By: Audrey Waggoner '21Previously in this blog series, we went over the background information about how human-centered design functions. In this installment, we will be learning how and why the EMC decided to implement human-centered design in our workflow here, and what kind of things we’ve done using the process.The EMC decided to implement human-centered design because the ideas and methodologies associated with it are really effective for organizations and services, and it provides… Read More

By: Audrey Waggoner, '21Human-centered design is both a methodology and a mindset. As a methodology, it gives people the tools to create innovative and practical solutions to complex problems. As a mindset, it encourages would-be designers to identify with the people they are trying to help and emphasizes the importance of research and collaboration.The human-centered design process consists of three core stages: inspiration, ideation, and implementation.Inspiration is an essenti… Read More

By: Audrey Waggoner '21Last week, one of the Emergent Media Center’s (EMC) projects was shown at the Toronto Kids Digital Festival! This is a new festival devoted to inspiring creativity in people of all ages. It features interactive installations, games, and workshops created by international artists, and focuses on displaying work that creatively integrates cutting-edge research and technology with kid-friendly art and design. The festival hopes to open minds up to the limitless possibilit… Read More

By: Audrey Waggoner '21In late February, the EMC held its first Cross-Team Critique of the new year. The Cross-Team Critique is a time when the teams at the EMC converge, share their projects, and discuss their successes, struggles, and next steps with the group. Once everyone gets caught up, the forum is open for feedback so the teams can receive critique and encouragement. This process accomplishes two goals at once: it keeps everyone at the EMC up-to-date on the many projects going on, an… Read More

By: Audrey Waggoner '21The EMC has partnered with the Heritage Winooski Mill Museum for our Spring 2019 Design Challenge. The team consists of Champlain College students coming from a diverse range of majors, from Communications to Game Programming to Filmmaking. The museum is a unique space in the old Champlain Mill that overlooks the Winooski River. It highlights the history of the textile industry in Vermont and tries to connect past events to modern-day issues.This year the team is e… Read More

By: Alexis Dunn '19This Summer, Julia Swift joined the Emergent Media Center (EMC) as a faculty consultant to work with a team of students on a brand new 360 degree VR film experience. She created a prototype with the student staff that was debuted on the first night of the South End Art Hop.  Julia is a highly regarded film professor at Champlain College. As well as her position as an assistant film professor, she has written, directed, and edited for film and TV over the course of her very… Read More

By: Alexis Dunn '19Silent Connections is a 360 video experience using virtual reality technology (VR) to allow the user to see what it’s like to live life in someone else’s shoes. The user takes on the role of Alex, a student, friend, child, nature enthusiast, and a deaf person. The experience was created by a team of Summer student hires and their goal for this prototype is to evoke empathy within the user. As well as, dispel any potential biases, make connections, and encourage effective i… Read More