Program Overview
Ciao! I completed an intensive 4-week short-term study abroad program focused on multimedia storytelling in Urbino, Italy.
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The study abroad program functioned as a professional media production environment, challenging me to move from concept development through to final online distribution.
The goal was to produce work that met professional broadcasting and publishing standards!
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The Design Strategy
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Structural Layout ​
I designed the People and Community landing page to function as a visual gateway. By prioritizing intuitive navigation, I ensured that users could seamlessly journey from broad topic overviews to deep-dive specific features without friction.
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Visual Hierarchy
​To prioritize human connection, I designed a hierarchy that leads with high-impact photography before revealing the story text. This approach created a visual aesthetic while giving each community voice a distinct spotlight.
Platform Optimization
I optimized the WordPress layout to maintain valid and accurate code, ensuring that our multimedia narratives were fully accessible and responsive across all devices.
As UX Designer for the People and Community section, I built a framework for complex narratives. I focused on well-developed visual language and appealing aesthetics to create a functional user experience rooted in the culture of the Marche region.
The Content Strategy
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Narrative Features ​
Long-form journalism pieces that required a readable, distraction-free layout design.
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Video Packages
Integration of feature segments and host segments is embedded directly into the narrative flow.
Visual Assets
Strategic placement of photo galleries and graphical elements that support the collaborative nature of multimedia storytelling.
More than just web design, this project trained me in the multimedia storytelling process, from concept development through online distribution. I integrated diverse media into a cohesive experience to ensure effective messaging for our audience.
Feature Segment
Directed by Sam Hodges
This piece is a profile of Anna Rita Calavalle, a survivor of attempted femicide who transformed a traumatic 1981 attack into a lifelong career advocating against gender-based violence in Italy​
The Incident (1981):
On New Year’s Eve, Calavalle (then 25) was shot in the jaw by her ex-boyfriend, Gregorio, after she ended their relationship. After shooting her, Gregorio demanded she claim it was an accident before he walked away and took his own life.
The "Second Shot" (Victim Blaming):
The story highlights a cultural struggle Calavalle faced during recovery. She describes being "shot a second time" by the community and Gregorio’s family, who blamed her for the incident because she was two years older than he and "should've stopped it."
Recovery & Resilience:
Calavalle underwent multiple surgeries, including some in Albany, New York. She credits her resilience to her background in gymnastics and her coach, Egle Abruzzini, who taught her to "come in like a queen" and keep her head high regardless of the circumstances
A Cycle of Support:
Years later, in 2013, one of Calavalle’s former students, Lucia Annibali, was attacked with acid. Annibali reached out to Calavalle for support, allowing Calavalle to use her experience to help another survivor immediately after their trauma
Current Advocacy
The piece concludes by detailing Calavalle's current work: She serves as an adviser to the Bicameral Commission against Gender-based Violence and Femicide She lectures in schools, teaching that "violence comes from ignorance" and emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and literature for young men. She advocates for better psychological support for victims and more accurate data collection regarding femicide in Italy.
Creative Team: Anna Gabe, Sara Rohan, Maya Waid, Sam Hodges, Emily Ashcraft