Subject: Introduction to IT and IS (Project)

Code: IT231

There are 5 topics to choose from for this project.

Consider a specific problem /opportunity in the topic area at this moment in time and think about how the implementation of the digital technologies you learned in this course can solve the problem in the next ten years. You may extrapolate how you think the current technologies might evolve in the next ten years and apply that to your solution. Creative solutions are allowed and encouraged. Make sure to apply at least two of the digital technologies that you learned in this course and consider the ethical, societal, and business issues highlighted throughout the course. Note that by selecting one topic area you are not necessarily eliminating the other topic areas. In fact, the specific problem you select may relate to several topic areas.

(Choose a topic based on the interests and motivations of your group members.)

Topic 1: Emerging Technology

Select an emerging technology covered in class. What impact will it have on society? (As described above, select a specific demographic for your project.) Consider periods of normal life and challenging periods, e.g., a pandemic. What is your prediction and vision for the impact of the technology? How will the technology you selected interact with at least one other technology discussed in the course? For example, society is constantly being reshaped in lasting ways, from how we travel and buy homes, to the level of security and surveillance we are accustomed to. As another example, remote work has advanced the need for more robust 5G technologies.

Topic 2: Physical Infrastructure System

We take well-functioning physical infrastructure systems (electric grid, internet, garbage disposal services, roads, airports, etc.) for granted. However, the construction, maintenance, and renewal of our infrastructure systems is expensive in terms of money, environmental impact (e.g., buildings and the construction sector are one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions), and often also social impact (e.g., construction work is one of the occupations with the highest level of accidents, which affects poorer segments of society disproportionally). How could the technologies presented in this course create a significant improvement in the economic, environmental, and social performance of our physical infrastructure systems? For example, when a building or bridge is demolished, many of the materials used in the building end up in landfills. How could these materials or even building components or entire buildings be reused thanks to innovative uses of technology? Or, infrastructure systems for energy and wastewater are typically separate systems. However, the waste in the wastewater could be used to generate electricity. How could technology enable such an integration of energy and wastewater systems? Or the integration of other infrastructure systems?

Topic 3: Mental Health

Loneliness and social isolation are a key problem in society. How might technologies be designedfor instance, transportation and resource security/scarcityto enhance connections in communities, reduce loneliness, and improve mental well-being? As a reminder, select a specific demographic (e.g., single elderly people, high school students in rural areas, etc.) for your project.

Topic 4: Entertainment Industry

The entertainment industry has adapted to streaming content, live experiences, and in-game events. How might the next generation of entertainment experiences look like at home or on the go?

Topic 5: Social Impact & Equity

Socioeconomic inequalities mean that not everyone has equal access to technologies; this is also called digital divide. For example, some people have limited access to broadband, limited know-how of technologies, or no access to equipment. How could government, businesses, and technology providers bridge this socioeconomic digital divide? For example, in many parts of the world, there is a shortage of professional caregivers (for elderly, sick people, etc.). Robots could alleviate this shortage. But since such robots can be expensive or require expertise to deploy, how could better care be available to all? Another example is the access to data and analytics, i.e., machine learning. The developers of such systems may limit access due to cost or business concerns. How will the benefits from machine learning be available to all