Retrospective Reflection
Overview
This retrospective reflection synthesizes my growth as a designer by connecting the projects presented in this portfolio. Through revisiting each experience, I reflect on how my approach to storytelling, human-centered design, and creative problem-solving has evolved. This section highlights not only what I created, but how my mindset, process, and understanding of design have developed over time.
Who I Am as an Emerging Designer
I am a storyteller through design, someone who uses media, narrative, and user experience to create meaningful and engaging interactions. While my academic path began with an interest in web development and programming, my time in the Honors College helped me discover that design is not only about functionality, it is about purpose, communication, and human connection.
The Honors College prepared me for my future in three critical ways. First, it helped me develop my voice as a communicator and storyteller across different media, including video, design, and presentations. Second, it strengthened my ability to think critically and creatively, allowing me to approach problems from both technical and human-centered perspectives. Third, it gave me the confidence to explore interdisciplinary paths and define my own direction within UI/UX and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
Through my experiences, I learned that storytelling exists beyond traditional formats. It can be expressed through interfaces, visual design, and digital experiences. This realization shaped my identity as a designer who creates with intention.
“Humans are not ideally set up to understand logic; they are ideally set up to understand stories.” — Roger Schank
Growth from H200 to Now
When I first entered the Honors College, I approached my academic work with a mindset focused on completion rather than intention. My goal was to meet expectations, follow instructions, and build technical skills. At that stage, I saw my work primarily as a way to prove what I could do, not necessarily as a way to express ideas or create meaningful experiences.
Over time, that perspective began to shift. Through my Honors experiences, I was pushed to think more deeply about the purpose behind my work and the impact it could have on others. Instead of asking “Does this work?”, I began asking “What does this communicate?” and “How will this be experienced?”
A key turning point in this transformation was my Digital Storytelling course. This class helped me understand that every project, whether it is a video, a presentation, or a digital interface, has the potential to tell a story while still achieving its objective. It changed the way I approach design by showing me that functionality alone is not enough; meaning and experience are just as important.
As I progressed through the Honors College, I became more confident in exploring creative approaches and integrating storytelling into my work. I started to see my interests in media, photography, and video production not as separate from my academic path, but as essential parts of it. This shift allowed me to move from simply completing projects to intentionally designing experiences.
Looking back, my journey reflects a clear transition from focusing on technical execution to creating work with purpose, meaning, and human connection.
Artifacts & My Emerging Expertise
The artifacts in my ePortfolio represent the intersection of storytelling, design, and interaction, and together they define my emerging expertise in user-centered design.
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My documentary project, Food Around the World, demonstrates the Honors College goal of experiential and international learning. Through this project, I explored how storytelling can communicate culture and create emotional connections. Working in a real-world environment allowed me to develop skills in video production, narrative structure, and visual communication.
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My design process and philosophy demonstrate the Honors College goal of being an active participant in my intellectual experiences. In this work, I define my approach to design as a balance between usability and storytelling, focusing on creating meaningful, intentional user experiences rather than merely functional solutions.
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Finally, my Level Up Log Interactive Design demonstrates my growth through experiential and applied learning. Through game-based and interactive projects, I explored creativity, user interaction, and iteration. These experiences allowed me to experiment with design more dynamically, reinforcing my understanding of how users engage with digital environments.
Together, these artifacts illustrate how I have evolved from completing projects to designing experiences that integrate storytelling, interaction, and purpose.
A documentary exploring cultural storytelling through food and media.
My approach to user-centered design through storytelling and UX.
Exploring game design and interaction.
Alignment with Honors Learning Goals
My work demonstrates clear alignment with multiple Honors College learning goals.
I have been an active participant in my intellectual experiences by expanding assignments into opportunities for deeper exploration and aligning them with my personal interests.
I have engaged in experiential and international learning, particularly through storytelling, media, and design projects that allowed me to apply knowledge in real-world and cultural contexts.
I have also developed strong communication and problem-solving skills. Through presentations, design work, and media production, I learned to communicate ideas clearly and adapt to challenges creatively.
These experiences demonstrate that I have not only met, but also actively engaged with the Honors College learning goals.
Changing Perspectives
One of the most significant changes in my perspective has been how I understand the relationship between technology, design, and creativity. At the beginning of my academic journey, I viewed my path as primarily technical. Over time, I realized that my passion lies in combining structure with creativity—designing experiences that are both functional and meaningful. I also learned to see my interests in media, storytelling, and design as essential to my academic and professional development. This shift allowed me to redefine my identity as a designer who creates with purpose.
Preparation for My Future
My Honors experience has prepared me for my next step: specializing in UI/UX design through the Accelerated Master’s Program in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Through my work, I developed skills in storytelling, communication, and design thinking that are essential for creating user-centered experiences. I now approach design with a deeper understanding of how users interact with digital environments and how meaningful experiences are created. I feel confident in my ability to present ideas, collaborate with others, and adapt to new challenges. Most importantly, I have developed clarity in my direction and purpose as a designer.
Looking Forward
My journey in the Honors College has transformed how I approach learning, design, and my future career. What began as an interest in web development evolved into a deeper commitment to storytelling, design, and human-centered technology.
Through my experiences, I have learned that the most impactful work exists at the intersection of creativity, functionality, and purpose.