The University of Detroit Mercy College of Engineering & Science is committed to preparing the next generation of innovators, engineers, and scientists. With a strong tradition of academic excellence and hands-on learning, the College honors its incredible alumni, who have gone on to achieve remarkable things in their careers. For years, the University used traditional framed photos to recognize these stand-out achievers, but the limitations of physical space, as well as the aging and fading of materials, signaled the need for a modern solution.
To keep pace with the institution’s rich history and celebrate the outstanding achievements of its alumni, Detroit Mercy decided to adopt an interactive Hall of Honor. This solution would allow the University to showcase its distinguished alumni in a dynamic engaging way as well as enhance campus culture while offering the flexibility to update and expand content over time.
CHALLENGES
Detroit Mercy had already partnered with a custom application company to create an interactive Hall of Honor several years prior. While visually appealing, the system posed significant challenges when it came to updates. The University had been using Airtable as a content management system (CMS) to manage the data, but new users found it cumbersome and difficult to learn.
The key challenges were:
- Transitioning an existing application into our platform while maintaining a custom look and feel.
- Providing a user-friendly CMS that would allow quick adaptation for new users.
- Enhance the system with new modules to expand functionality.
- Incorporate a compelling screensaver that leveraged a large collection of historical images.
- Ensuring the system remained scalable and easy to manage as the content grew.
PROCESS
To ensure a successful project outcome, VIP Solutions engaged with the College of Engineering & Science leadership through a series of collaborative exercises:
Visual Listening & Mood Board Creation:
Meetings with the Dean and leadership helped clarify the aesthetic vision and functionality needed for the display. Mood boards were used to align the digital experience with the University’s heritage and mission.
Storytelling and Design:
VIP Solutions focused on designing a fun, inclusive, and collaborative application that highlighted the achievements of Detroit Mercy’s most distinguished alumni.
Collaborating with Historians:
To bring the Hall of Honor to life, VIP Solutions worked closely with historians to curate impactful stories and artifacts that would resonate with viewers and emphasize the College’s rich legacy.
SOLUTION
INTERACTIVE HALL OF HONOR
VIP Solutions delivered an innovative, scalable solution that exceeded the University’s expectations.
Key elements of the final product included:
Seamless Collaboration with Partners:
Working alongside the University’s architecture firm and other partners, VIP Solutions created a state-of-the-art interactive Hall of Honor display.
Dynamic Digital Experience:
The application highlights key moments in the University’s history, current news, and over 100 years of Hall of Honor inductees. The digital experience combines visual storytelling with historical context to create an engaging experience for visitors.
Easy-to-Use CMS:
VIP Solutions provided a user-friendly CMS that allows University personnel to easily update honoree profiles and other content on a regular basis.
Enhanced Screensaver Feature:
A custom screensaver showcases historical images and animations, keeping the display visually engaging even when it is not in use.
This new Hall of Honor display at the University of Detroit Mercy serves as a shining example of how interactive technology can honor the past while being flexible enough to grow and evolve over time.
VIP SOLUTION
An interactive hall of honor solution can help your school or organization showcase and celebrate your students and alumni. Contact VIP Solutions for more information or schedule a demo today.
