Finishing a DA class can feel just as overwhelming as starting one. Between deadlines, edits and last-minute pivots, it’s easy to forget how far you’ve come. In this final roundtable, our group talks honestly about what it’s like to wrap up: the late-semester pressure, the lessons learned and why a DA never really ends. Whether you’re polishing the last draft or still chipping away, these reflections will help you finish strong and carry your project forward.

Bowie Betschwar – WAYFARE
Next-gen travel agency powered by an AI agent that creates tailored itineraries.

Edie Koller – Curated by Edie
An Instagram page for small business marketing content.

Valentina Todros – Char Nutrition + Fitness
Building a digital home for her mum’s online coaching business.

Bellah Piscioneri – The Discomfort Diaries
A TikTok/Instagram series stepping into uncomfortable challenges to inspire confidence.

Taylah-Jane Quinn – @taylovesmusic
A TikTok account sharing human-curated playlists in response to algorithm fatigue.

View the discussion replay below.

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Lessons

1. Progress doesn’t have to be perfect.
This time we spoke about the pressure to have a “finished” product by the end of semester. Everyone agreed that it’s not about perfection, but momentum. Small steps, whether that's posting a short clip, tweaking a layout or refining copy, count just as much as big milestones. Progress is iterative, not linear. Most of us realised our DAs can (and should) keep evolving even after submission.

2. Keep experimenting and adapting.
Many of our projects shifted direction along the way. Bellah reframed her DA to explore the sustainability of content creation; I moved from sensemaking systems to anticipatory dialogue; Taylah reshaped hers around participatory culture. The takeaway: don’t get stuck on the first idea. Adapting your frame or format often leads to better outcomes and more authentic results.

3. Collaboration and reflection made it stronger.
From clients delaying content to coding setbacks and editing fatigue, we all faced roadblocks but feedback kept things moving. Whether it was Travis’ advice, peer comments on Discord, or just talking through challenges in class, collaboration helped turn frustration into learning. Reflecting on these moments now, we can see how much each small adjustment added up.

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So don’t chase a polished ending. Keep the project public, stay curious and let it breathe beyond the semester. The most valuable DAs are the ones that keep growing with you.