May 2020
Spring 2020 Space SLAM
Last month, a crew of over 160 tech-stronauts boarded the NMISS for Space SLAM, an end-of-semester showcase unlike any other. Intergalactic guests were treated not only to the typical fleet of 16 wow-worthy projects and student innovations but also to plenty of space-centric cheesiness—er, thematic content. A huge shoutout to our faculty for making the quick-pivot to an online-only event (and their stellar acting skills), our students for the incredible work they put into their Capstone projects, and, of course, all of our industry allies, friends, and family that Zoomed in to support.

Couldn't join us? Well, you're in luck! We recorded the entire mission so you can relive the action with us anytime. You can also find all the individual presentations below, so you can easily watch and share your faves!
New Media Capstone Creations
Lightform
TEDxUGA 2021: Next Level is pushing the boundaries of stage design with the introduction of Lightform , a newly released projection mapping design software. Lightform creates illuminated augmented reality light projections that will leave the audience with an enthralling and unforgettable viewing experience. This light-projected stage design integrates the physical space with the expanse of the imagination.  TEDxUGA sparks and illuminates big ideas, and Lightform will translate this inspiration visually in a dynamic experience sure to impress.
ORLT Drone Studies
Typical methods of gathering physical, on-site information for the sake of monitoring environmental conservation can be both tedious and time-consuming. By exploring the use of drones, the Oconee River Land Trust aims to both streamline and enhance the process of gathering this data. In addition, the data gathered through ORLT Drone Studies can be used to enhance the process of tracking environmental conservation through advanced data analysis.
FORTO GO
FORTO Coffee focuses on quickly getting energy to those who need it through shelf-stable coffee products. Designed to help retailers visualize Forto in their stores, the FORTO GO augmented reality app showcases a variety of product display options with the press of a button. With an intuitive design and life-like AR, FORTO GO will become a powerful tool for product sales, creating an effective visual experience easily on the go.
Innovation District
The Innovation District is a comprehensive ecosystem of places, programs, and people working together to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning. Established at the University of Georgia, this enterprise aims to connect faculty, students, industry part ners and community members to collaborate, innovate and develop solutions to real-world problems. The ID's new project portal quickly matches prospective clients with UGA programs, seamlessly facilitating the initial steps to innovation.
Picture Window
Coming soon to a Roku near you – Picture Window. Picture Window brings the world to your living room through beautiful 4K video of jaw-dropping landscapes and lively city scenes. Replacing the screensaver on any Roku-enabled device, Picture Window displays the breathtaking work of 27-time Emmy Award winning photographer and videographer, Ken Woo. Transform your blank TV screen into a dynamic window to the world with Picture Window.
Arch Ready
The Arch Ready app for the UGA Career Center is the sleek new central hub for students completing the Arch Ready Certificate . The app contains the entire Arch Ready schedule of events, a personal calendar to help students keep track of upcoming Arch Ready classes, a counter to help students track their progress, and a hub for post-event feedback. The Arch Ready app is the student’s personal Arch Ready pocket planner made easily accessible anytime!
Bear Hollow
The Bear Hollow Zoo in Athens is home to a wide variety non-releasable native wildlife. The new cross-platform app aids in Bear Hollow’s mission to educate the public about these animals and the natural systems they depend on. Available for both Android and iOS, the Bear Hollow app will enhance visitor experiences by providing information in an exciting and interactive way. In addition to a zoo map, wildlife information, and contact details, the app includes a gaming experience that is part quiz, part scavenger hunt, and all Bear Hollow fun! 
PlantDEX
PlantDEX is a streamlined mobile app that allows field researchers to quickly and easily catalog plant data. Designed to help environmental professionals and researchers collect and analyze botanical information, the app features photo capture, automatic GPS tagging and mapping, and a searchable database of known Georgia plants. These features streamline and expedite the work of a growing field, allowing for broader data collection and faster discoveries.
Sketch.it
Sketch.it provides a fun, creative, and collaborative experience by encouraging users to be creative at a time and pace that suits their needs. The app connects smartphone users with easy-to-follow instructional videos, social media integration, and community feedback and support. By offering an intuitive platform that grows with the user's skill level, Sketch.it makes drawing fun for creative novices and seasoned sketchers alike.
Athens Farmers Market
The Athens Farmers Market wants to make healthy food a plausible reality for every Athens citizen. With this goal in mind, the AFM website and app were created to raise awareness of its programs like FARM Rx, encourage donations and partnerships, promote volunteer opportunities, and offer healthy recipes that incorporate fresh produce. With the aid of this digital suite, AFM and its programs like FARM Rx will be able to further its efforts to promote access to fresh produce and healthy eating to underserved communities throughout Athens and beyond.
EraScope
EraScope is a prototype application that aims to re-contextualize history using augmented reality. Made in collaboration with the Atlanta-based marketing solutions agency, Moxie , the app allows users to experience the history of locations and monuments through a modern lens. EraScope focuses on photo, audio, video, and 3D modeling to share historical content in a visually engaging and concise way. Simply point your phone at a monument or location to take a peek into its past with EraScope.
Tallassee Forest
The Tallassee Forest mobile app engages and educates users about Tallassee Park, the Oconee River Land Trust's newly-formed conservation easement. Using integrative strategy and technology, the cross-platform app targets middle school students with individual and group activities, conservation-based learning experiences, and interactive maps of the property. The Tallassee Forest app will help the community come together to preserve the wealth of vital habitats in the park.
Home Depot Smart Home
As the smart home industry grows, new products enter the market everyday. A diverse market of products, manufacturers, and apps means consumers must juggle new interfaces with every new device. Now,  Home Depot   is working to make smart home control seamless. The Home Depot Smart Home team developed an innovative scheduling user experience for a forthcoming app for the company’s private brand of smart home products.
OnBoard UGA
For an incoming student, adjusting to the hustle and bustle of UGA's campus life can be overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be. Cue OnBoard UGA! As a new digital platform for first-year students, OnBoard UGA strives to inform, innovate, and improve the freshman experience by compiling the university's resources most needed by first-years in a single portal. This resource offers guides to financial aid, transportation, and personal wellness taking the stress out of the college transition.
Emerging Media Masterpieces
YOTS Podcast

Year of the Slut (YOTS) podcast empowers listeners to rethink their approach to feminism. By creating an accessible space for feminist learning, YOTS entertains and encourages listeners to progress their personal feminist journeys. Seasoned feminists and fresh feminists alike will pick up a new perspective as YOTS discusses theoretical approaches to feminist thinking and provides ways to integrate these practices in real-life. Listen today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.
Easy Chat

Easy Chat helps young professionals disconnect from the internet and reconnect with the people around them. Easy Chat is an action for Google Assistant that offers users a simple starting point for conversations like, "Talk about the worst job you've had" or "What is your silliest fear?" After getting the discussion started, Easy Chat fades into the background and lets users focus on the people in front of them. Just say, " Hey Google, talk to Easy Chat" to give it a try.

Looking Ahead...
Project Ideas? Sponsorship?
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Fall 2020 Capstone client, give Chris Gerlach a shout. Or maybe you're interested in sponsoring SLAM? For more information on sponsorship opportunities, check out the Sponsorship Package Fact Sheet on our website or shoot Chris an email.
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