MacChangers

During the Fall term, teams work together to identify and define the problem they want to solve and the specific users they want to help. The focus of your work will be choosing the right problem to solve.

During the Winter term, teams work together to develop a potential solution to the problem you identified. The focus of your work will be testing the feasibility of your solution.

Technology is an integral part of our lives. Innovative technologies bring incredible opportunities to improve our lives while, at the same time, introduce many new challenges to security, usability, and accessibility. Teams within this area of study will examine how disruptive technologies help citizens receive better transportation services while considering how to mitigate the associated challenges.

• Augmented Reality (AR)
• Virtual Reality (VR)
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Machine Learning
• Big Data

Climate change poses serious challenges to public health. Carbon dioxide gas (CO2) emissions negatively affect people around the world as a result of unsustainable design, production, and disposal of our means of transportation. Teams within this area of study will explore ways to meet these challenges by proposing sustainable alternatives.

• How can we reduce and prevent the production of CO2?
• What are the benefits and challenges of using electric cars or car sharing systems?
• What are the benefits and challenges of using biodiesel and other gasoline alternatives?
• How can we effectively promote and use environment-friendly transportation modes such as biking or walking?
• How can we design transportation infrastructure with planet-conservation in mind?
• How can we design, dispose or repurpose cars, buses, trains and any of their components (for example the tires, engines or wagons) in a more sustainable way?

Our thinking about transportation is often times limited to automobiles. However, transportation systems are required to accommodate a variety of transportation methods that include biking and walking. Teams within this area of study will explore ways of designing our infrastructure to better accommodate these different methods of travel.

• How can we connect different neighborhoods and communities to the city? To each other?
• How can we connect urban spaces with green areas?
• How to improve traffic flow and reduce traffic congestion?
• How can we design efficient and visually attractive transportation systems?
• How can we effectively integrate different modes of transportation in a sustainable and user-friendly way?
• How can we integrate pedestrian and bike access into current transit infrastructure?

Many residents in Hamilton continue to struggle against barriers that deny them access to transportation services. As a result, members of Hamilton’s most vulnerable population face significant obstacles to accessing economic opportunities and health. Teams in this area of study will explore creative solutions that make transportation in Hamilton both equitable and inclusive.

•  How can we make transportation more accessible and inclusive?
• How can we connect all regions from Hamilton? (ex: Flamborough, Waterdown, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Grimsby)
• How do diverse groups of people and minorities use transportation systems differently? (More/less dependent) (age should be a consideration as well)
• How does transportation cost impact personal finances of citizens?
• How might we break the cultural stigmas and promote the use of public transportation?
• How transportation modes and commuting times impact social economic classes differently?

Many of today’s diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, have been associated with our increasingly sedentary lifestyle. As well, gasoline-based vehicles are one of the main contributors to severe respiratory issues. Teams in this area of study will focus on creative solutions that will improve the public health and safety of our citizens.

•  What role does transportation play in our health and well being?
• How can transportation infrastructure design promote better physical and mental health?
• How can we integrate future needs and mobility restrictions of our aging population into our infrastructure design?
• How can we make transportation safer and healthier for diverse users?
• In case of an accident or attack, how can we provide easier access to assistance?
• What role do regulators, providers, and users each play in improving transportation safety?

Transportation plays a vital role in the local economy and economic opportunities are related to the mobility of people, goods/services, and information. Teams in this area of study will explore how efficient transportation systems and strong network connections can best support new business opportunities and local economic development.

• What impact might the LRT, bike lanes and car sharing have on the Hamilton economy?
• How can we build and maintain transportation infrastructure in a more resilient and cost-efficient way?
• What role does transportation play in the creation of employment and career opportunities?
• What is the impact of transportation on consumer habits?
• How can innovative transportation systems help develop new businesses and markets?
• What role does transportation play in getting people to work? What improvements are needed to be more efficient and cost-effective?
• How can we best move goods?
• What role do new technologies play in the design of efficient logistic networks?
• What impact do ride-sharing companies have on Hamilton’s economic development?