Michael ALCORN: QCAP @ CaptureLab

"Queen’s MediaLab Inspires Market Community Youth at STEAM Scheme Event"

Queen’s University Belfast’s MediaLab in partnership with Queen's Community and Place played a central role in a recent STEAM Scheme event, welcoming young people from Belfast’s Market community to explore creative careers across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Participants took part in a dynamic game design workshop, using Unity Play to explore how modifying platformer levels can enhance gameplay. They learned to move elements, add new features, and adjust underlying stats to influence player experience—skills they later applied to genres like action and strategy games. The session offered a hands-on introduction to the creative and technical aspects of game development, sparking curiosity and confidence.

The MediaLab also introduced students to visual storytelling through a storyboard exercise focused on futuristic space travel. This activity encouraged imaginative thinking and helped participants understand how narrative structure underpins digital media production.

In addition, students explored cutting-edge motion capture technologies, gaining insight into their applications not only in the creative industries but also in health, engineering, and education. These demonstrations highlighted the interdisciplinary potential of immersive technologies.

Professor Michael Alcorn, Director of the MediaLab, emphasised the importance of outreach in building inclusive pathways into creative careers. “We want young people from all backgrounds to see themselves in these industries,” he said. “The MediaLab is not just about technology—it’s about empowering imagination.”

The event showcased the MediaLab’s commitment to inclusive innovation, providing young people with access to transformative tools and inspiring future possibilities."