Launch
Students will launch the project by exploring authentic examples of professional digital work, practicing core technology routines, and beginning the organizational systems and communication habits they will use throughout the term. They will interact with the school AP and IT team, compare digital tools for real tasks, create first-draft portfolio structures, and complete an early performance checkpoint that establishes readiness for deeper user research in the next phase.
Days 1 - 6
Define Design Brief
Students will turn empathy research into a clear, evidence-based design brief for a professional digital portfolio solution. They will synthesize patterns from user data, define target users and constraints, compare tool options, validate assumptions with the school AP or IT staff, and revise their brief through peer and stakeholder feedback before a milestone check.
Days 17 - 26
Prototype Test & Iterate
Students will build and test low-fidelity versions of their portfolio systems, communication artifacts, and workflow choices with peers and school-based users. They will use structured feedback, revise across two documented iteration cycles, and strengthen tool selection, collaboration, organization, and professional habits before moving into final polishing.
Days 37 - 45
Showcase
Students will exhibit their final digital portfolios and presentation packages for the school AP, IT staff, and peers; complete a professional skills performance task; use audience feedback to make final portfolio updates; and reflect on how their tool choices, communication, organization, and work habits developed across the project.
Days 55 - 60