Basic HTML: Page Structure, Text, Images. Introduction to CSS for Styling and Layout

Students learn the foundations of web development: HTML for structure and CSS for design. They build the skeleton of a webpage using HTML and bring it to life with color, fonts, and layout through CSS.

HTML Fundamentals

• HTML tags for structure: headings, paragraphs, links, images
• Semantic HTML and accessibility best practices
• Building a personalized introduction webpage

CSS Styling

• How CSS controls visual presentation
• Customizing fonts, colors, backgrounds, and layouts
• Understanding the difference between content (HTML) and style (CSS)

Building an Interactive Web Page or Simple Game Interface

Students transition from static coding into interactive design. Using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, they create webpages or simple game interfaces that respond to user actions such as clicks, key presses, or mouse movement.

Interactive Elements

• Linking JavaScript with HTML and CSS
• Creating clickable buttons and interactive elements
• Implementing score counters or moving objects
• Building basic game interfaces (click games, matching games, scoreboards)

Digital Asset Integration (Art, Sounds), User Input

Students learn to incorporate digital assets — images, sounds, and custom artwork — into their projects. They also capture user input, allowing games to respond to clicks, key presses, or other interactions.

Skills Covered

• Importing and displaying images, graphics, and sounds
• Writing code to play sounds and animate objects
• Capturing user input (mouse clicks, keyboard events)
• File management and asset organization

Team "Vibe Coding" Exercise and Real-Time Feedback

Students engage in a group "vibe coding" activity, coding together in teams to build small interactive projects. The focus is on experimentation, improvisation, and learning from each other with immediate feedback.

Collaborative Experience

• Work in teams to build interactive demos or mini-games
• Share roles: designer, coder, tester, presenter
• Apply real-time feedback from peers and facilitators
• Learn iterative design through testing and improvement

Introduction to JavaScript: Variables, Functions, Events

Students learn how variables store information, how functions organize and reuse code, and how events allow webpages and games to respond to user actions. These core concepts provide the foundation to create interactive experiences.

JavaScript Fundamentals

• Variables as "containers" for storing data (scores, names, states)
• Functions as reusable code blocks for tasks
• Event listeners to detect clicks, key presses, and interactions
• Building small interactive demos that respond dynamically

Adding Interactivity to Games (Controls, Scoring, Feedback)

Students make their projects behave like real games by adding player controls, tracking scores, and providing feedback. These elements transform simple webpages into dynamic and engaging games.

Game Mechanics

• Implementing player controls (arrow keys, spacebar, mouse clicks)
• Creating scoring systems that update in real time
• Providing visual feedback (color changes, animations)
• Adding audio feedback (success sounds, error cues)
• Designing interactive game loops where input leads to changes

Bringing It Together: Each Participant Completes a Playable Browser Game

The culmination of Phase 1 where students integrate everything they've learned into a complete project. Each participant builds a small, fully functional browser game demonstrating their creativity, problem-solving, and coding skills.

Final Project

• Combine HTML, CSS, and JavaScript into one coherent project
• Apply game design principles (rules, goals, scoring, feedback)
• Personalize games with unique themes, assets, and mechanics
• Learn basic debugging and problem-solving
• Share finished, playable projects with peers for testing

Project Sharing on GitHub, Digital Portfolios, and Peer Critique

Students learn to use GitHub to publish and store their projects, build a simple digital portfolio to showcase their creations, and participate in peer critiques to develop constructive feedback skills.

Professional Skills

• Upload and share completed games on GitHub
• Introduction to version control basics
• Create and organize digital portfolios
• Participate in structured peer critique sessions
• Reflect on work and identify strengths and areas for improvement

Building Interactive Scenes

This session focuses on bringing Unity projects to life by designing game mechanics and using C# scripting to control them. Students build scenes by adding objects, applying physics, and making them interactive through code.

Scene Construction

• Creating functional Unity scenes with 2D/3D objects
• Adding platforms, characters, obstacles, and environmental elements
• Applying physics properties: gravity, collisions, rigid bodies
• Observing how objects interact realistically
• Understanding foundations of game mechanics and rules

Advanced C# Scripting

Students take a deeper dive into C# to program player movement, user controls, and game states. They learn how code structures the player's experience from start to finish.

Core Programming Concepts

• Character movement: left/right with arrow keys, jumping with spacebar
• User input detection and response systems
• Game states: start screens, play mode, game over
• Resetting gameplay when hitting obstacles or losing
• Structuring code for clear gameplay flow

Collision & Scoring Systems

Understanding how to implement core game mechanics like collision detection, scoring systems, and win/loss conditions that drive engaging gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics

• Detecting collisions between game objects
• Implementing scoring and point systems
• Creating win and loss conditions
• Triggering events based on player actions
• Balancing difficulty and challenge

Team Collaboration & Version Control

Students work in small teams to extend their projects, learning collaborative development practices that mirror professional game studios.

Collaborative Skills

• Working in teams with assigned roles: coder, designer, tester
• Introduction to version control basics and why developers use it
• Learning to track changes and collaborate without conflicts
• Saving, committing, and sharing project files effectively
• Understanding real-world professional workflows

Session Outcomes

• Functional Unity game with interactive mechanics
• Working physics system with realistic object interactions
• Scripts controlling movement, inputs, and game states
• Experience with team development and collaboration
• Understanding of version control principles

Game Polish & User Interface

This session emphasizes refinement, testing, and iteration - essential skills for turning a working prototype into a polished, engaging game. Students enhance their projects with professional UI elements, sound, and visual effects.

UI Enhancement

• Creating start menus, pause screens, and game over displays
• Adding score counters, health bars, and progress indicators
• Designing buttons and interactive UI elements
• Understanding UI/UX principles for games
• Making games accessible and easy to understand

Sound & Visual Effects

Integration of audio and visual elements that enhance player experience and make games feel professional and complete.

Audio Integration

• Adding sound effects for jumps, collisions, and interactions
• Implementing background music and ambient sounds
• Understanding audio timing and triggers

Visual Polish

• Adjusting lighting for mood and atmosphere
• Applying textures and materials to objects
• Adding particle effects for impacts and special events
• Creating visual feedback for player actions

Debugging & Troubleshooting

Developing problem-solving skills through systematic debugging. Students learn to view troubleshooting as an essential creative process rather than frustration.

Debugging Strategies

• Using Unity Console window to track errors
• Reading and understanding debugging logs
• Fixing common issues: broken scripts, misplaced assets, physics bugs
• Systematic approach to identifying problems
• Testing and validating fixes

Peer Playtesting & Iteration

Students share their games with classmates and mentors, learning the principle of iteration: games become better through cycles of feedback and refinement.

Testing Process

• Facilitating peer playtesting sessions
• Giving and receiving constructive feedback
• Focusing on gameplay, mechanics, and enjoyment
• Professional mentor insights and guidance

Iterative Improvement

• Understanding iteration as ongoing creative process
• Making quick improvements based on testing
• Balancing difficulty and adjusting controls
• Enhancing clarity and player understanding
• Refining mechanics for better experience

Session Outcomes

• Polished games with professional UI elements
• Integrated sound effects and visual polish
• Experience with systematic debugging
• Understanding of iterative design process
• Games ready for public showcase

Exporting & Publishing

This session equips students with skills to share their Unity creations beyond the classroom. They learn to export projects for different platforms and publish them for the world to experience.

Platform Deployment

• Building projects for WebGL (browser-based play)
• Creating desktop applications for Windows/Mac
• Testing builds on different devices
• Understanding platform-specific requirements
• Optimizing for performance and file size
• Sharing games with friends, family, and wider audiences

Digital Portfolio Development

Students learn that portfolios are curated stories of growth and creativity, not just collections of files. They document their work professionally for future opportunities.

Portfolio Components

• Taking compelling screenshots and recording gameplay clips
• Writing descriptions explaining design choices and coding contributions
• Reflecting on learning journey: challenges faced and solutions found
• Organizing work for presentation to teachers, employers, or collaborators
• Creating case studies that showcase problem-solving abilities

Monetization & Entrepreneurship

Introduction to how games generate income and platforms where indie creators can publish and potentially earn from their work.

Revenue Models

• Paid downloads and pricing strategies
• Advertising integration and ad networks
• In-app purchases and microtransactions
• Free-to-play vs. premium game models

Publishing Platforms

• itch.io: Indie-friendly platform for experimental games
• Steam: Major PC gaming marketplace
• Mobile App Stores: iOS and Android distribution
• Understanding submission requirements and processes
• Real-world stories of successful indie developers

Creative Entrepreneurship

Framing opportunities within the broader idea of creative entrepreneurship. Students see themselves as innovators capable of building projects with real-world impact.

Career Pathways

• Independent game development and self-publishing
• Freelancing opportunities in game development
• Joining game studios as junior developers
• Building indie teams and collaborating remotely
• Understanding the game development industry landscape

Session Outcomes

• Exportable game builds ready to share
• Professional digital portfolio with documentation
• Understanding of monetization and publishing options
• Awareness of entrepreneurial pathways in gaming
• Confidence in technical and business fundamentals

Public Showcase

The final session is a celebration of achievement and launchpad for future opportunities. Students present their browser-based and Unity games in a professional showcase attended by peers, families, and industry guests.

Presentation Experience

• Demonstrating browser games from Phase 1 and Unity projects from Phase 2
• Explaining design choices, challenges, and successes
• Building confidence in public speaking and presentation
• Receiving applause and recognition from audience
• Affirming the value and quality of student work

Professional Portfolio Review

Invited creative tech professionals provide personalized portfolio feedback, offering students insight into real-world industry standards while validating their progress.

Mentorship & Feedback

• Sharing digital portfolios with industry professionals
• Receiving constructive feedback on gameplay clips and documentation
• Professional insights on strengths and improvement areas
• Understanding industry expectations and standards
• Guidance on continuing portfolio development

Next Steps & Pathways

Facilitated discussion on future opportunities, helping students understand that the bootcamp is a springboard into continued growth in creative technology.

Educational Pathways

• High school courses in computer science and digital arts
• Post-secondary programs in game design and development
• Online learning resources and continued skill building

Professional Opportunities

• Internship opportunities with local studios
• Volunteer positions in creative tech organizations
• Self-publishing on platforms like itch.io and mobile stores
• Participating in game jams and community events
• Ongoing NRIDL mentorship and networking

Graduation & Celebration

Formal recognition of student achievements with certificates, celebration, and connection to ongoing support through NRIDL's creative community.

Community Connection

• Certificate of completion for each student
• Recognition ceremony with family, peers, and mentors
• Emphasis on belonging to larger creative ecosystem
• Access to ongoing NRIDL supports and resources
• Connection to mentorship networks and opportunities

Session Outcomes

• Public presentation of completed projects
• Professional portfolio feedback incorporated
• Clear understanding of next steps and pathways
• Sense of community and ongoing support
• Celebration of achievements and growth
• Confidence to continue creative technology journey

Phase 1: Foundation & Design Thinking (Weeks 1-3)

Introduction to user-centered design, design thinking methodology, and Figma fundamentals. Students learn to approach design problems systematically, starting with user research and problem definition before jumping into visual design.

Core Concepts

• Introduction to UX design principles and methodologies
• Design Thinking framework (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test)
• User research fundamentals: interviews, surveys, personas
• Problem definition and user needs analysis
• Figma workspace setup and core tools mastery
• Information architecture and user flows

Phase 2: Wireframing & UI Foundations (Weeks 4-6)

Focus on low-fidelity wireframing, UI design principles, and establishing design systems. Students learn to translate user needs into wireframes and apply professional UI principles including typography, color theory, and layout design.

Design Skills

• Low-fidelity and high-fidelity wireframing techniques
• Typography deep dive: hierarchy, pairing, accessibility
• Color theory and accessible color systems
• Layout principles: grids, spacing, alignment, visual hierarchy
• Creating and managing design systems
• Component architecture and Auto Layout mastery
• Responsive and adaptive design principles

Phase 3: Interactive Prototyping & Testing (Weeks 7-10)

Advanced prototyping techniques, interaction design, and usability testing. Students create high-fidelity, interactive prototypes with animations and conduct real user testing sessions to validate their design decisions.

Advanced Techniques

• Advanced prototyping: smart animate, variables, conditional logic
• Interaction design patterns and micro-interactions
• Animation principles and motion design
• Usability testing methods and protocols
• Analyzing feedback and iterating on designs
• Mobile and responsive design patterns
• Accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design

Phase 4: Capstone Project & Portfolio (Weeks 11-16)

Students work on a comprehensive capstone project that demonstrates the entire design process from research to final prototype. Focus on creating portfolio-ready case studies, professional presentation skills, and understanding team collaboration in design.

Professional Development

• End-to-end capstone project (research through final design)
• Creating compelling case studies for portfolios
• Design presentation and storytelling skills
• Collaboration tools: FigJam, comments, version history
• Working with developers: handoff, specs, design tokens
• Agile design workflows and design sprints
• Building and presenting your design portfolio
• Career paths in UI/UX and product design