Look in the Lab — Winter 2023
Winter 2023 Newsletter
Punxsutawney Phil may have cast a shadow this year, but we’re definitely not experiencing “six more weeks of winter” in Chapel Hill. This (pleasantly) erroneous forecast shouldn’t come as too big a surprise, though, as historically Phil’s prognostications are only correct 39% of the time. Beyond learning about the tradition of Groundhog’s Day, we’ve been up to some important work at the Lab this winter. Check it out below!
The Latest
This winter, we spent some time defining what success will look like in 2023 and how we plan to get there. And after some important R&R over break, we returned ready to tackle our goals. To do so, we brought on a handful of team members, hosted events, and began working with new clients. We’re excited to spotlight these happenings below!
Fellows Joined Blue Sky Innovations
At the start of the spring term, we welcomed four student Innovation Fellows. These undergraduate students will work on an array of projects ranging from overseeing the go-to-market strategy for our volumetric capture studio to creating 3D elements for our educational games to developing creative assets to showcase the Lab’s work!
Follow our Instagram account (@UNCBlueSky) for personal introductions to each of our new Innovation Fellows!
New Commercial Filmed With Lenovo
When our friends at Lenovo reached out about filming and producing a short segment detailing our partnership, it was a no-brainer. With Lenovo’s end-to-end devices and infrastructure, we’re able to bring our artificial intelligence solutions to new heights. And on top of that, we’re keeping human beings at the center of innovation.
“Part of [the] job is to figure out: What is the future? Where is technology going?” explained Steven King. Here, at Blue Sky Innovations, “We’re trying to not only predict it, but drive it, and to create human-centered innovation to solve problems that leverage technology focused on the human that uses it.”
In November, we enjoyed a few days of filming with a talented crew, and today, we’re very proud to share the final product with y’all. We believe the video beautifully encapsulates what we stand for at Blue Sky Innovations. Watch it below!
Project Spotlight: Rabbit Avenger
Rabbit Avenger is a web-based augmented reality (AR) game that leverages storytelling to empower pediatric hospital patients to engage in physical activity. The game offers an interactive scavenger hunt game on their hospital floor. Using creative storytelling to guide players through an adventure-style narrative, each player gains superpowers by following clues and searching around the hospital ward for AR targets. Rabbit Avenger intentionally challenges the labeling that can come with medical illnesses and guides our patients to realize that they are in charge of their bodies, lives, and story.
Yuqi’s Role: UX/UI Designer and 3D Artist
Yuqi’s roles in the creation of Rabbit Avenger include UX research, graphic design, and 3D animation. Specifically, Yuqi created the style guide, 2D visuals, and 3D monster characters that enliven the game. Speaking about her experience working on Rabbit Avenger, Yuqi shared, “I am very grateful for the opportunity to help hospitalized children both mentally and physically. I also learned so much during the creation process about concept development, storyboarding, and 3D design that I dreamed of doing.” To guide the game design, the team used user-centered research and endeavored to deliver the most innovative solution for pediatric patients.
In-Person Events Resonated With Visitors
The team at Blue Sky Innovations opened our doors once again and invited the community to join us in the Reese Lab. In November, our researchers Bhargav Bompalli and Vivek Sahukar presented on artificial intelligence applications at Google’s North Carolina DevFest. Using their research on volumetric capture and autonomous robotics as the foundations of their presentations, the two engaged with technologists and entrepreneurs. Additionally, the team hosted our spring open house on Feb. 10th. The event was met with curiosity and enthusiasm. UNC students engaged with our technologies and learned about Innovation Fellow opportunities at Blue Sky Innovations.
Take a peek at the event through the lens of Claire Revere, our PR and marketing coordinator, on our website. And, if you missed the event but are interested in joining our team, check out our open positions.
To stay up to date on these projects and be the first to know about new opportunities at Blue Sky Innovations, connect with us on social media @UNCBlueSky!
