Author Archive: Student User

Native Bound-Unbound

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Native Bound Unbound (NBU) a nonprofit organization based in New Mexico is dedicated to uncovering and preserving the untold stories of Indigenous peoples across the Americas. Traveling globally, the team collects artifacts and oral histories to document these hidden narratives. Their primary goal is to create a centralized digital repository that highlights the lives and experiences of enslaved Indigenous peoples, bridging gaps in American history and making these stories more accessible.

To expand its mission, NBU has partnered with StoryCorps, a non-profit organization renowned for recording and sharing personal stories from Americans. Together, they conduct interviews with participants who volunteer to share their family histories and lived experiences.

This year, Emerging Media, Design, and Development (EMDD) second-year project team has joined forces with NBU. Under the guidance of Dr. Kevin Moloney, students Blake Chapman, Angelica Gonzalez Morales, Kelsey Nethercutt, Toyosi Ogunsola, and Sydney Peters have been working to amplify NBU’s mission through digital and transmedia storytelling.

“Our goal is to help elevate these stories to a new level.” explains team leader Angelica Gonzales Morales. “The biggest challenge that they’ve shared with us is that these stories have not been accessible, and also it’s been difficult to gather them because there’s so much limited history on it.” The project team has collaborated directly with Native Bound Unbound Director Estévan Rael-Gálvez and Executive Assistant Weston Archuleta to enhance the organization’s storytelling efforts. Their work has included developing a social media guidebook to strengthen NBU’s online presence. The guidebook incorporates research on algorithms, audience demographics, and platform-specific strategies to create tailored content. The team has laid the foundation for a more impactful digital presence by focusing on visual cohesion and engaging storytelling. They’ve even explored how AI tools can streamline tasks like writing captions, allowing more time for storytelling.

Connect with Native Bound/Unbound on social media: Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter)

As the fall semester concludes, the team is shifting its focus to the next phase: building an immersive digital experience for the NBU website. The project aims to include digitized artifacts, interactive elements, and innovative features like 8D audio to fully engage listeners. Inspired by StoryCorps, the team hopes to incorporate interviews and personal narratives into this digital space, creating a rich, accessible, resource for individuals, artists, and scholars interested in these histories.

Follow EMDD social media for more updates on this project throughout the academic year!

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Connecting Through Usability: A Student Story by Toyosi Ogunsola

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I attended the Indiana User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA) conference on November 15th, and it was an incredibly enriching experience. Presenting my research poster, interacting with UX professionals and researchers, and listening to engaging lectures made the day both exciting and insightful.

I presented my research titled Beyond Likes: How Personality Traits Predict Saving Behavior on Instagram. This study, which I began earlier this semester, stemmed from my interest in self-presentation behaviors—specifically how personality traits influence interactions within digital media. The particular idea explored in the study was sparked by a class conversation with a peer who tried to show me a saved post on Instagram but struggled to find it in the heap of his saved collection. This made me wonder: could there be a link between personality types and how individuals save posts on Instagram?

Over the semester, I started working on this research and although I am supposed to work on the thesis over the cause of two semesters, when I was informed about the conference, I had to dedicate more time to it to make sure I had results to present at the conference. At the conference, my poster prompted engaging conversations. Attendees were curious about the broader implications of the study, the research influences, and potential areas to explore further. Many raised insightful questions about patterns, methodologies, the rationale behind certain choices in the study design with many pulling up their collections and counting them right at the poster stand to confirm the results. Some attendees openly shared their saving habits and how they perceive them collections. Interestingly, much of the feedback touched on areas I have data on but haven’t yet analyzed. The highlight of the experience was when a member of the association approached me to express interest in seeing the full findings of my research once the final analysis is complete and invited me to return to present it. Some attendees also connected with me to see updates on the study as it progresses.

Overall, the experience was invaluable, and I’m deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received along the way. A huge thanks to Dr. Fisher for guiding my research efforts and helping me stay focused under a tight timeline. I’m also immensely thankful to the Center for Emerging Media Design and Development for not only informing me about this opportunity (special thanks to Matt Lowe!) but also taking care of the conference tickets. Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to Shiri and the UXPA team for giving me this incredible platform to share my work.

Student Journey: Edwine Pierre Louis

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Edwine Pierre Louis lives in Jacksonville, Florida, and is a graduate student in the Emerging Media Design and Development low-res program. EMDD low-res students attend a four-day workshop at the beginning of each semester and the rest of their coursework is delivered online. Edwine is an Associate, Sales Strategy and Support Analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Whenever I mention that I’ve traveled from Jacksonville, FL, I’m often asked, “Why Ball State University?” My response is actually, “Why EMDD?” The EMDD program was something I didn’t even know existed. I was considering pursuing three separate graduate degrees to gain a comprehensive understanding of human-computer interaction, design thinking, transmedia narrative, and design execution. To my astonishment, EMDD encompassed all of these areas. Even as an out-of-state student, the components of this degree are set to shave years off my educational journey.

Regarding my experience with the low-res, in-person component—I have spent my entire life intentionally avoiding the snow, yet the weather ensured that I encountered plenty of it. Despite this, the atmosphere was incredibly conducive to learning. It gave me a clear expectation of what I would be studying in those two classes. Additionally, from my perspective as a distant learner, the setting helped to diminish any proximity bias.

Get to know Edwine:

What are you passionate about?

  • Learning – Science, Technology, Art
  • Understanding – Listen to understand not to respond
  • Social justice – Equitable treatment and opportunity

What is your ideal culture?

A place where everyone can belong and is celebrated, inconvenient truths, and past injustices are recognized and amended. Somewhere that failure is part of the learning journey.

Favorite Things

  • Landscape Photography
  • Podcasts
  • UX/UI Design
  • Documentaries
  • Reading
  • Remote Control Cars
  • Gardening
  • Weightlifting

Favorite Quote

“If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive.” ― Audre Lorde

Fun Facts

I am a published photographer for minor league baseball from two years interning with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. I am also a skilled jib camera operator, a field that unfortunately has very few women.

Want to know more about Edwine’s journey and our other EMDD projects? Follow EMDD on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Visit our Ball State University webpage for more information on how to join the EMDD program.

Growing by Design: EMDD visits the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse

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Dr. Tong Li’s EMDD 650 course, Interactive Media Design and Development, has spent the beginning of this semester working with Erica Oliver at Ball State’s Rinard Orchid Greenhouse to create new ways that patrons might engage with this space.

EMDD students examined the greenhouse and worked to brainstorm, research, prototype, and present their ideas for ways that the greenhouse may find opportunities to better engage with their visitors, Ball State students, and the Muncie Community.

“As a professor, I appreciate this collaboration opportunity with Greenhouse and the support from Greenhouse coordinator Erica Oliver for EMDD students. I am also impressed by the innovative ideas generated by our students. They are great!“

Dr. Tong Li

Students use design thinking methods to develop new ideas for their prototypes. They then presented their ideas to Erica Oliver to test their prototypes and get feedback for the next iterations of their designs. Apps, websites, interactive spaces, and practical innovations were all part of the prototypes on display. By presenting to and engaging with their client, students learned the possibilities of their prototypes becoming a reality.

“The students asked great questions during our tour about the plants and animals here at our facility, and how we communicate information to our visitors through signage, social media, and in-person engagement. Following the tour, the students presented their prototype ideas with me. The students were very animated and excited about their prototypes, with a clear interest in creating a project with a purpose. I was very impressed by their attention to detail in the cardboard models of apps and websites they created, that gave it a very real feel. Their ideas are creative, engaging, and I think will really benefit the community members who get to use the final products. I look forward to seeing the next stage of their project when they return to the Greenhouse ready for the trial stage with the community.“

Erica Oliver, Environmental Educational Program Coordinator, Rinard Orchid Greenhouse

Want to know more about this and other EMDD projects? Follow EMDD on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Visit our Ball State University webpage for more information on how to join the EMDD program.

Student Journey: Gabe Eastridge

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“There isn’t just knowledge but a visual and physical atmosphere of excitement to learn challenging technology and concepts.”

About Gabe

Gabe Eastridge graduated from the University of Indianapolis in May of 2023. He started EMDD in the fall of 2023. A creative designer, he went to school for Graphic Design and hopes to pursue that in sports. He enjoys art and visual media, which inspired him to pick up a camera and join the yearbook during high school. He loves taking documentary/street-style photos and enjoys shooting sports. He hopes to keep learning new software and using the projects in EMDD to grow his design skills, along with the understanding of storytelling to enhance his photography and video skills. Visit his portfolio here: eastridgephotoz.myportfolio.com

Thoughts on the EMMD Spring Workshop

I just attended my second set of EMDD low-res in-person classes. The first semester in the fall was a bit daunting as I had recently graduated that previous spring and decided to start my master’s, and I wasn’t sure what would be required of this higher program.

I quickly found out that the professors, Drs. Moloney and Fisher were very outgoing and excited to teach the classes. With a lot of banter back and forth and everyone getting to know one another, I was eased into this new adventure of education. I found I had similar interests and knowledge of areas that piqued the two different professors’ interest, and when brought up, it was noticeable that I had piqued their interest. They were quick to open up and start discussing the topics of AI, photography, design, varying media platforms, etc. Seeing their excitement, wealth of knowledge, and desire for discourse, I was drawn in. It’s hard to explain, but I haven’t had anything like this before in my undergrad classes. There isn’t just knowledge but a visual and physical atmosphere of excitement to learn challenging technology and concepts. They do excellent jobs pulling you in and continuously engaging. 

I say all that because those ideas remain true and are why I enjoy the EMDD program. We took an exciting trip to an escape room during this last in-person session. We were briefed on what to consider during this experience. It was also super interesting because, in the previous session, we visited the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and spent a day exploring and analyzing the exhibits. This was a whole new story of engagement, and instead of just watching, you were a major piece in solving the puzzle. It was a great way to engage ideas of gamification concepts, storytelling, critical thinking, and overall design concepts. With this experience under our belt, we dove quickly into lectures and content that we will be working on for the rest of the semester.

Of course, just like the professors, the lectures are engaging and filled with funny moments, clips/imagery from real-world media, and concepts that help tell the narrative of the concepts. It was always enjoyable to see tidbits of fun during lectures as an undergrad, but these take a whole new level. They keep your attention, and I take mental notes because the content sticks with me. I am very visual and hands-on, and the way they teach works well for me. In one class, we focused more on jumping into software and starting the development process. We faced various challenges, and both professors were ready to add their problem-solving methods. They had broken us into two groups for the escape room and this short project. The two teams were the same for both events, which helped in the bonding process and the complexities of software. Having multiple minds on the topics helps solve the problems much quicker. I enjoy these short moments when we all meet in person. I love the professors and look forward to seeing them next time we meet.

Would you like to join Gabe on his journey? Follow EMDD on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Visit our Ball State University webpage for more information or to join our program.

Student Journey: Jo Beth Bootz

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“The right stories can open our hearts and change who we are.”

Janet Murray

About Jo Beth

Jo Beth Bootz is the Media Communications and Broadcasting Program Instructor at the Southern Indiana Career & Technical Center in Evansville. She embarked on her media journey during high school with a focus on radio broadcasting during her senior year as part of the Career and Technical Education program through the EVSC. Building on this foundation, Jo Beth pursued her passion at Indiana University, earning a degree in Telecommunications and Communication and Culture.

Throughout her college years, Jo Beth demonstrated her dedication to media by collaborating with the IU Office of Communications and Marketing. She produced a syndicated program for high school radio stations in Indiana and gained valuable experience through a summer internship in video production with KSTN in Seattle, Washington. Jo Beth earned a prestigious summer fellowship from the International Radio and Television Society after graduation. This opportunity led her to New York, where she interned with the Sesame Workshop, contributing to home video production for Sesame Street.

In her professional career, Jo Beth worked in marketing communications with Windstream Communications, Youth Resources of Southwestern Indiana, Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, and Macaroni Kid National. In 2020, Jo Beth transitioned to education, channeling her passion for media to inspire the next generation. Despite her diverse experiences, she circled back to the program and radio station where she started as a high school student. In addition to her full-time role, Jo Beth engages in freelance projects focusing on marketing communications and provides voice-over services to clients regionally and nationally. Her work can be heard on iHeartRadio’s iRead2Know literacy station.

Jo Beth is in her second semester of the Emerging Media Design and Development program.

Thoughts on the EMMD Spring Workshop

As a low-res student, the journey to Indianapolis combines excitement, anticipation, and genuine education alongside fellow professionals. In online learning, our weeks are often consumed by work, family, friends, and extracurricular activities. However, Ball State’s four-day workshop for EMDD at the beginning of each semester, where professionals convene, serves as a welcoming gateway, fostering connections with the curriculum and peers in the cohort.

The workshop became an immediate hub for bonding, featuring Dr. Maloney’s engaging stoke activities, an escape room challenge set to the backdrop of 80’s music and cars, and Dr. Fisher’s commitment to teaching a new system for crafting interactive digital experiences. Discussions traversed diverse topics, from Star Wars to Westworld, exploring storytelling models from Freytag, Kishotenketsu, and Vonnegut, and embracing Janet Murray as our personal Godmother of IDN. The exchange of knowledge and ideas during these sessions was unparalleled.

The workshop concluded with a creative challenge amid discussions, lectures, and group activities. Teams drew on their love and understanding of impactful storytelling, combining it with the structure of digital narrative using Unity for the first time. And boy, was that a challenge! Drawing inspiration from our escape room experience, two teams “competed,” weaving narratives featuring a casino mob boss to a spooky treasure hunt complete with a haunted mansion—all constructed within a text-based experience, challenging our storytelling and programming skills. Undoubtedly, each of us embarked on a Hero’s journey from Wednesday through Saturday, initiating or continuing our education journey with the EMDD family.

Would you like to join Jo Beth on her journey? Follow EMDD on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Visit our Ball State University webpage for more information or to join our program.