Using Technology to Lead Change

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At Athena, we’re not just interested in what aspiring and emerging changemakers produce while they’re here — we’re interested in the why and the how. Why does a particular challenge exist? How does it affect people? For students interested in using technology to drive change, in what ways might we use technology to tackle that challenge, and how can we tackle it with others, for maximum impact? In ADDA UX, students explore user design with the support of an experienced changemaker – and they do it through hands-on practice, from creating a personal art portfolio to informing the public about transit access.

This fall, Athena’s 2023-2024 Tech Expert-in-Residence Natalie Valcourt introduced members of the ADDA UX community of practice to user experience principles and strategy, teaching them how to use Figma, a UX design tool, where they built website prototypes — and giving them the support and space to practice how to do great user research, the key to great design. 

“While visual appeal is important, user research should take priority,” reflects Arianna Suarez ‘26, and Nithiya Meng ‘26, agrees. “User research creates social change, and Natalie taught us how to reflect the needs of our prospective users in our final product.” 

Anatta Tantiwongse’s ‘24 project focused on the placement and accessibility of reproductive health products on campus. She created a mapping system to assist students in accessing the products and information they seek. A research approach led to a better understanding of a potential user’s need for privacy. Annatta built a quick-exit tab for her website, so users could quickly change tabs if they felt uncomfortable researching sensitive topics like reproductive health in a public place. “I valued Natalie’s instruction on technical tools,” reflects Annatta. “Having an industry professional to introduce us to Figma was essential in understanding which features might be most relevant for our project and its impact.”

At ADDA UX, UX design is the process and product through which students deepen their changemaking process. Students build digital tools that solve a problem, and in turn, the design process helps them think through their approach. Do you have a challenge in mind and wonder how the design process would help you tackle it? Join ADDA UX – no coding experience necessary.