Interactive Designer

Designing playful systems across screens and spaces.

I build games and themed experiences that blend hardware, software, and spatial storytelling.

USC CS Games Connected Devices and Making

Lets Connect! itsmecarlosbarcelo@gmail.com

Featured Work

The Shower Must Go On

An alt-controller game that turns a full-size shower into a playable interface. Built end-to-end with custom electronics and Unreal C++. Patent Pending.

Role: Solo developer Disciplines: Physical build, electronics, Unreal C++ Recognition: GDC Alt Ctrl finalist, IGF nomination

Trailer

Featured in

IGN

CBS

CNET

PC Gamer

DuoQ

Senior capstone with a 20+ person team. I was one of the principal designers on an AI companion game, shaping abilities, levels, and puzzles.

Role: Designer Focus: Ability prototyping, level design, documentation Team: 20+ students across disciplines

Featured in

Steam

Connect 4 Clock

A mechanical and electrical build that transforms Connect 4 into a functional clock. Built in a four-week sprint and showcased at OpenSauce and Makerfaire OC. Patent Pending.

Role: Designer + engineer Disciplines: Mechanical, electrical, embedded systems Recognition: Raspberry Pi feature

Featured in

Raspberry Pi

Project Index

Bear and Goop

Local co-op game. Sole engineer, Unity C# gameplay systems.

Trailer

Networked UE5 Game

Utilizing UE 5, this FPS can connect to other clients. Players can chat and leave in-game tags that are saved as level metadata. Timed grenades can blow both players up.

Classic Game Remakes

Weekly C++/SDL builds recreating classic arcade mechanics.

Code

Mammal Mania

Daily Animal Puzzle game. Created custom database and designed addictive game loop and daily challenge.

Play!

Trojan Horse

Creative Director for a 15-person team developing a USC-themed escape room experience experience.

Game Master Guide

DMX Light Shows

Built Multiple IoT light shows for clients around my neighborrhood using microcontrollers and custom choreography.

Video

Custom Raytracer

Raytracer built with OpenGL for realistic rendering effects. Contains multiple light sources, recursive reflections and anti-aliasing.

Code

Mysteries of Antigua

Designed puzzles for an outdoor scavenger hunt/escape room in Antigua, Guatemala. One of many escape rooms I consulted for as an intern with Fantasy Escape Games.

Tickets

TikTok Creator

150k followers for edited videos. VFX and audience growth practice.

Channel

Cookie Cutters

I developed an automated method to design and 3D print custom cookie cutters from any 2D image. I have collaborated with a local small buisness to create hundreds of unique designs for their customers.

Examples

About

Interactive designer with a builder mindset.

I am a USC Computer Science Games alumnus focused on interactive systems that blend physical computing and gameplay. I lead teams, prototype rapidly, and sweat the details that make experiences feel alive.

Resume (PDF) LinkedIn

Contact

Lets build something interactive.

itsmecarlosbarcelo@gmail.com (562) 719-1792