iSchool Capstone

2023

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Digital Safety in the Metaverse

In this project, we identified potential digital safety concerns in the metaverse based on current trends in Web 2.0. We first develop three use cases in the healthcare, social, and entertainment sectors with specific scenarios. Then we identified current compensating controls to propose mitigation strategies for each risk in all three scenarios. Lastly, we categorised common risk categories to inform areas of concern and potential impact in the metaverse for general users.
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HazingInfo.org: Bringing Transparency to Hazing Incidents in College Greek Life

Hazing is a widespread problem on college campuses that is amplified by a lack of access to transparent safety information. Developed in partnership with the Houtz/Martinez family, HazingInfo.org is a web application and database that addresses this issue by providing prospective Greek life students and their families with accessible safety information. Schools are assigned letter grades based on the data collected, allowing users to make educated decisions about joining Greek life. HazingInfo.org aims to inform prospective students and their families about Greek chapters, leading to a decrease in hazing incidents and a safer environment for all. One of two identical entries to include all students. See more project members.
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HazingInfo.org: Bringing Transparency to Hazing Incidents in College Greek Life

Hazing is a widespread problem on college campuses that is amplified by a lack of access to transparent safety information. Developed in partnership with the Houtz/Martinez family, HazingInfo.org is a web application and database that addresses this issue by providing prospective Greek life students and their families with accessible safety information. Schools are assigned letter grades based on the data collected, allowing users to make educated decisions about joining Greek life. HazingInfo.org aims to inform prospective students and their families about Greek chapters, leading to a decrease in hazing incidents and a safer environment for all. One of two identical entries to include all students. See more project members.
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Pantry Pals

Pantry Pals is a mobile app addressing the pressing issue of food waste and its impact on the environment. The app enables users to effortlessly build personalized meal plans, keep track of their pantry inventory, and provide valuable information on sustainable eating in order to reduce food waste. Through extensive data analysis, Pantry Pals also provides personalized tips, such as meal planning suggestions based on preferences and waste reduction tips, empowering individuals to reduce their environmental impact while improving their overall health. PantryPals promotes responsible consumption, fosters a sustainable food system, and contributes to a greener future for our planet.
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School Library Database User Guides

This project sought to support the work of the librarians at Lakeside School Upper School, a private high school in Seattle, WA. The librarians needed to find a solution to a decrease in time available to devote to direct instruction pertaining the use of the many databases that the library purchases for access by its students. The Capstone team, in order to help solve this problem, created 31 video-based user guides on how to use 11 different databases, as well as videos devoted to general database use instruction (i.e. search strategies, keywords, etc.).
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The Recipe Book Compendium: Bridging the Rare Books Accessibility Gap

The Recipe Book Compendium addresses the inaccessibility of Early Modern recipe books to the general public. With barriers such as academic pedigree limiting engagement, these books have remained largely hidden away in institutional special collections. However, they hold valuable insights into the lives of Early Modern families and their knowledge creation and organization practices. This free online resource connects the average person to digitized recipe books and myriad resources to assist with understanding Early Modern material and social culture. By making this information accessible to a wider audience, the Compendium promotes a deeper understanding of Early Modern knowledge practices.
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UW TPL Cloud Computing

By 2025, global cloud computing energy consumption is projected to reach 14% of the world's total electricity demand, equivalent to the carbon footprint of the aviation industry. This alarming statistic emphasizes the urgent need for immediate action toward sustainable and equitable tech practices. Our website, made possible by the support of the UW Tech Policy Lab, aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their tech usage. We provide comprehensive resources to explore the social and environmental effects of cloud-based technologies and foster greater awareness of their implications. Together, we can make a positive difference in our digital era.
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YODHA: Breaking Barriers by Improving Access to Assistive Technology

“Yodha, the accessibility bot”, addresses the problem of inequitable access to information about assistive technology (AT) schemes and devices for people with disabilities in Low and Middle income countries, particularly in India. Yodha bridges the information gap for over 63 million people with disabilities by providing personalized, reliable, information about government schemes and available ATs in a conversational manner in local languages and on multiple platforms. Yodha helps PwDs by reducing the financial burden and time required to acquire necessary devices, increasing PwDs independence and quality of life, ultimately contributing to creating a more inclusive society.

2022

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Aida: Visualizing Medical Needs for Limited English Proficiency Users

8.6% of the American population are not proficient in English and find it difficult to access healthcare that is predominately provided in English. Communication issues caused by language barriers make Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals vulnerable to poor health outcomes. To help tackle this information problem, we created Aida. Aida is an app that allows users to input their symptoms in their preferred language, using our visual process. We generate an easy-to-read symptom card to show their doctor. Our solution reduces the stress and difficulty of communicating symptoms and supports LEP users in receiving the effective healthcare they deserve.
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Are You Nuts?: A Gamified Approach to Combating Misinformation

Misinformation is an escalating threat to modern society. Seemingly unlimited access to an ever-increasing volume of information allows for false or inaccurate content to spread easily. We look to ensure that everyone has the intellectual and social tools to be resilient and contributing members of our information society. "Are You Nuts?" is a free online collaborative game designed to empower players to combat misinformation in a remarkably fun, amusing, and innovative manner. Our game teaches players to engage in healthy information consumption and sharing habits, helps raise awareness of information vulnerabilities, and builds compassionate concern for others.