The inspiration behind a range of innovative health-related endeavours by Otago Polytechnic learners will be discussed at TEXpo next Saturday, 26 May.

Just one of the highlights of Dunedin Techweek, which launches on 18 May, TEXpo is a day-long event showcasing and demystifying tech for all ages.

The expo includes talks, demonstrations, open days, displays, film screenings and workshops, bringing together Otago Polytechnic staff and learners, the University of Otago as well as a range of local industries.

These include a prototype app developed by Otago Polytechnic students that aims to help adolescents and young adults who are living with cancer.

The “AYA Rangatahi Uruwhenua Passport” app includes personal health information, cancer diagnosis, treatment information, follow-up guidelines, information about potential late effects of treatment (for example, the risk of depression), tips for healthy living, and contact details for treatment team members and the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service.

The Southern District Health Board (DHB) approached Otago Polytechnic for help to develop an app to meet a need identified by adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with cancer — to have mobile access to their treatment information, aiding their transition to life outside hospital.

In the first half of 2017 a team of Otago Polytechnic Bachelor of Design (Communication) students created initial screen designs. Otago Polytechnic Bachelor of Information Technology students then used those designs to build an Android app.

Currently a working prototype, the AYA Rangatahi Uruwhenua passport app has yet to be developed to its full capacity. Final stages of development would include adding password protection.

"Our students have great experiences working on projects that benefit our local communities by prototyping innovative solutions to design problem opportunities,” Martin Kean, Senior Lecturer, College of Art, Design and Architecture, says.

“But it's more than that — they get to see what it's like to be making a living as a designer."

Elsewhere, several students in Otago Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Information Technology programme have been developing software aimed at helping people who are unable to control computers through traditional devices such as a mouse or the keyboard.

Led by David Rozado, Senior Lecturer in Otago Polytechnic’s College of Enterprise and Development, the learners’ solutions involve open-source software that recognises facial gestures, voice prompts and eye movement.  

Examples of the applications created by Otago Polytechnic Bachelor of Information technology students include:

a “Gaze Control Toolbar” that allows the users to fully control a Windows computer using only their eyes;

an “Icon-based Communicator” enabling motor-impaired users who cannot read or write to communicate with their eyes;

“FaceSwitch”, an application that transforms predefined facial gestures to specific keyboard keystrokes.

The software is available through an online repository (https://accessibilitysoftwarehub.github.io).

“The Otago Polytechnic accessibility software hub is an attempt at providing users in need with access to accessibility software regardless of their financial circumstances,” David says.

About TEXpo:

A free, collaborative, cross-campus showcase of innovative tech research, products and industries, TEXpo will be held across two sites — the Otago Polytechnic Hub and the Otago University Business School — on Saturday 26 May.

There will be loads of interesting tech on display, as well as things to get your hands on, including electric vehicles drives.

Otago Polytechnic Hub’s will host displays from local companies AbacusBio, Scott Technology, Department of Conservation, Hatch Education, Firebrand, Blue Penguins Pukekura, REZO Water and Energy, Igtimi, Malcam Foundation, Blueskin Energy Network, design build listen, Runaway Play, Pickapark, Tracmap and Select Recruitment along with displays and talks from our experts in Occupational Therapy, Information Technology, Nursing, Communication Design, Engineering Technology, Sport, Automotive, and EPICentre.

Bring your friends and family to this free event.

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Published on 17 May 2018

Orderdate: 17 May 2018
Expiry: 30 Jun 2018