WORKSHOP

Designing for Real Users

Get ready to dive deep into the world of AI with Black Boys Code and explore how it's tackling real-world challenges!

May 30. 2026
AGES: 8 – 17
COST: FREE
FORMAT: IN-PERSON

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About this workshop

In May, students move beyond simply building AI projects into one of the most exciting stages of innovation: designing experiences for real people.

This workshop introduces learners to user-centered design, where technology is not just functional, but intuitive, engaging, and meaningful. Students begin to understand that the best digital products succeed because they connect with users, responding to their needs, emotions, and interactions.

Participants explore how AI can create personalized, interactive experiences, blending creativity with technical skills. It’s a powerful shift from “Does it work?” to “Does it feel right for the user?”

In the Beginner Track, students build emotion-responsive interactive stories that adapt in real time to a viewer’s facial expressions. Their projects come alive as narratives change based on how users feel, turning storytelling into a dynamic, personalized experience.

In the Advanced Track, students refine and elevate their Python chatbots into more polished, user-friendly systems. They improve logic, strengthen error handling, and enhance personality and usability through peer testing and real-world feedback, transforming their work from simple programs into real product-like experiences.

This workshop reinforces a key idea in modern technology: great products are designed for people, not just built for function.

This workshop is FREE, and all learning materials will be provided, students simply need to bring their curiosity, creativity, and willingness to build something meaningful.

This is the culminating creative project of the beginner AI journey.

Students design and build interactive stories that respond to human emotions in real time. Instead of following a fixed storyline, their stories branch into multiple paths, creating unique experiences for every user. A smile might trigger a joyful adventure, while a sad expression could unlock a comforting storyline.

Learners begin with intentional design, planning characters, settings, and story paths before coding, reinforcing that great digital experiences start with thoughtful ideas. They then bring their stories to life in Scratch using emotion detection and branching logic.

With functional chatbots already built, students now step into the role of product designers and engineers.

This session focuses on transforming chatbots into polished, user-friendly, and intelligent systems. Learners refine their code, implement error handling to improve reliability, and enhance user experience through clearer interactions and creative personality features.

Through peer testing and real feedback, students iterate on their designs, learning how real-world products are improved through continuous refinement.

Register by location

London

Western University, Spencer Engineering Building
1151 Richmond Street, London, ON, Canada

Designing for Real Users

May 30. 2026
10:00 AM – 02-00 PM
IN-PERSONFREE

Ottawa

University of Ottawa
160 Louis-Pasteur Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5

Designing for Real Users

May 30. 2026
11:00 AM – 03:00PM
IN-PERSONFREE

Maritimes

University of New Brunswick
550 Windsor Street, Fredericton, New Brunswick

Designing for Real Users

May 30. 2026
11:00 AM – 02:00 PM
IN-PERSONFREE

Vancouver

Centre for Digital Media
685 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC

Designing for Real Users

May 30. 2026
12:00 PM – 03:00 PM
IN-PERSONFREE

Durham

Ontario Tech University, Main Oshawa Campus
2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, ON

Designing for Real Users

May 30. 2026
11:00 AM – 03:00PM
IN-PERSONFREE

Montreal

Concordia University
1455 Boulevard De Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, QC

Designing for Real Users

May 30. 2026
11:00 AM – 03:00PM
IN-PERSONFREE

Brampton

Sheridan College, Davis Campus
7899 McLaughlin Road, Brampton, ON

Designing for Real Users

May 30. 2026
11:00 AM – 03:00PM
IN-PERSONFREE

Waterloo

University of Waterloo
200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON

Designing for Real Users

May 30. 2026
11:00 AM – 02:00 PM
IN-PERSONFREE

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