In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to think critically and solve complex problems is more important than ever. Seneca Polytechnic’s Design Jam is a hands-on initiative aimed at equipping students with these essential skills. This collaborative event brings together students from Seneca and Amity University to tackle real-world challenges using design thinking and cutting-edge tools.
Preparing Students for the Future
The Design Jam is structured as a three-week program, running from February 10 to 27, 2025, featuring both synchronous and asynchronous activities. Participants are divided into seven cross-disciplinary teams, each comprising four members, to foster a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. Chris Dudley, Director of Industry Partnerships and Entrepreneurial Initiatives at Seneca, emphasizes that “solutions will have to be created for problems that don’t yet exist, so the only way to prepare for these changes is to be able to think your way through them.”
Collaboration Across Disciplines
A key component of the Design Jam is the interdisciplinary collaboration between students from diverse programs such as Business Administration, Interactive Media Design, Computer Programming and Analysis, and Creative Advertising. By bringing together participants with varied backgrounds, the program fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. “When students work in cross-disciplinary teams, they gain insights beyond their own field of study, allowing them to approach challenges from multiple angles,” Dudley explains. This teamwork is crucial in developing well-rounded, innovative solutions.
Designing an Inclusive World for People with Disabilities
This year’s Design Jam focuses on inclusivity and accessibility, challenging students to leverage Microsoft’s Copilot Studio to create solutions that support individuals with disabilities. Participants are encouraged to consider various barriers that individuals with disabilities face in their daily lives and how technology can help remove these obstacles. “Designing with inclusion in mind ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully in society,” Dudley notes. The challenge encourages students to develop technology-driven solutions that enhance accessibility, communication, and user experience.
Hands-On Learning and Real-World Application
Throughout the program, participants have access to an array of resources, including workbooks, training modules, mock interviews, and sales training. A notable tool in this program is InStage, an AI-powered virtual practice environment that allows students to refine their conversational and presentation skills. “Giving students access to these tools helps bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations,” says Dudley. Additionally, mentorship sessions and learning modules are provided to enhance participants’ skills in areas such as design thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Final Pitch Day: Showcasing Innovation
The program culminates in a Final Pitch Day, where teams present their solutions to a panel of judges. This event provides students with the opportunity to showcase their work, receive valuable industry feedback, and network with professionals. “It’s not just about coming up with ideas—it’s about demonstrating how those ideas can be implemented in real-world scenarios,” Dudley adds. The panel of judges includes representatives from Seneca, Amity University, and Microsoft, offering diverse perspectives on the proposed solutions.
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
Seneca’s Design Jam is more than an academic exercise; it’s a transformative experience that prepares students for the challenges of an ever-changing world. By emphasizing problem-solving, teamwork, and inclusive design, the program is shaping the next generation of innovators. “The impact of these solutions goes beyond the classroom,” Dudley concludes. “It’s about creating a future where accessibility and inclusivity are at the forefront of design thinking.”
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