Humanities and Social Science Program

Platform Strategy, UX Design, and Digital Innovation: Analyzing Systems through a Professional Lens

Faculty Advisor: Associate Professor, Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota

Research Program Introduction

Have you ever wondered why some apps keep you coming back, or how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or online learning tools are designed to guide your experience?

This program offers students the opportunity to deconstruct digital platforms from the perspective of a strategist and designer. Rather than focusing solely on theory, students step into the role of platform analysts and consultants to learn how global products manage complex workflows, structure information architecture, and shape user behavior.

Over the course of the program, students will build skills in user experience (UX) analysis and digital design while examining core concepts like gamification and the emerging use of AI in digital systems.

Project Topics for Final Projects:

  • The ways digital platforms leverage gamification to increase long-term user motivation.

  • The strategic role of AI in enabling real-time personalization and enhancing individualized learning pathways.

  • Redesigning navigation systems and information hierarchy to impact interaction efficiency.

  • Analyzing the impact of psychological incentives and behavioral design on student productivity within educational ecosystems.

  • A process redesign approach to reducing user friction and improving operational usability in complex administrative systems.

  • How the integration of Generative AI and mobile-first design fundamentally redefines platform effectiveness and user outcomes.

  • Or any other topics that you see fit and your Faculty Advisor approves after your discussion with him

Program Detail

  • Cohort size: 3 to 6 students

  • Workload: Around 4 to 5 hours per week (including class and homework time)

  • Target students: 9-12th grade students interested in business, technology, UX/UI design, digital media, marketing, entrepreneurship, or data-driven strategy. Students from other fields interested in trying out this new project area are welcome to join too!

  • Schedule: TBD. Meetings will take place for around one hour per week, with a weekly meeting day and time to be determined a few weeks before the class start date.