I'm still teaching laboratory classes at the Faculty of Computer Science, part of dr. Buraga's team. Doing this since 2010, this year marks the third time I'm in charge of the Human Computer Interaction practical seminars. While students' attention has fallen over the years, mostly because they choose to pursue a career at an early stage, there are a few that still manage to surprise with some cool ideas and approaches for their projects. Here are the best in class for this year:
AUGLO
Original brief:
Using an existing mapping service (e.g. OpenStreetMap) and a WebVR solution – for example, A-Frame or WebGL Globe –, provide innovative geographic data visualization experiences for data obtained from publicly available datasets and (possible) existing sensors worldwide. The application shall provide new layers that will depict several types of interesting information (e.g., air pollution level, noise pollution level, number of people, annual average temperature, and others) and a manner through which one could visualize the evolution of the data over time for each specific layer and possible correlations that might exist between the data from different layers. Users can use this information in order to plan their next vacation destination(s) or to decide the location for their house or resting place. Inspiration: Air Quality Egg.
The team managed to build a data visualization tool in both 2D and 3D using predefined maps and a 3D globe. The best part is that the 3D was designed to work in Virtual Reality (courtesy of Aframe.io) using a Google Cardboard and a PS4 controller.
Check out the project:
SRC4P
The team proposed their own project — a mobile Android app dedicated to control presentations/keynotes/slides.
Smart Remote Control for Presentation (SRC4P) is an application whose purpose is to dynamically present information (PowerPoint presentation, video, document etc.) from a computer (laptop, PC). It offers the user the possibility to annotate in real time the information he/she presents (information that could be presented via a video project), but also the user can manipulate from his/her device the application which contains the information (using touchscreen technology).
Check out the project:
Runner-up: Twitter Battles
Original brief:
Imagine a Web-based real-time war strategy game based upon the Twitter data & feed (or another social Web application). The players have armies of followers, gather resources and "attack" each other for social Web "domination". For the user interaction context, at least three different devices/gadgets – including smart clothing (e-textiles) – will be considered.
The gang made a Twitter-based game, where you select a profile and based on each follower/following you have a health card. Then you select part of that health to build your defense and of course, offense. Then turn-based, you select which slot to attack. You do this until you reach the enemy's profile and then you can strike to win.
Check out the project: