Learn to look at the apps you use every day like a product designer. Critique what works, spot what could be better, and use AI tools to redesign an app to make it safer, fairer, or more useful.
The apps you use every day are designed to influence what you do next. In this workshop, students learn to look at those apps through a product designer’s eyes.
Using familiar platforms like Instagram, Roblox, Discord, and others, students will break down who an app is designed for, what it is trying to get users to do, and where the experience could be safer, fairer, or better. Then they’ll use AI tools to redesign part of an app and turn their critique into a real design idea.
Students leave with a new way to think about the technology they use every day, and the skills to question it, critique it, and imagine how it could work differently.
Led by Janelle Grace.
• A framework you can use to critique apps you use everyday
• How to spot what an app is optimizing for, and who it works worse for
• How to turn "I don't like this" into a specific design change
• Hands-on experience building your own idea with AI tools
• The habit of questioning the tech in your life instead of just using it
• Students in middle school (6th - 8th grade) and high school (9th - 12th grade) in the Philadelphia area.
• This workshop is for beginners, newbies & amateurs in the field of tech and entrepreneurship.
In fall 2026, Coded by: is offering two different sessions of the Redesign the Apps You Use workshop - one for middle school and one for high school students. Registration is NOW OPEN.
Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
• Date: Saturday, October 3rd
• Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
High School (9th - 12th Grade)
• Date: Saturday, October 17th
• Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Check out the full calendar of Coded by: programs here.
Coded by: Offices
CIC Philadelphia in University City
3675 Market St, Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Who can sign up for the program?
The program is open to middle and high school students in the Philadelphia area.
Do you need previous experience to register?
No, this is a workshop perfect for beginners.
Is there a cost for enrollment?
No, Coded by: programs are free for all participants.
Do you host this course at partner sites?
Yes, please email programs@codedbykids.com if you are interested in hosting Coded by: program.
Coded by Kids runs free programs and competitions throughout the year. Don't miss the opportunity to grow and showcase your tech skills.
