Derek Chan is both an interaction designer and game designer. He strives to design products and services that can stimulate long-term behavioral change. His master’s thesis is a pervasive game that transcends the digital gaming experience. It aims to enhance players’ social relationships, by providing them with opportunities to meet new people, make new friends, and collaborate with them in a massively multiplayer experience set in the real world.

Much of his other work incorporates game dynamics with the goal of creating systems of incentives that help to encourage continued use through delightful engagement.

Prior to joining the program, Derek collaborated with a variety of brands, including the BBC, Madison Square Garden, Showtime, and GOOD. A native of Vancouver, Canada, he completed his undergraduate education with a degree in Communication from Simon Fraser University.

Past Life

BA in Communication, Simon Fraser University

Selected Projects

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  Cybernetics Final

  Students were required to critique a pre-existing interactive system of their own choosing by applying the models learned in class.

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  Entrepreneurial Design Final

  Students present product and service design solutions that aim to connect personal passions with socially conscious endeavors. Or, outline a viable product in the form of a pitch deck.

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  Physical Computing Final

  Students were asked to devise a project that would allow them to use a semester’s knowledge about physical computing.

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  NYC BigApps

  Students were asked to concept a mobile application using at least one source of data from the NYC.gov Data Mine.

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  Interactive User Experience on The High Line

  Students were asked to create a networked, mobile or interactive installation that enhances or extends the experience of the High Line park in NYC.

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  Human Interface

  Students were challenged to create a functional specification for a human being.

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  Public Interfaces Final

  Students had the task to critically examine interaction design for public spaces.

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  Prototyping User Experiences/Research Methods Final

  Students created prototypes based on the theme of augmented mindfulness.