Natalie's Coursework

Relevant Coursework

A sampling of undergraduate courses taken at Illinois Institute of Technology that were most relevant to my interests and goals.

Discussed the effects of emerging technology on individuals and groups, encompassing topics such as:
- Fear of missing out (FOMO)
- Online dating
- Privacy and surveillance
- Smart technology design
- Technological communication and empathy, language, and relationships
Read empirical articles and relevant literature
Prepared papers and presentations about topics relevant to psychology and technology
- Debate: presented the cons of online dating
- Research Paper: examined the psychological effects of video games

Discussed and evaluated social, societal, and ethical issues relating to the history of computers and technology
Prepared papers and presentations about topics in computing
- Paper: evaluated the themes and role of technology in the novel 1984
- Presentation: examined problems and possible solutions to topics relating to social psychology and computers
- Research Paper: provided a history of nomophobia, the fear of being without your cellphone, and discussed its societal impact

Discussed overt, covert, ethical, and unethical persuasion and propaganda and their influences on society and individuals
Prepared discussion responses for each class based on daily readings
Write a research paper
- I focused on persuasive web design and outlined how aesthetics, credibility, and usability are are used to persuade users to stay on and use sites
- I also went into less ethical design tactics, dark patterns, which include tricks such as hiding or burying "No" or "Delete Account" buttons, making confusing opt-in/opt-out selections for marketing emails, and disguising ads as content to garner clicks

Examined elements of worldbuilding, character design, and storytelling in relation to interactive mediums (e.g. video games)
Discussed how to utilize the affordances of different mediums to thoughtfully design interactive experiences
Cooperatively planed and produced a game about a historical event in Chicago using Twine
- Play my group's game about the Chicago's World Fair here

Thought of solutions to help people disconnect from technology and form healthier, balanced relationships with the tech in their life
Researched the culture and technological usage of major cities around the world and design a space for a specific city that allows people to get a break from technology
- Focusing on Tokyo, my group came up with ideas that could improve already-existing cat cafes to promote opportunities to disconnect and de-stress
Presented the result of the semester-long project at the IRPO day exhibit
- At the Spring 2018 IPRO day, my class won the Dean's Choice Award from the School of Architecture