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Designing for Real Users: User-Centered AI Workshop

Event artwork for Designing for Real Users: User-Centered AI Workshop

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About this event

What to expect

Learn how to design AI-powered experiences that truly connect with users at this hands-on workshop from Black Boys Code Canada in Montreal. This free session at Concordia University introduces young learners aged 8-17 to user-centered design principles, where technology becomes not just functional, but intuitive, engaging, and meaningful.

This workshop marks a pivotal shift in how students approach technology — moving from "Does it work?" to "Does it feel right for the user?" Participants explore how AI can create personalized, interactive experiences by blending creativity with technical skills, learning that the best digital products succeed because they genuinely respond to user needs, emotions, and interactions.

Two Learning Tracks

Beginner Track students build emotion-responsive interactive stories using Scratch and real-time facial expression detection. Their narratives adapt dynamically based on viewer emotions — a smile might trigger a joyful adventure path, while a sad expression could unlock a comforting storyline. Learners start with intentional design, planning characters, settings, and branching story paths before coding, reinforcing that great digital experiences begin with thoughtful ideas.

Advanced Track participants elevate their existing Python chatbots into polished, user-friendly systems. Through peer testing and real-world feedback, students refine code logic, implement robust error handling, and enhance personality features and usability. This hands-on refinement process teaches how real products improve through continuous iteration and user feedback.

What You'll Learn

  • User-centered design principles and how they drive successful digital products
  • How AI creates personalized, adaptive experiences
  • Building emotion-detection systems and branching logic (Beginner)
  • Code refinement, error handling, and UX enhancement techniques (Advanced)
  • Iterative design through peer testing and feedback
  • Transforming functional prototypes into product-like experiences

This workshop is completely free, with all learning materials provided. Students simply need to bring their curiosity, creativity, and willingness to build something meaningful. The session reinforces a fundamental idea in modern technology: great products are designed for people, not just built for function.

Black Boys Code Canada runs simultaneous workshops across eight Canadian

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