Hackathon 3D Visual Design
Branding IvyHacks and Hack@Brown
Design Lead
Sep 2019 - Feb 2021
IvyHacks (8 designers), Hack@Brown (6 designers)
Overview
As the design lead for IvyHacks and Hack@Brown, I worked with talented students to create the hackathon's visual identity.
IvyHacks 2020
Theme: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers
Context
With millions of students stuck at home, 6 Ivy Leagues took this opportunity to co-host the ultimate virtual hackathon. In 4 days, IvyHacks welcomed 3000+ students around the world to unite and solve global problems using technology.
Problem
Solution
Outcome
3000+
participants
41%
first-time hackers
30K+
funding
Deliverables
As I was the most skilled in 3D software, I modeled all of the designs while helping others develop sketches.
Reflection
It was truly an astounding experience working with talented students from other schools. My biggest takeaways:
- Be ambitious with ideas, but scale down during execution. I overestimated the team's energy and time commitment, so we needed to simplify a lot of the designs in the end.
- Think ahead and "assembly line" simple social media posts. I made most of the 3D assets reusable pngs so the marketing members can easily create new posts.
- Big events are hard to manage. Even with a style guide, not all posts are perfectly coherent. Don't be too hard on yourself or the team - reinforce standards and aim to do better on the next iteration!
Weekly Zoom meetings
IvyHacks Gather.town
Hack@Brown 2020
Theme: Garage
Context
Hack@Brown is the annual hackathon run by Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design students. Through a friendly visual identity, we want to combat the stereotype of people going to hackathons only for the prize and not the learning experience.
Problem
Solution
Outcome
1500+
website clicks
500+
participants
10K+
funding
Deliverables
3 designers, including myself, were responsible for designing the registration pages and dashboard. Specifically, I was in charge of the registration’s UIUX and planned the motion graphics for each screen, myself animating the books falling.
Reflection
In the end, the hackathon was a success. It was a truly humbling experience and I loved my team! To improve our designs and brand awareness for next year, I will:
- Storyboard the user journey to improve UX flow
- Adapt 3D renderings onto products - tote bags, sweatshirts, etc.
- Identify goals to motivate the entire design process
If you are down here already, thanks for taking this journey with me! I would love to hear from you to talk more about my projects. Otherwise, thanks for reading!
Other Projects
