the event!
And here are some highlights of the event!
Keynote — "Design Innovation of AI products and services” by John Zimmerman
Sticker provided by Digital Ocean + Notion!
Sign In~
Me + VP of Innovation :)
Kickoff with Agenda from our President!
Club Mixer
Catering :0
Product @ CMU!
Design for America!
Business Technology Group!
Scotty Labs!
Team 4 - Let Me Do It for You
Team 6 - HASH
