SynED: UX & Research ⎯ 2022

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education institutions faced a critical challenge: how to foster motivation, connection, and a sense of belonging in increasingly digital learning environments. The SynED project, part of the “EdTech for Social Change” track at Digital Society School, responded to this need by reimagining the online study experience for students at Hogeschool van Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam. The project aimed to enhance student engagement through the integration of emerging tools such as gamification, social media, and virtual reality into library services and academic support.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, we explored innovative, student-centered approaches to online learning. We conducted user research and co-designed prototypes using platforms like Gather.town, Mozilla Hubs, and Instagram filters—each selected for its potential to make learning more interactive, playful, and socially connected. Our goal was not to replicate traditional classrooms, but to design a new kind of digital campus where students could collaborate, stay motivated, and feel seen. SynED laid the foundation for future-ready educational spaces—hybrid, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of learners in a post-pandemic world.

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