About This Event

Davis Design Fest is UC Davis’ annual UX design-a-thon. This is a 2-day event where students have the opportunity to gain experience and collaborate in a team setting to create meaningful UX projects. This year, we’re challenging participants to design a platform that inspires real-world interaction and deeper engagement with the experiences around them. ****

Quick Links

Event Agenda

The Challenge

Getting Started

Submission & Requirements

Presentations

Evaluation

Event Agenda

The Challenge

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Connecting Digital Design to the Real World

Design a digital experience that encourages people to step away from their screens and engage more deeply with the physical world, or with experiences and others around them.

Your goal is to create a product that uses digital design not as the final destination, but as the bridge to real-life action, experience, or connection.

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Consider how your design could…

• Spark spontaneous real-world interactions (e.g., shared activities, local meetups, adventures).
• Enhance in-person experiences through digital prompts, reflections, or shared storytelling.
• Encourage mindfulness and being present
• Blend digital and physical touchpoints, like AR overlays that interact with your environment.
• Offer meaningful value for time spent offline or connections made off-app. </aside>

Potential Pathways

Here are a few ideas to inspire your design process. Use them as a starting point or feel free to explore your own creative ideas! (Press Toggle Switch to Open)

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Industries:

• Health & Wellness
• Community & Social Life
• Arts, Culture & Museums
• Environmental & Social Impact
• Leisure & Everyday Life
• Accessibility & Inclusion </aside>

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Impact:

• Embodied Experience
• Social Connection
• Mindful Presence
• Play & Joy
• Wellness & Balance
• Deeper Thinking
• Cultural Engagement </aside>

Getting Started

Here are some resources to help you and your team get organized and prepped. Mentors with purple (and green) badges will also be there to support your team as needed throughout your design process. You got this!

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Davis Design Fest Kickstarter

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How to Get Mentor Help

Feel free to reach out to any of our industry mentors to assist with any roadblocks or if you need any advice on your projects! Formally request mentor help through our #2026-ddf-mentor-request Slack channel by submitting a ticket. Check our pinned Slack message at the top of the channel for directions.