The objective of #iWave (Innovative Web-Apps in a Virtual Environment) is to get design and computer science students working together to develop a web app that will meet a genuine need. A collaborative working environment helps with coordinating students in Nantes and Le Mans remotely.
WINNER OF THE 2017 CALL FOR INNOVATIVE INITIAL EDUCATION PROJECTS
The modules selected for funding provide a blueprint for longer term courses that can meet changing professional needs in the worlds of design, engineering and innovation.
Two partners
- IUT de Laval / Le Mans University – Professional degree in IT professions
- École de Design Nantes Atlantique – Bachelor in Interaction design
About the module
The project gives students an opportunity to apply concepts developed in the classroom, particularly with regard to the human-computer interface and user experience, analysis of needs and practices, web design and web integration.
Working in mixed teams that combine the disciplines, students are tasked with developing concrete and original solutions to meet a need identified by a local socio-economic stakeholder. For example, in 2019, the Regional Agency requested a working web application* to promote and help visitors explore the Loire Valley’s wine routes.
* “In computing, a web application is an application that can be handled directly online via an Internet browser and, unlike mobile app, does not need to be installed on client devices” (translated from Wikipédia France).
Teaching and Accreditation arrangements
The module is consistent with employability strategies and encourages students to develop cross-disciplinary skills at the same time as consolidating their specialist knowledge. It will be led flexibly on the basis of short cycles.
Students in Laval and Nantes will cooperate throughout the project via a collaborative working environment.
All students will be assessed together at an end-of-project workshop in Nantes which will involve :
- User tests on the web apps developed
- Teams pitching their projects to a panel of judges
Prospects
The module has been incorporated permanently into educational programmes at both establishments. There are also plans to transfer the methodology (educational design) and technological environment to other courses at the two institutions and to other partner establishments. Support with the transfer will primarily take the form of a methodological guide.
Schedule
Phase 1 : initiate collaboration in advance of the project
Phase 2 : module development and implementation
- Design and implementation of the collaborative environment
- Tests on the production environment
- Identification of needs in conjunction with local socio-economic stakeholders
- Workshop at IUT Laval
- Workshop at École de Design Nantes Atlantique
Phase 3 : rollout and consolidation of the project
Contacts
Vincent Barré – IUT de Laval-Le Mans Université – vincent.barre@univ-lemans.fr
Florent Michel – L’École de design Nantes Atlantique – f.michel@lecolededesign.com