Computer Science Masterclass
During February 2016, 20 Year 12 Computing and Multimedia students attended an app development and design workshop at Aston University. The workshop was run by Dr Jo Lumsden and Dr Lilit Hakobyan, both experts in Human Computer Interface’s (HCI). The purpose of the workshop was to create a concept and then design a fitness application. Our 20 students, along with a number of external students, were split into teams of 6 where they were given an hour to create a concept and then design certain aspects of the desired application. Group 1 featured the department’s star students! – creating an application named ‘EZFit’. The application took advantage of a devices geometrical components such as the motion sensor, along with GPS capabilities in order to provide accurate and efficient tracking functions. The application also used an advanced formula that granted users points, taking into consideration the amount of exercise the user performed and the user’s BMI. The point system provided a competitive platform where friends could collaborate, in a manner that promoted a healthy lifestyle. Wearable technology was also considered.
Group 2 took a similar approach with an application named ‘iGo-uGo’. The application also considered various components of a device in order to provide similar tracking to that achieved by Group 1. Group 2 offered the ability to track the user’s diet along with several aspects of fitness. Group 3 took an interesting approach with their application ‘World Run’. Rather than taking a conventional approach of having a user’s fitness tracking as the main aspect of the application, they instead attempted to incorporate a game like aspect into the application, in order to appeal to a market of a lower age group. The application included images of world renowned locations in order to persuade the user to interact with the game while motivating them to lead a healthy lifestyle. All three groups excelled in the workshop, providing them with valuable information and experience in the field of Human Computer Interface’s (HCI). Hence, on behalf of all the students who attended, we would like to thank Dr Jo Lumsden and Dr Lilit Hakobyan along with Aston University for a valuable and memorable experience.
Donnell Burgess, Daniel Ahmed, Jason Lee and Reedwan Ali.
