‘We’re so busy figuring out how technology works for us, rather than how technology supports us’

Last Saturday, Dec. 7, students from various universities collaborated to join NSCAD University and Eureka Technologies for the UX-UI Design Hackathon.
This event challenged design students from Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University, and NSCAD to design an accessible, engaging smart mirror that empowers seniors with independent living.
Students were given 16 hours to develop an interactive and engaging app to help seniors improve their day-to-day lives by managing daily schedules, health reminders, and other vital information.
Huschang Pourian, assistant professor in NSCAD’s Division of Design, said he was keen to see what students could design with such little time.
“I’m hoping students put themselves in the position of seniors and develop the kind of empathy necessary to [understand] their needs,” he said.

Pourian emphasized the value of collaboration during this Hackathon, acknowledging that it not only brings students and industry together, but also fosters participants to work as a team.
“At NSCAD we say ‘Design is a contact sport,’” he said. “You have to talk to people, you have to figure out things, you have to collaborate, you have to pitch ideas back and forth … I like that.”
According to Pourian, the challenge gives students a chance to work on real-world issues outside of their regular coursework. He also expressed enthusiasm about the focus on designing a smart mirror––a digital display behind glass that allows interaction and displays information.
“It is about the simplification of technology,” he said. “We’ve reached a point where everything is so complicated. We’re so busy figuring out how technology works for us, rather than how technology supports us.”
The Hackathon, hosted by Experience Ventures––a program designed to nurture innovative thinking among participants––aims to empower university and college students with entrepreneurial placements.
Participants present their ideas to a panel of judges, with the best proposal earning a $325 honorarium and the chance to have their design further developed by Eureka Technologies.

Rachel Ladd, a third-year student in NSCAD’s interdisciplinary design program, took part in the Hackathon with her peers. Preparing for the event last week, Ladd said she was feeling a mix of emotions going into the challenge.
“I [feel] stressed, but good stressed!” she said.
Ladd said her group’s approach was to focus on the human element first, then design ways in which technology could help seniors.
“We start with the user, examine their life and experiences, and then we find the problems and then we develop the solutions,” she said.
Ladd is hopeful the judges will see the potential of her groups design and encourages students in similar fields to participate in Hackathons such as this one, for the incredible career opportunities and experience they lead to.
“I was inspired to take this on because I’m aiming to do more workshops and design exercises outside of classes,” she said. “I really enjoy my program, so I jumped at the opportunity to re-arrange my schedule for this.”
Students interested in participating in future design challenges can reach out to Huschang Pourian at hpourian@nscad.ca.
Design students are also using their knowledge to improve Cancer Screening kits in Nova Scotia. Click the button to read more.