A collection of creativity 
highlights of my making process through mini-projects, designs, technology, or systems
TESTING WITH CARDBOARD
In a project focused on enhancing the museum visitor experience, my team and I worked to research and design a tablet application. We took paper prototyping to a new level, creating wireframed screens on paper and a cardboard tablet to test with. Using paper, cardboard, glue, and various art supplies, we pulled together a usability testing device. In our testing sessions, we designed a small room with printed-out art on the walls to mimic walking through a museum. The final project can be viewed here.
User Centered Design coursework supplement, Winter 2019.
DESIGN FOR TRAVEL
With many allergens, traveling often means trying new foods, restaurants, or cafes. To ensure that I stay safe during my adventures, I researched common allergen card layouts, language, and colors. I designed this set of cards with illustrations and translatable text to fit on a 3 by 5 notecard. For each upcoming travel, I can easily print out a newly translated version.
Individual project, 2022
DESIGNING FOR DOG HEALTH
In the first year of owning a dog, I realized how important it was to keep track of their healthcare. Frequent visits to the vet and handling a large stack of paperwork motivated this project. I surveyed pet owners in my community and sought to understand the most common needs for pet healthcare tracking. The result is a designed mobile application, envisioning how data can be shared between veterinary clinics and pet owners through a simple QR code.
Individual project, 2023
CO-DESIGNING TACTILE INTERACTIONS
Tasked with improving the dynamic grid background of the Lucidspark whiteboard, I worked closely with an engineer to build this co-design panel. Each toggle allowed us to change how interactions felt. In this example, adjusting the 'grid snapping' makes the objects more sticky to each dot on the canvas when toggled on. In user interviews, I guided participants through this panel, configuring settings to find their perfect fit. The findings from this study were then implemented to create the intelligent dot grid for Lucidspark.
Lucidspark team, Fall 2021
MODELING, SURFACING, & LIGHTING IN 3D
Within the University of Washington Animation Research Labs, I practiced my skills in CAD. I worked on 3D modeling, surfacing, lighting, and visual effects. Through this coursework, I learned and practiced skills that I utilized while working on the 3D animated short film, Taking Flight.
Animation Research Labs individual coursework, 2019
CONSTRUCTING COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
I designed a new system for our team's design and engineering communication. I sought to involve the engineers on my team in understanding the 'why' of the current work we took on. This format for presenting design work provided space to share research insights, problem spaces, and ideas for improvement. As an added bonus, this new system brought our team to new levels of collaboration.
Lucidspark individual project, Fall 2021
DESIGNING CURRICULUM
I explored how kinesthetic movement and tactile exploration could encourage students to explore STEM fields. Building this curriculum, we choreographed dance movements to mimic code blocks and set up art sessions using programmable LED lights. Our goal was to answer the question: How might we engage middle schoolers with both creativity and technology?
Dance + STEM outreach, Fall 2018
CODING A HOME PAGE
As I built up my coding skills in React, Javascript, and HTML/CSS, I created a landing page to host my daily to-do list. In this project, I worked with the Material Design system from Google and Lottie animations.
Web Technologies individual coursework, Winter 2020
CREATING AN API-BASED APP
In this project, I explored designing with the Spotify API. My team and I worked to create a web app to generate running playlists based on your estimated stride, suggested seed songs, and length of workout. Once generated, this playlist is automatically added to your connected account and can be referenced. The final app can be seen here.
Interactive systems design coursework team project, Fall 2019
MAPPING MY DESIGN SIGNATURE
I participated in the Dear Design research group in HCDE. Much like the Dear Data book, this group looked to reflect on our day-to-day design processes. This particular postcard is a representation of what I hope my ideal design process will look like. Although it starts broad, each of the points of my design process narrows to the final solution (as represented by the colored lines). My postcards are now showcased through the continued work of Design Signatures and are on display at the University of Washington.
Dear Design individual reflections, Winter 2020
SKETCHING CONCEPTS
Throughout all my work, I find that the best way to convey a concept is through a rough rendering. My quick sketches are a window into my early concepts, novel ideas, and problem-solving process.
Individual sketches, various years
Long story short, I design creative and purposeful solutions.
If you're looking to create exciting work with me, find me at heyvishaka@gmail.com