Students present their own apps

Yesterday the Information Management Master students presented their own apps in Esplanade. “Do you go out to the bar at night and in the end you do not know where you left your bike? No problem, we created the FindIt app.” Yes, those who thought that Computer Science students only sit behind the computer will be surprised.

Only for men? Well, if you look closely at the audience you could spot a few women, but the testosterone level in Esplanade was high. From 12.00 Information Management Master students presented their own apps, which finished the course Seminar Information Management. They had seven weeks to develop something new. Now the assignment is done and they can start working on their thesis. The atmosphere was also relaxed. Trays of beer and cola go around the Esplanade quite frequently.

“Many people think Information Management is for nerds,” says student Joost van Beijsterveld. “They ask you right away whether or not you can repair their computer. But we are not so technical at all .” Professor Bartel van de Walle confirms that. “Information management is not specialized in technical direction. You learn not how to program, you’re more of a mediator between business and the programmers. ”

Now that the misunderstanding is explained, we can focus on the presentations. Seven groups will present their final product. The assignment was to link technology to a new idea in an innovative way. Remarkably, all seven groups have developed an app. “This is the first time,” says Van de Walle. “Previously there were also some apps developed, but this is new.” Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Van de Walle: “For me this is a sign that students catch up with current developments. You must keep your finger on the pulse. And Apps are currently a hot topic.”

And what ideas did the students present? A wide variety. There is the FindIt app which enables you to easily capture location that you can find later on. It is useful when during a drunk night you lose your bike. And with Route Mate you can create your own routes and share it with friends. Interesting information, interactive services and games are linked to those routes. And the Hitchhikers Guide shows you drivers in the neighborhood and in what direction they go. Very useful if you need a lift.

The apps are very convincingly presented, but can they make it on the market? “Some do,” says Van de Walle. “But most of them are not complete, because we lack technical knowledge.” And it is worth it just to present those ideas. Last year IBM took someone from the presentations. He told afterwards that he was impressed.

Student Joost van Beijsterveld certainly has no plans to introduce his app to the market. “First I will write that thesis.” That’s right, and drink few beers. With a FindIt app, a Route Mate app and the Hitchhikers Guide in the back pocket even a total drunk can arrive home safely.

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