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 a media-driven digital platform to foster and maintain relationships within and beyond the university. I was honored to be selected as part of the five-member team that developed NU Media, a modern media agency led by students. Our team created a website, social media accounts, and a wide range of media content, including blog posts, videos, and social media campaigns.

As the Web Designer, Web Developer, Writer, and Social Media Strategist, I contributed to the design and development of the website prototype, maintained and updated the platform, and created blog content. Additionally, I played a key role in creating and managing social media content to amplify Northeastern’s reach. After a successful pilot presentation, the university funded NU Media, turning it into a sustainable project that provided job opportunities to students. I continued working on the project as the Community Relationship Manager, connecting with Northeastern’s global campuses to further expand its influence.
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.
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
We 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. 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

Participating in the Husky Communications project at Northeastern University was a valuable experience that significantly enhanced my skills in web development and UX design. By engaging directly with WordPress to design and optimize the project’s website, I sharpened my technical abilities and gained practical insights into digital communication. This role allowed me to effectively connect academic learning with real-world applications. I am grateful for the opportunity provided by Northeastern University to apply my skills in such a dynamic environment and collaborative team, contributing meaningfully to a project that blends educational goals with practical outcomes.

Other Works

LinkedIn