Athena Digital Design (ADDA) UX
Are you interested in using tech for social change and connecting with other students who want to do the same?
Athena Digital Design (ADDA) UX is a year-round community of practice at Athena facilitated by our Tech Expert in Residence for students interested in exploring UX design as a tool for social change. Members of this community have the opportunity to create or advance technological projects through a UX design lens guided by an expert facilitator.
Some coding experience is encouraged (but not necessary!) for participants of this community of practice. If you're interested in learning how to code in an ungraded, low-pressure environment, check out the Vagelos Computational Science Center!
Participants will receive a $100 stipend, a supportive community, dinner at each meet-up, and guidance from our expert facilitator.
Who Can Join:
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Barnard and Columbia students who are interested in using technology for good and are able to honor the commitment.
The Commitment:
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8 Wednesdays, from 6 - 8 pm at the Athena Center. Spring 2024 Dates: February 21, 28, March 6, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17
Interested? Sign up here by February 7 at 11:59 pm ET
Athena Digital Design UX is one of multiple communities of practice we offer at Athena. Communities of practice are groups of people who meet regularly to get better at something — here, changemaking. Read more about the other Communities of Practice we offer here.
Meet our Guest Expert!
Natalie Valcourt | Guest Expert
Natalie Valcourt is a dynamic and creative UX Designer based in Brooklyn, New York. Her passion lies in crafting exceptional user experiences that bridge the gap between everyday people and seamless technology. With a data-driven approach and expertise in visual, interaction, and game design, she creates memorable experiences that resonate with users and leave a lasting impression.
Natalie's most recent role involved collaborating with a remarkable team of designers, engineers, data analysts, and even neuroscientists on Aimlab. Aimlab is the top choice for e-sports professionals seeking to challenge themselves and test their skills against the best in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Athena Digital Design UX meets year-round. In Spring 2024, the community will meet once a week on 8 Wednesday evenings. In meetings, students create or advance tech projects with the help of our Expert-in-Residence. This includes chatting about everything from tech trends to how to approach a project partner and work effectively with them as students further their out-of school tech projects.
The community’s weekly meetings, held at the Athena Center on the 4th Floor of Milstein, provide space for technical and social support.
No coding experience is expressly required for our community of practice. But if you want to learn, check out other coding resources - such as the Vagelos Computational Science Center - and come back to us!
The ADDA community of practice is open to current Barnard and Columbia students who are interested in using technology for good and are able to honor the commitment.
Interested? Sign up here by February 7 at 11:59 pm ET
It’s possible your project isn’t completed by the end of the year — that’s fine! No matter where you are with it, you’ll be a part of our broader community and can access the Athena Center at any time. We’ll be here to offer continued guidance.