STEMpump Camps

A live online platform that engages students their own learning

Web Development
App Development
Education
Social Impact
Download on the App Store

STEMpump Camps was the next step in our free, live STEAM-based bootcamps. I worked on building a cross-platform registration system, developing a media pipeline, and designing a learning-focused video player.


Role

Lead Developer, Designer

Dates

December 2021 - September 2022

Big Question

How do we elevate the experience of live, video-based bootcamps in a post-quarantine era?

Goals


Building off STEMpump Online

In 2020, we launched STEMpump Online, the precursor to STEMpump Camps. We taught free STEAM camps to students all across the world. With STEMpump Camps, we want build off the success and failures with the program and bring it to a new level.

Platform Parity

With both mobile and web apps, we need to ensure that users can access the same content and features - regardless of the platform. So with STEMpump Camps, we want both the mobile and web platforms to be built off the same system.

Simple Design

At the core of Camps is a simple experience. This starts from registration to the end of the camp. With students as our primary demographic, we want to ensure everything is as easy and simple as possible - without compromising good design.

Registration, redefined

With STEMpump Online, we used Eventbrite. However, we weren't happy with how tedious and complicated it could be for students.

Our own system was faster and easier, asking for as little information as possible. It even included an automated email reminder system. We also placed an emphasis on digital safety and COPPA compliance.

Registration, redefined

How we approached platform parity

Shared APIs

We designed a set of shared REST APIs, connecting various tools and servers to provide real-time updates between the App and the Web version of STEMpump Camps.

Brand new registration

With Supabase, Mailgun, and Posthook, we were able to design a new registration backend that worked with the website and app.

No webviews here!

STEMpump Camps for iOS

STEMpump Camps for iOS

For the STEMpump App, the Camps experience has been designed for on-the-go watching. With a live header, you always know what's the latest camp. You can register directly in the app and see your registered camps on the Discover tab.

You can jump between sections and view available resources. You can favorite specific camps to view later. With the STEMpump App, you can take STEMpump Camps anywhere.

Evolving virtual teaching

When we made STEMpump Online, we streamed on Twitch, teaching different STEAM skills. With STEMpump Camps, we want to improve that experience, bringing content to YouTube and building our own registration system.

Bringing STEMpump Camps to the App provides a greater audience with easier access to STEmpump Camps content. Not only is the live bootcamp important, but post bootcamp learning is just as important.

Watch however you want.

I designed a full-screen video player, allowing students to focus on the content without major distractions. Everything they needed was a click away, whether it was Resources, Sections, or Discord.

Watch however you want.

All new features

Reminder Emails

Our new automated email system sends an email at the time of registration with camp information. But it also reminds the student a few hours prior about the camp later that day, with a link to join the viewer.

Resources

A new Resources card lets students have access to demo and sample files, along with necessary items needed for the camp instruction.

Sections

Sections are timestamped sections of the camp, allowing students watching older camps to jump to specific sections and find specifically what they want.

Camps in the Library

Camps are also available on the Library page, alongside other courses and suggested content. You can find past and future camps here in one place. Filter options also make it easy to find what you want.

Camps in the Library

Other STEMpump Platforms

STEMpump

An edtech nonprofit working to create a student-driven learning platform.

Learn more

STEMpump for iOS

Learn from STEMpump anywhere, anytime. Learn from courses, watch camps, take quizzes and projects, save your progress, and more.

Learn more

More work