SODA Open Day is an interactive virtual experience designed to introduce prospective students to Manchester Metropolitan University’s Web and UX Design course.
Through an illustrated digital environment, users can explore the SODA building, connect with lecturers and students, and experience university life from wherever they are.
University open days provide an opportunity to explore a campus, meet people and get a feel for student life. However, attending in person isn’t always possible.
Whether due to distance, travel costs or scheduling, prospective students can miss out on valuable experiences that help them make informed decisions.
The challenge was to rethink how an open day could work digitally, creating something more engaging and personal than a conventional information page or virtual tour.
Rather than simply recreating a physical space online, I wanted the experience to capture the social and interactive elements of attending an open day.
The concept allows prospective students to explore the SODA building, meet other attendees, chat with current students and lecturers, and participate in an online lecture.
The aim was to create an environment that felt welcoming, engaging and connected, giving users a genuine introduction to the course and its community.
Navigate an illustrated digital recreation of the SODA building.
Interact with lecturers, current students and fellow prospective students.
Take part in a virtual lecture and gain insight into the course.
The visual experience was a central part of SODA Open Day.
I created the illustrations and designed a 2D interpretation of the SODA building, using architectural references to translate a physical environment into an interactive digital space.
My focus was on making the environment visually engaging while keeping navigation and interactions intuitive.
Every illustrated element needed to contribute to an experience that felt approachable and enjoyable to explore.
SODA Open Day brings together campus exploration, course information and social interaction within one illustrated digital experience.
The final concept demonstrates how interactive design can make university experiences more accessible and engaging for prospective students who may not be able to attend in person.
The project allowed me to combine UX/UI, interaction design and illustration, strengthening my ability to create experiences that go beyond traditional website layouts.