Omzee Pitchford

Activision came to us at SMC for assistance in making the companion app more engaging. Our group were students that focused features surrounding the squad system.

First and foremost, people aren't using the companion app. It isn't currently filling a gap that most players need filling.

Players want to find others to play with. The game is best with friends. People care more about what game modes other users play than personal information like their politics. Players found Squad Chat highly useful for in-app communication.

We focused on improving the CoD community experience by introducing a tag system that allows players to find the squads that fit them best.

IDEO reached out to us at Santa Monica College for assistance on their project with Beyond 12. We were asked to develop a system that helps students drive change on their campus. Our team designed a forum that amplified student voices, and kept them informed of the processes on the admin side.

Students want to drive change, but they don't have the time or the know-how to do so.

Admin has little connection with students to hear their voices directly other than with existing student leaders. Change-making can be time-consuming, and low-income students have less time on average, with greater need for change.

A virtual bulletin board where students can post their ideas for change, where school admins can publicly respond, promote, and update its progress.

Street crossing is a dangerously overlooked hassle for people with walking disabilities. Using Abbot Kinney as a model, our team designed an intuitive and discreet solution to this issue.

Abbot Kinney isn't accessible for people with disabilities.

To have a chance to make it across the street in time, people with disabilities often have to get ready for the light at the very edge of the curb. Sometimes even in the street! Having different modes of operation is a must, as people have different abilities. There is a desire for discreteness, people don't often want it announced that they're being assisted in some way.

Sidewalk sensors pick up when an app user was nearby, and increase the time for the next light.