Innovative Tech Blossoms at Nebraska's Design Studio Showcase
Students from Nebraska's Raikes School collaborate with local companies to create groundbreaking tech solutions, scooping top awards.

Fostering Innovation in the Heartland
At the heart of the Great Plains, students at the University of Nebraska’s Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science are not just hitting the books, they’re revolutionizing industries. The recent Design Studio Showcase offered a glimpse into the future, as students paired up with Nebraska-based companies to tackle real-world challenges and unveil their innovative solutions.
Spotlight on a Fashion-Forward Approach
While many explored the realms of finance and agriculture, a unique project stood out with a fashion-forward approach. Four enterprising students took on the challenge presented by The Buckle, a local fashion retail giant. Their mission? To simplify the online shopping experience with an intelligent chatbot app, designed to interpret casual language and pinpoint the perfect apparel for consumers.
Bridging Technology and Creativity
Ealynn Hsu, the product manager of the group and a senior with a dual focus on computer science and piano performance, articulated the app’s vision. “Finding the perfect product online can be daunting,” she explained, “Our goal was to use natural language search to streamline the process.”
Embracing the Art of AI
For Victoria Chin, the project’s development manager, the journey was as much about personal growth as innovation. “Initially, I never considered AI as a solution,” she admitted. Yet, the team’s collaborative spirit led them to explore tools like ChatGPT, embracing the complexities of AI technology. This exploration not only fostered learning but also culminated in their achievement of the Design Studio Showcase’s coveted platinum award.
Celebrating Achievement and Collaboration
Nancy Heyne, the guiding hand at the Raikes School Design Studio, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “It’s a bold challenge for our students,” she remarked, “But they consistently rise to the occasion, delivering remarkable and practical solutions.”
As stated in Nebraska Public Media, these experiences are not just academic exercises but sojourns into the innovation that promises to shape industries across Nebraska and beyond. The Design Studio Showcase shines not just as a testament to the prowess of its participants but as a beacon for the limitless possibilities of the fusion between education and industry.
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