Seneca, Amity Students Unite in Global Design Jam Competition

Students from Seneca Polytechnic and Amity University Dubai collaborated in the Seneca/Amity Design Jam Powered by Microsoft Copilot Suite to develop assistive technology, demonstrating cross-cultural and interdisciplinary teamwork to create a browser plugin that simplifies and personalizes internet searches. Structured creative processes, such as Edward de Bono's Six Hats of Thinking, are vital in overcoming innovation barriers by guiding diverse perspectives and improving group decision-making. Creativity can emerge in unexpected contexts, as demonstrated by Wake Forest faculty who apply innovative solutions across fields like computer science, communication, and economics to address complex problems such as cybersecurity, disaster preparedness, and wildlife conservation. Storytelling, in particular, plays a crucial role in influencing disaster preparedness by shaping risk perception and encouraging effective communication grounded in lived experiences. These examples highlight the importance of diverse collaboration, structured thinking techniques, and creative approaches in solving real-world challenges. Together, they underscore how combining technological tools, creative frameworks, and human narratives fosters practical innovation and resilience.