VALENCIA GRAPHICS APP
Connect, Create, Share.
Project Overview:
Over the years, the Valencia College Graphics program has explored various digital tools—blogs, Facebook groups, and Slack—to engage students outside the classroom. Now, we aim to develop an app that combines the best services to enhance student engagement beyond class
PROJECT SCOPE
This project focuses on developing an app to enhance engagement among students in the Valencia College Graphic Design program. The app is designed to foster community, encourage creative sharing, and support students outside the classroom environment.
As part of the development process, we conducted user surveys and research to understand student needs and preferences. Wireframing and prototyping helped us visualize the app’s structure and functionality, while user testing provided valuable feedback for refinement. Through this process, we gained insights into how students prefer to interact, what features they find most useful, and how to design an intuitive and engaging user experience tailored specifically to their academic and creative goals.
TARGET MARKET
PersonaS
The BookWARM
Name: Jeremy Smith
Age: 24
Occupation: Student, Barista
Bio: Jeremy is an aspiring graphic designer who blends artistic talent with strong academic dedication. He’s methodical, detail-oriented, and does things “by the book,” which often sets him apart from his peers. Whether he's tackling typography or mastering color theory, Jeremy approaches every challenge with determination and focus. However, his preference for working alone and his reserved nature have sometimes limited his participation in group projects or networking opportunities. Recently, he's made a conscious effort to step out of his comfort zone, recognizing the value of connecting with mentors and peers in the design field.
Brands: YouTube, Reddit, LinkedIn, Instagram, Valencia College resources
Pain Points: Struggles to define his own design style, Prefers learning from teachers over tutorials, finds coding difficult, has trouble finding professors who offer extra guidance
Goals & Motivations: Think more outside the box, continue building skills in the graphics program, connect with experienced mentors in the design world
The ARTIST
Name: Jada Williams
Age: 25
Occupation: Student, Artist
Bio: Jada is a driven and talented artist pursuing her passion for graphic design as a part-time college student. Now in her third year of study, she’s recognized by her professors for her creativity, attention to detail, and dedication to her craft. Always eager to improve, Jada constantly seeks new techniques to grow her design skills. Although confident working independently, she often finds it difficult to connect with her peers and struggles to collaborate in group settings. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to succeed in the field of graphic design and build a professional network.
Brands: Fiverr, Adobe, Canvas, Valencia College tools, Pinterest
Pain Points: Lacks constructive feedback on her portfolio, struggles to fully execute design ideas, feels overwhelmed by a heavy workload. unsure where to meet like-minded design students
Goals & Motivations: Become a freelance designer, graduate with her A.S. degree in Graphic Design, make meaningful connections with peers in the program
WHATS the mood
This moodboard blends creativity, usability, and a youthful aesthetic. The bold yet balanced color palette combines deep neutrals with bright accents like teal, coral, and mustard, creating a visually engaging and modern identity. The use of Montserrat typography adds a clean, professional tone, while the clear typographic hierarchy ensures readability. The app preview demonstrates how these styles translate into a functional design, showcasing elements like user-generated posts, comments, and interactive icons that foster a sense of community and collaboration.