It's the final countdown!
Can you believe we have less than 2 weeks of classes left? Till then, we wish you the best and hope you end the semester with a bang!
Hi Sparkies <3
Wow, we can’t believe how fast this semester has passed! As we start preparing for our final showcase (Save the date, it’s in 2 weeks!), we’ve been able to reflect on how much we’ve grown as designers and developers and cannot wait to share what we’ve been up to!
Now on our 4th newsletter edition, we’re so excited to see how much our community has grown and can’t wait to continue giving the latest tech and design news, opportunities, and events.
💙 Penn Spark
Spark Updates ⚡️
What have we been up to this semester?
This Saturday: Spark Design Panel!
We are hosting a virtual design panel this Saturday, 4/16 at 4PM on Zoom! The panel will feature three designers who will discuss their design journeys and work, provide advice for pursuing design, and answer any questions at the end.
Interested in attending? Head over to our Facebook page to learn more, RSVP, and share with your friends!
Tech & Design Updates 💡
The latest tech and design news that might ~spark~ your imagination and interest
Tech 💻
Toronto, the Quietly Booming Tech Town
For all the excitement around places like Austin and Miami, the biggest tech expansion has been in Canada’s largest city.
Spotify, the latest tech giant to support NFTs?
Spotify is planning to add non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and blockchain tech. It has planned its streaming service to add the NFT tech and wants to boost the earnings of its artists.
Anonymous: How hackers are trying to undermine Putin
The Anonymous hacktivist collective has been bombarding Russia with cyber-attacks since declaring "cyber war" on President Vladimir Putin in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine.
Design 🖋
The US Government Needs to Invest in Digital Design
Our nation’s failure to invest in information technology has severely limited our Covid response. A federal chief experience officer could change that.
A Quick Guide to UX Metrics
UX metrics are the indicators that show whether your product design strategy is working or not. They also allow you to track design changes over time and see how your product performs in dynamics.
The UX Implication of a Voting System
At the time of excessive digitalization, the old-fashioned voting systems with small papers are a plebiscite for the conservation of low tech.
Upcoming Events 📆
Upcoming hackathons, creative jams, conferences, and more to add to your calendar
Tech 💻
Creatica 2022, April 29 - May 1
New York City’s virtual, gender-focused hackathon. Creatica welcomes all in high school and college but is centered around supporting women and non-binary individuals in tech.
DragonHacks 2022, April 30 - May 1
DragonHacks is Drexel University's 24-hour hackathon which will be hosted by Drexel University IEEE in Spring 2022.
RU Hacks 2022, May 6 - 8
RU Hacks is Ryerson University’s student-run hackathon, an event open to anyone around the globe! Register for stellar workshops, events and mentorship opportunities, all hosted by a variety of incredible and diverse individuals.
Design 🖋
CONFIG Figma Design Conference, May 10-11
Config is Figma’s annual conference where users come together to learn from each other. This year, it’ll take place virtually over a 24 hour period.
Innovation in UX/UI Design Conference 2022, May 13
Ideate Labs is hosting a design conference to discuss freelance, entrepreneurship, UX research, pivoting in UX, UI, diversity and inclusion
Virtua11y, May 17-19
Virtua11y brings the leading thinkers and doers in accessibility and digital inclusion to share best practice, the latest thinking and what the future holds for accessibility. Expect talks, panel discussions, workshops and interviews that you can enjoy for free.
Job Board 🤓
Tech and design positions tailored to college students like you <3