Latest Blog Posts
- WL McLeod Wetlands virtual Tour: My experience
From Nervous Intern to Interactive Designer: Creating My First 3D Virtual Tour
At ITSO Code Design, I believe the best learning in web design, graphic design, and interactive media comes from real-world experience… not just classroom theory.
This project began during my final internship course in the Web and Graphic Design diploma program, where I was given the opportunity to work on a 3D virtual tour design project.
It was the final stage of my program and a chance to apply everything I had learned in web design, motion graphics, branding, and digital content creation.
And honestly? It was both exciting and slightly intimidating.
A New Challenge in Interactive Media Design
When I first learned I would be working on a 3D interactive virtual tour, my immediate reaction was simple:
“Uh oh.”
I was confident in areas like:
- Custom graphic design
- Web design (HTML, CSS, WordPress)
- Project planning and content layout
- Visual branding and design systems
But interactive 3D environments were something completely new.
This project pushed me into a new area of interactive media design and user experience storytelling, where design is not just visual—it’s spatial and experiential.
Choosing the Right Virtual Tour Platform: ThingLink
A major part of the project involved researching tools for building a virtual tour experience.
We explored multiple platforms, including both free and paid options, evaluating them based on usability, flexibility, and educational application.
Eventually, we selected ThingLink, a browser-based interactive media platform.
Why ThingLink Worked for This Virtual Tour
ThingLink was chosen because it offers:
- A user-friendly interface for interactive content creation
- Compatibility with educational and virtual learning environments
- The ability to add interactive tags, media, and embedded content
- A lightweight, browser-based workflow (no complex installations required)
For a 360° virtual tour design project, it provided a strong balance between accessibility and functionality.
Designing Within Platform Limitations
As a designer with a background in web design and creative development, I’m used to having a high level of control over layout, styling, and user interaction.
So naturally, there were moments where I felt the limitations of the platform:
“If this were custom code, I could fine-tune this so much more.”
However, this is where the real learning began.
Working within ThingLink meant adapting my approach to focus more on:
- User experience flow instead of pixel-perfect control
- Strategic placement of interactive elements
- Simplifying design decisions for clarity and usability
- Creating engagement through structure rather than complexity
This shift is a key part of interactive web design and UX design thinking. It’s working within constraints while still delivering a strong user experience.
Key Skills Developed in This Virtual Tour Project
This internship project helped strengthen several areas of my design practice at ITSO Code Design, including:
Interactive Media Design
Learning how users engage with non-linear, interactive environments.
User Experience (UX) Design Thinking
Focusing on navigation, clarity, and engagement within a 360° space.
Digital Content Strategy
Organizing information so it remains clear and accessible in an interactive format.
Problem-Solving in Design Constraints
Adapting creative ideas to fit within platform limitations while maintaining visual impact.
Lessons from My First 3D Virtual Tour Experience
This project reinforced several important principles that I now carry into my work in web and graphic design services:
1. New tools expand your design capability
Every platform adds something new to your skillset—even if it feels unfamiliar at first.
2. Interactive design is about experience, not just visuals
Good design guides users through an experience, not just a layout.
3. Constraints can strengthen creativity
Limitations often lead to clearer, more intentional design decisions.
4. Growth happens outside your comfort zone
Real development comes from working through unfamiliar challenges.
Final Thoughts from ITSO Code Design
This project marked an important step in my journey as a designer and the evolution of ITSO Code Design.
What began as an unfamiliar assignment quickly became a valuable introduction to interactive web design, 3D virtual tours, and experiential digital storytelling.
It also reinforced the foundation of my design philosophy:
Great design is not just how it looks; it’s how it works, flows, and connects with the user.
As I continue building ITSO Code Design, I’m excited to bring these skills into future projects involving:
- Web design and development
- Motion graphics and animation
- Branding and visual identity
- Interactive and immersive digital experiences
And here’s the link to the WL McLeod Wetlands Virtual Tour project:
- Balancing Family, Grief, and Lifelong Learning
Going back to college as an adult is hard. It gets even harder when you also care for a family and carry the pain of losing a child. As a web and graphic design student, I have faced many challenges. However, I also experienced moments of growth, healing, and joy. This journey has shown me that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
How it was a challenge
Losing my son changed my life forever. Grief stays with you every day. Some days, even simple tasks feel like too much. Returning to school while grieving felt scary and overwhelming.
At home, my family still needed me. My children looked to me for love and support. There were meals to cook, homework to help with, and a home to manage. On top of all that, I had assignments and classes to keep up with. I had to learn how to manage my time carefully.
Walking into a classroom with younger students felt strange. They often seemed more comfortable with learning. At first, I wondered if I could keep up. But I reminded myself that my life experiences gave me unique strengths.
How rewarding the experience is
Even though it’s hard, going back to school has been worth it. Designing websites, creating logos, and working on projects gives me a way to express my feelings. With Each project I finish, I feel proud of how far I’ve come.
Also, my family has supported me through this journey. My kids see me working hard and reaching for my goals. This inspires them to talk about their own dreams. My children now believe that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough.
By returning to school, I also honor my son’s memory. Building a future full of creativity and purpose helps me feel connected to him. He was one of the biggest fans of my artwork. It didn’t matter if I thought it was good or not. He loved it all.
How Lifelong Learning Matters
I’ve learned how important it is to keep growing and learning. Learning doesn’t stop when you finish school. In web design, this is even more so as new tools and trends pop up all the time. Staying curious helps me stay up-to-date and sharp.
Learning also helps me heal. Picking up new skills gives me focus and a reason to keep going. It reminds me that growth is always possible. You can always move forward and progress if you put in the effort.
What the future holds
Going back to college while caring for my family and grieving the loss of my son has been tough. But it has also been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
If you’re thinking about chasing a dream, don’t wait. Take the first step, even if it feels scary. Each small step adds up.
This journey has taught me how strong I am. It’s also given me a chance to create a better future for my family. Most of all, it has helped me honor my son in a way that fills my life with meaning and hope.
