CapU’s Interaction Design Class of 2026 Shares Summer Highlights and Second-Year Plans
We asked 2nd-year Interaction Design students to share their summer highlights and what they are looking forward to in their second year. This group brings a strong balance of creativity, energy, and openness to learning. Their summers ranged from hiking, biking, and traveling around the world to diving into coding, design jams, and startup work. Some focused on rest and time with family, while others embraced new challenges, building skills and experiences outside the classroom.
Across the group, a clear theme stands out: a shared focus on building portfolios that reflect who they are as designers. Many are especially excited to explore motion design, learn from guest speakers, and gain hands-on experience through their upcoming practicums.
As the new academic year begins, this class is ready to turn their energy and curiosity into meaningful projects that showcase not only their technical growth but also their ability to design with thoughtfulness, creativity, and impact. Their summer adventures and hands-on experiences will no doubt inspire the work they create this year.
“This summer I went to Banff and Victoria. For second year, I’m excited to work on my portfolio.”
“I didn’t do much over the summer. This year, I’ll be building my portfolio.”
“I spent the summer hiking all over the West Coast—highlights included Skypilot and Hanover. I also worked at Steed Cycles, knitted a sweater, and went mountain biking every day. This semester, I’m excited to build a portfolio I can be proud of with the projects I create.”
“I went back to the Sunshine Coast to spend time with family. This year, I’ll be building a portfolio and learning lots of new things!”
“My summer highlights included going to Qualicum Beach with my family, spending time with friends, and attending a fake wedding. For second year, I’m looking forward to making projects I can feel proud of.”
“I worked constantly this summer, which was overwhelming, but I gained a lot of experience from working with kids and training—though I also struggled with stress. This year, I want to start making connections, market myself for future opportunities, find a new job, and gain more experience.”
“I worked at Axiom Zen, an exciting startup in Vancouver, over the summer! In the second year, I’m looking forward to learning motion graphics.”
“This summer I went camping on Newcastle Island (Nanaimo), studied PHP and SQL, and worked as a UI designer in the FLUI Design Jam. I’m excited about landing my practicum and getting hands-on experience as a designer.”
“I rode the North Shore Triple Crown on my mountain bike, played baseball for the U26 North Shore Padres, and spent lots of beach time at my family cabin on Savary Island. For second year, I’m excited about the practicum in the second term and the guest speakers.”
“I spent the summer working at the beach and going camping and hiking. This year, I’m excited to be a sponge of information and continuously improve my skills.”
“My summer highlight was a trip to Japan. In second year, I’m excited to take motion design!”
“I went on a vacation trip to Banff. I’m excited to build a portfolio that I can be proud of, and I’m also very excited for motion design.”
“In August, I traveled to Moldova and Germany. I’m excited about building a portfolio, learning about real-world jobs, and exploring how AI plays a role in UX.”
“I spent the summer travelling and hanging out with friends. For the second year, I’m excited to create projects that I can feel proud of.”
“My parents visited me from home, and we enjoyed lots of pretty views. This year, I want to work on more projects that I can add to my portfolio.”
“This summer, I co-planned and attended the most epic bachelorette in NYC, was Maid of Honor at my best friend’s wedding, and spent a relaxing week in Tofino. In the second year, I plan to build my portfolio and grow my personal brand!”
