Research

Algonquin College and UPES University launch World Design Challenge

Algonquin College, UPES University in India and the World Design Organization (WDO) have partnered to host an international competition launching March 6, 2023. The World Design Challenge includes learners from Algonquin College’s School of Media and Design and the UPES School of Design. Participating programs include Graphic Design, Interior Design, Interactive Media Design and Interdisciplinary Studies in Human-Centred Design.

The WDO supports over 180-member organizations worldwide, representing designers and their contributions to economic, social, cultural, and environmental development. Both Algonquin College and UPES University are WDO members.

Jed Looker, Principal Investigator of the Human-Centred Design Lab, created the event in collaboration with UPES University after connecting with a UPES colleague at a WDO networking event.

“The first week of the challenge is in-person at Algonquin College and UPES respectively, where students come together to form teams, define expectations and learn about the challenge themes. From there, students collaborate virtually over Zoom to develop their projects before making their final pitch to the panel of industry judges in week three,” said Looker. Continue reading →

The AC Human-Centred Design Lab collaborates with Dominica State College

Staff and students pose in front of a Dominic State College podium.

Image: From left to right, Professor Jed Looker (HCDL), Gilmar Joseph (DSC), J’Quan Lecointe (DSC), Luna Liu (HCDL), Jaimon Orlé (DSC), Dr. Hermancia S. Eugene-Zamore (DSC), and Jane Wang (HCDL) at Dominica State College.

Jed Looker, Research Chair of the Human-Centred Design Lab (HCDL), along with student interns Jane Wang and Luna Liu of the Interdisciplinary Studies in Human-Centred Design postgraduate program, participated in a mission to the Commonwealth of Dominica in support of the Skills to Access Green Economy Program (SAGE) applied research project.

The mission took place from Oct. 17 to 28 and was managed by Julita Palka, Senior Regional Manager, International Education Centre, responsible for the implementation of SAGE initiatives.

The applied research project is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and administered by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). The goal of the project is to increase economic opportunities for graduates of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Dominica with a particular focus on climate-smart construction/carpentry skills for the green economy.
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Smart Tenant wins first place at RE/ACTION Showcase

Smart Tenant earned first place at Friday’s RE/ACTION: Applied Research Showcase. The mobile app provides a platform for tenants to connect with the local community, buy and sell good in an online marketplace and correspond with their shared property management company.

The members of the student team that designed the app — including leader Kiet Vuong, mobile app developer Evan Liko, web developer Son Tran and UI/UX designer Kseniia Chornokondratenko — each brought their own expertise to achieve the client’s vision. Features of the app include private messaging between tenants, landlord/tenant correspondence through cloud functions, as well as moderation of not safe for work content on the newsfeed and marketplace screens through the use of AI.

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