Public Affairs

“How can I benefit Kuwait’s community with my project? How can I make it modern, resourceful, and relevant?”

These are the kinds of questions that senior students at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) ask themselves when brainstorming ideas for their senior capstone projects. This year, upon polishing up their ideas, AUK’s engineering, applied sciences, and graphic design seniors successfully exhibited their capstone projects.

A number of powerful proposals were submitted to faculty for the possibility of applying these ideas in Kuwait.

AUGMENTED REALITY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

Supervised by Dr. Seyed Esmaeili, Almuntaser AbdulSalam, Ahmad Aldulaie, and Amer Alazemi developed a unique system that aims to develop education and improve its outcomes through increasing interaction between teachers and students, ensuring higher levels of participation and a better understanding of course materials.

"The lack of communication and interaction between teachers and students can be found in the existing traditional educational system. This hinders the process of transferring information. Online education has worsened the situation, so we decided to propose a solution that would motivate students to participate through simplifying complex concepts. This means the student won’t have to spend a long time trying to understand complicated terminologies,” stated Alazemi.

Alazemi also explained the benefits of using augmented reality, "We designed and implemented an integrated educational system that employs augmented reality techniques to fill the gaps in the educational system in which there is little to no interaction. Augmented reality is a modern concept that integrates reality with the virtual world. Some mobile applications that use cameras to show three-dimensional models in real life have recently become widespread. We chose augmented reality because studies have shown that 3D models, like other visual stimuli, make it easier for students to understand complex concepts.”

Their project would practically be implemented by providing glasses to the teacher and student to wear. The teacher would then explain the three-dimensional models displayed. Tests would also take place using these models that can provide students with different answers they can choose from; this would ultimately result in more participation and interaction within the classroom setting.

Alazemi concluded by expressing his gratitude, "We thank all faculty members, as they were always readily available and responded to all of our inquiries, especially the dean of CEAS, Dr. Amir Zeid, who also supported us throughout this process. We would like to thank our colleagues for encouraging us too.”

THE TYPING EYE

Abdullah Al-Dihani, Hamad Al-Mutawa, Talal Al-Shammari and Abdulhadi Al-Ajmi also developed an imaginative project: The Typing Eye. Supervised by Dr. Jibran Yousafzai, the project aims to help people suffering from disabilities or paralysis. By using their eyes, patients can select letters and words from a tablet so that these glances are transformed into audible words that their caretaker can understand.

Hamad Al-Mutawa explained that the tablet contains brief commands that include the basic vital needs the patient may require, such as food. The project includes a bracelet that measures the pressure and temperature of the patient and sends a message to caretakers in case of an emergency.

Al-Mutawa discussed what makes his team’s project unique,"Although this idea already exists, what distinguishes our project is that it is set at the lowest possible price, which is only 107 dinars. Since all that is required is a camera, tablet, and sensor, our project is affordable to the general public.”

ARTISITC DESIGNS

On the other side of the spectrum, we have Tariq Al-Qallaf, a graphic designer who created a futuristic model of a motorcycle, “I decided to design a motorcycle and worked on a number of blueprints. My goal was to design a state-of-the-art three-dimensional model of a conceptualized motorcycle. I also wanted to create a brand that can be sold to individuals.”

Al-Qallaf emphasized that his design relied on the basic concepts of fluidity and dynamism and was inspired by contemporary models. He also heavily praised Professor Rita Merheb for being a constant support and always encouraging students to embrace their creativity.

Al-Qallaf is one of the many creative designs that were presented. An array of vibrant colors, ideas and products were put on display. There were designs of eco-friendly candles, classic pop art pillows, exquisite toys and card games, fashionable t-shirts, originally designed books, mugs, and stationery.

Be it coding software or branding products, these exhibitions are a golden opportunity for AUK senior students to apply the theoretical information they learned in class in unconventionally creative ways. It’s also inspirational for visitors to witness 4 years’ worth of knowledge transform into tangible products that reflect AUK’s high educational standards.

AUK’s engineers and graphic designers have a perspective that is not limited to AUK, but rather the community at large, reflecting the principles of practicality and resourcefulness that the University engrains in its students.
    
  

 
Click on the image to view the GEAS capstone photo gallery
 
  

 
Click on the image to view the GDES capstone photo gallery