Using VR career try-outs and college simulations to support students at YMCA Academy🧑‍🎓🖥️

🚀Description

Join me - Han Nguyen, along with my team members in an insightful exploration of our strategic problem-solving journey at Sheridan College. As a Cyber Security Specialist, my collaboration with Interaction Design peers, and Industrial Design experts has yielded a unique and impactful solution to the challenge presented by the YMCA Academy.

👉 Introduction

In this presentation on December 13, 2023, we delve into the intricacies of addressing the transition challenges faced by students at YMCA Academy. Behind the project - Adrianna from Interaction Design, Zephyr Zhu from Game Design, Han Nguyen (me) in Cyber Security, and Yan Yu from Industrial Design joined our diverse skills to present a compelling solution.

🎯 The Challenge

Our journey begins with unraveling the complexities of supporting students with learning disabilities at YMCA Academy in their transition to post-secondary education. Through a meticulous examination of Support, College Aspirations, and Post-secondary Education, we lay the foundation for our innovative approach.

🔍 Understanding the Problem

We employ tools such as Fishbone Diagrams, interviews, and lived experiences to extract valuable insights. This data-driven approach allows us to refine our problem definition and set the stage for a solution that truly addresses the core issues.

🌟 Defining the Problem

As an Interaction Design specialist, I take pride in our team's ability to identify users, understand their needs, and craft a powerful "How Might We?" question. Our refined query, "How might we offer post-secondary information in an approachable, engaging, and meaningful way to guide students with college aspirations?" sets the tone for our solution.

🧠 Time to Ideate

Engage with our creative process as we employ various ideation methods, from worst ideas to brainwriting, mashup methods, and the summer-themed SCAMPER. Each tool contributes to a rich pool of potential solutions, demonstrating our commitment to a comprehensive approach.

🎓 The Solution

The pinnacle of our presentation is the unveiling of our groundbreaking solution - a College Application Process & Careers Simulation in a VR Environment. As an Interaction Design expert, my focus on user experience is evident in the detailed explanation of how this immersive experience addresses uncertainties, skill gaps, and engages students through interactive learning and role-playing

🛠️ Implementation & Supports

Dive deep into the details of our VR experience, from motivational sessions and personalized mentorship to an online community hub. As an Interaction designer, I emphasize the importance of our tech-driven approach to boost engagement and adaptability, ensuring a seamless user experience.

🌈 Prototype Storyboard

Picture this - a sneak peek into how students interact with our VR solution. From initial curiosity about future careers to a refined understanding of personal goals, it's a journey of self-discovery. Our solution, showcasing the intersection of technology and design thinking in creating a user-centric experience.

📊 Final Report & Recommendations

As we wrap up, our thorough data analysis, effective problem definition, and evidence of divergent and convergent thinking form the foundation of our pitch.

👩‍🏫 The professor's feedback

Acknowledging our amazing process, teamwork, creative solution, and effective use of brainstorming techniques, Professor Kasey Dunn awarded us an impressive 97.5% grade, which attests to the success of our approach. We have hit the mark of innovation, meeting the criteria of being novel, viable, desirable, feasible, and conducted with integrity.

Check out project documentation to see how the solution was shaped and evolved

👏 Final Words

Thank you for joining me on this ride! It's not just a project; it's a piece of my academic journey, a canvas where creativity meets problem-solving. This collaborative effort showcases not just a solution but a strategic and innovative problem-solving process that I am excited to bring to your attention as a future collaborator! Your support means the world. Let's keep innovating!

🌈🌐 #InnovativeProblemSolving #CreativeProblemSolving #PersonalProjectJourney #InteractionDesign #VRIntegration #FutureLeaders #YMCAChallenge 🌟