NU Media

Category

Web Development, Social Media Strategy

Industry

News, Blogs, Education

My Role

Web Developer, Social Media Strategist

Application Used

WordPress, Figma, Instagram

Project Overview
In 2021, Northeastern University Vice Provost David K. Park envisioned NU Media, a student-led digital media platform to foster connections within and beyond the university. As part of the five-member team, I contributed as a Web Designer, Web Developer, Writer, and Social Media Strategist. I helped design and develop the website prototype, maintained the platform, wrote blog content, and created social media campaigns to amplify Northeastern’s reach. Following a successful pilot presentation, NU Media received university funding, becoming a sustainable project that provided student job opportunities. I later served as the Community Relationship Manager, expanding the platform’s influence across Northeastern’s global campuses.
Visit the Website

Design Process

Problem Statement
Northeastern University produces a large volume of valuable content daily, but only a fraction is captured and shared effectively. NUMedia was envisioned as a student-run media agency to discover, curate, and amplify this content through innovative strategies and multi-channel distribution. The platform will provide students with hands-on experience in digital storytelling and media strategy, while increasing the university’s visibility across digital platforms, helping Northeastern expand its global reach.
User Research
To understand the goals, motivations, and behavior of our target audience when they search for information on journalism or news websites, we conducted a series of user research. Our objective was to identify the type of content that would engage our audience, as well as the most popular news channels and relevant topics they are interested in. The research methodology included affinity mapping, thematic analysis, and contextual interviews.
Affinity Mapping
Thematic Analysis
Features Definition
As part of the NU Media project, our team defined key features to meet the needs and motivations of our target users, based on user research and feedback. We identified three Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that would serve as the foundation for our platform.

MVP 1: Short Video
This feature was designed to provide users with a space to share their experiences and thoughts through short, engaging videos, responding to the users' demand for content that is quick and easy to consume.

MVP 2: Highlight Articles
We developed a space for faculty, students, and staff to share inspiring stories and receive recognition for their achievements. This feature highlighted remarkable projects, offering deeper insights into how the Northeastern community is making an impact.

MVP 3: Collaboration Form
To foster engagement and collaboration within the NU community, we created a form that allows users to contribute their ideas and share their voices. This feature enabled students, faculty, and alumni to share stories that are both personal and inspiring.
MVP 1
MVP 2
MVP 3
Mood Board
The mood board we designed for the NU Media project reflects a modern and engaging visual direction that aligns with Northeastern University’s identity and branding. We tried to incorporate elements that emphasize credibility, community, and the dynamic nature of news and media. With bold headlines, clear typography, and structured layouts, the platform should convey trustworthiness and professionalism.
Style Guideline
We crafted style guidelines to ensure a consistent, professional, and visually engaging experience across all digital platforms.
Logo Design
We sketched different NU Media logos while staying aligned with Northeastern University's branding. The final design balances modernity with clarity. The bold "M" symbol, paired with the "NU Media" text, creates a clear and recognizable mark that works across various digital and print formats. Using Red and Black, we ensured strong brand consistency.

We also developed multiple iterations, including variations for light and dark backgrounds, to ensure versatility across platforms.
Design Sketches
Final Design
Wireframes
We designed the wireframes that helped to visualize how the various components—such as article sections, video galleries, and user-uploaded content—would fit together within the overall design.
Home Page
About Us Page

Deliverables

Website
I worked alongside a talented UX designer and web developer to bring the NU Media website to life. This platform serves as the central hub for our project, showcasing a variety of media content and engaging users across the Northeastern community. I am extremely proud of this website, as it represents the foundation of our work in digital media and storytelling.

‍Please note: This project is currently paused due to staffing limitations. Some page components may not display due to expired elements.
Visit the Website
Articles
As part of my role, I occasionally contributed as a content writer for the website. One notable piece was a series of interviews I conducted following a virtual academic conference during the pandemic. Through this experience, I connected with a number of distinguished scholars and captured how the Northeastern community overcame the challenges of the pandemic to host an impactful, relationship-building academic exchange. This article highlights the strength of our community in times of adversity.
Read the Article
Social Media Account
Our team created and managed a social media account that I participated in and operated for over a year, producing content that captured the vibrant life on campus. I contributed many graphic and video assets for the our social media posts. Our goal was to connect with students, faculty, and staff, offering guides and support to help them navigate university life. Over this time, we gained more than 1,000 followers, and I take pride in knowing that our efforts helped amplify the voices of our community members and foster meaningful connections within and beyond Northeastern.
Visit Our Instagram

Reflections

The NUMedia project was my foundational experience as a web designer and web developer, marking the beginning of my journey into the world of digital media. From the very first kick-off meeting to the project’s launch, I was fully immersed in the process. This project highlighted for me the critical importance of teamwork, as collaborating with such a dedicated group made all the difference in bringing our vision to life.

Through this experience, I significantly expanded my digital skill set, from web development to social media content creation and project management. The successful launch of NUMedia not only provided job opportunities for many but also captured important moments within the Northeastern community, making a tangible impact. For me, this project was more than just a professional milestone—it was a deeply rewarding experience that shaped my approach to digital projects moving forward.

Other Works

LinkedIn