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 overcome current challenges while considering how to mitigate the associated obstacles.

Grand Challenges under this theme include:

• Chronic homelessness, gentrification, and access to dignified housing. By 2023 there will be ~10,000 households on the social housing waiting list, and thus creative and sustainable housing solutions are needed.
• Increasing public education on a variety of city-wide issues, as well as ways that they can get involved and contribute to a better Hamilton.
• As the Hamilton escarpment erodes, the infrastructure gets damaged and the safety of people comes into question. The city would like ways to minimize/prevent erosion damage and keep people safe in their transportation.

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. 

Grand Challenges under this theme include:

• Preventing flooding in high-risk areas as lake-water levels increase.
• Air quality and the effects of climate change are key environmental issues facing Hamilton. The impact of extreme temperatures and the need to mitigate heat-related illness among the city’s most vulnerable populations is a top public health concern.

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, means of communication, and strong network connections can best support new business opportunities and local economic development. 

Grand Challenges under this theme include:

• The need to attract and retain new industries and innovative businesses, as well as ways to support local businesses that contribute to the success of Hamilton’s economy.
• The protection and promotion of local farms, creating sustainable food production, processing, and distribution.
• With the construction of Hamilton’s LRT, many sections of streets (or entire streets) will be closed at a given time during building. Local businesses who rely on traffic will need a way to reach their customers.

Many residents in Hamilton continue to struggle against barriers that deny them access to common resources, such as transportation services, medical aid, and monetary support. 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 living in Hamilton both equitable and inclusive.

Grand Challenges under this theme include:

• Chronic homelessness, gentrification, and access to dignified housing. By 2023 there will be ~10,000 households on the social housing waiting list, and thus creative and sustainable housing solutions are needed.
• Poverty in Hamilton as a result of fewer quality housing options, educational achievement, food security, and access to services.
• The need for safer neighborhoods amidst street violence, instances of harassment, gang activity, and a culture of fear.
• Increasing public education on a variety of city-wide issues, as well as ways that they can get involved and contribute to a better Hamilton.
• The rising demand for mental health services among young people and a need for people to understand where they can seek help in the face of limited access to mental health supports, prevention, and treatment services.

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. 

Grand Challenges under this theme include:

• Chronic homelessness, gentrification, and access to dignified housing. By 2023 there will be ~10,000 households on the social housing waiting list, and thus creative and sustainable housing solutions are needed.
• Cycling in designated bike lanes can be dangerous as it is sometimes used as parking spaces or infringed upon by vehicles.
• The need for complete streets that meet the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, motorists, and the movement of goods.
• There is a need to create an environment that promotes active and healthy living to support high quality of life for residents. The city would like to make it easy for people to be physically active by providing safe routes for walking and biking around the city.
• With the construction of Hamilton’s LRT, many sections of streets (or entire streets) will be closed at a given time during building. Local businesses who rely on traffic will need a way to reach their customers.
• As the Hamilton escarpment erodes, the infrastructure gets damaged and the safety of people comes into question. The city would like ways to minimize/prevent erosion damage and keep people safe in their transportation.

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. 

Students:

Mariam ElSheikh [Mech Eng II]
Jumana AlHaideri [Civil Eng III]
Javaria Asif [Civil Eng and Mgmt III]

Problem:

City cores are structured to accommodate car mobility with significantly less focus on pedestrians and cyclists as seen by the amount of land space that is dedicated solelyto parkinginfrastructure. The parking spaces are often underutilized which results in wasted revenue and land space. This project addresses the issue of land sustainability in parking infrastructure design. The location of the pilot is the Yorkdale parking structure at MacNabSt. and York Blvd.

Process:

Case studies: Alaska The Rooftop, Molson Canadian rooftop ice rink 120 Adelaide St. W, Toronto

Consulted:

• Jason Thorne (Planning and Economic Development, City of Hamilton (COH)) on the Rebecca parking lot transformation and Yorkdale structure technical specifications
• Suzi Ozer (Operational Manager Downtown BIA) on budgeting and event planning
• Ken Coit (Public Arts & Projects, COH) on the Jackson Square rooftop park pitfalls

Brainstormed with Peter Topalovic (Sustainable Mobility, COH) and Emily Walsh (Community Engagement, Downtown BIA) about potential space usage, aesthetics and recreational activities

Site visits: multiple parking lots at different times on weekends and weekdays  

Solution:

We propose a pilot project for a transformation of the Yorkdale parking structure rooftop since it’s an underutilized parking space. The pilot aims to develop a public space that is easily accessible that offers recreational activities (concerts, food, skating) that will revitalize the area and provide a more close-knit community. This project could encourage people to use public transit when travelling to downtown. In addition, this project can serve as a revenue stream for the city to encapsulate the value of property and provide economic and social sustainable means.

Next Steps:

• Conduct surveys for public opinion
• Explore future partnerships for project implementation and sponsorships
• Metrics to evaluate pilot success
• Legalities (Permits, Safety Procures, etc.)

Students:

KeishaSegne [Earth and Enviro Sci II]
Leisha Fernando [Civil Eng and SctyII]
SarahMoodey [Economics II]
ValentinaVillate [Commerce II]

Problem:

Not having access to Wi-Fi or cellular data means some users have access to bus tracking apps, but not all. This is an equity and accessibility issue. This problem pertains to all transit riders as it is vital to know that HSR is reliable, but obstacles may arise and one can still make necessary arrangements. Lack of knowledge impedes riders from knowing real-time bus schedules, resulting in miscommunication for those riding the bus, which is a factor in discouraging ridership.The proposed project addresses Action 25 and 26 as well as  Chapter 4.2.3 of the Master Transportation Plan. Transit users want to be able to rely on public transportation, but it is understood that there are obstacles that may arise but being able to be proactive and plan according to delays shows riders that their time is valued. Beyond the convenience factor for all users, this allows the demographic of people who do not have access to Wi-Fi based tracking apps, to still have access to real-time bus tracking information.

Process:

• Consulted subject matter experts such as Project Managers and Transportation Planners were to understand logistics about running a pilot project, cost-analysis breakdown & potential feedback for our proposed solution
• Researched the reliability of public transit, volume of transit users, cities that have successfully implemented a similar system, and the costs associated with the proposed solution
• Reviewed the key factors of the City-Wide Transportation Plan and the Smart Cities Challenge
• Visitedthe Eastgate Square Hub to better understand the station and the best place of the proposed solution
• Recognizedthat tohave apositiveeffect on users, we just needed to use the existing resources more effectively to benefit all the users

Solution:

• Pilot a real-time bus schedule using a display at Eastgate Square Bus Terminal which will show clear updated bus times regarding arrival and departure times, as well as delays and detours
• These displays are the most effective solution to bring real-time data to the HSR riders of Hamilton, as they are quick, reliable, accessible, cost-efficient, and can be integrated within the city’s already proposed plans to revitalize the transit system
• The proposed solution will not only provide low-income riders with free-real time data, but adds convenience to the overall experience of riding the HSR
• The proposed system would replicate those that have been adopted in Portland, Seattle, and Oakville

Next Steps:

• Establish the technology required to run the board including codes, algorithms, power supplies, etc.
• Determine if this pilot has increased ridership and improved customer experience and would justify an expansion
• Should expansion occur, businesses in the surrounding area would be contacted to determine if they would like to sponsor the project in exchange for advertisement space
• Integrate alternate forms of transportation onto the display for those who cannot afford to wait for the next bus. i.edisplaying the location of the nearest Sobistation, posting the number to a cab company, etc.

Students:

WantingSu [Civil Eng III]
Shenwei Zhang [Civil Eng III]
WenbinQuan [Civil Eng III]
LianjiLi [Civil Eng III]
George Lau [Comp Eng and Mgmt III] 
ZizhengGao [B.Tech- Manufacturing Eng Tech]

Problem:

The King William Street opening plan will cause a shortage of parking. This problem will lead to user pains for visitors to the area. This project is to find an alternative active parking solution to utilize the parking resources in the neighbourhood to meet the needs of shareholders.

Process: 

• Site visits and parking inventory data collection
• Consulted with CityLAB to find learn about current problems
• Case study on parking management from other cities to apply to King William Street
• Speed interview with shareholders and business improvement experts to scope down the project

• Create share parking agreement with private parking lot and business owners
• Transform on-street parking on James street into drop –off area

Next Steps:

• Find feasible plan for both “Shared Parking” and “Drop off area design”
• Install additional Sobistations in the area

Students:

Abigail Hudecki [Arts and Sci and Psych, Neuroscience & Behaviour IV]
Amanda Yang [Justice, Political Philosophy and Law IV]
Andrew Rodenburg [Mech EngIV]
Nicholas Nseir [Civil EngIII]

Problem:

Secondhand smoke is harmful to all who are exposed. In fact there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, even in outdoor shared spaces. Exposure to secondhand smoke outdoors poses a significant health risk to the community as it reduces air quality and releases harmful chemicals into the surrounding area. Furthermore, litter from cigarette filters reduce the cleanliness and aesthetics of the environment. Finally, exposure to smoking has been shown to negatively influence children and those who want to quit smoking. Section 5.1.1 from the City of Hamilton Master Transportation Plan states that factors of social and physical environments in addition to healthy child development contribute to the health of individuals and the community. The design of the community significantly impacts our well-being and contributes to a positive and healthy environment for all to enjoy. The scope of this initiative is to promote a smoke-free area along King William Street, in accordance with the boundaries of the street opening proposed by Hamilton’s Mobility Lab.

Process:

• Researchedcase studies to identify the successes and challenges of outdoor smoke-free zones
• Collaboratedwith CityLABAmbassadors who assisted with resources and direction of the initiative
• Conductedsite visit of King William Street to identify locations with high concentrations of cigarette litter
• ConsultedKing William business owners for insight on the smoke-free initiative
• Interviewed subject matter experts and City professionals from the Downtown BIA & Clean Air Hamilton

Solution:

• Developed a smoke-free initiative that will run as a pilot project as proposed by Mobility Lab during the 100in1 Day Hamilton event, alongside the support of community partners
• Three pillars: an infographic, signage, and a social media campaign
• Rationale: The goal is to promote a smoke-free environment by sharing knowledge regarding how smoke-free air quality and human health can be improved, and how it increases the enjoyability of space for all users
• Case Study: A survey in Auckland found that 90% of respondents were equally likely or more likely to visit a smoke-free outdoor dining event, supporting the idea that people prefer a clean public space
• Prototype: Attached is the infographic that will be shown during the event

Next Steps:

• CityLAB Ambassadors will present the smoke-free initiative as a part of their recommendation with Mobility Labs in April and May
• Pilot project will be held during the 100in1 Day Hamilton on Saturday June 1, 2019
• Evaluation of the pilot project by CityLAB, Mobility Lab & CouncillorJason Farr

Students:

CatrinaHuyer [B.TechBiotech IV]
GiangNguyen [Civil Eng III]
ZhiZheng [Civil Eng and SctyIII]
AltugBilge [Engineering I]
Zhengyuan Wang [Mechanical Eng III]

Problem:

Sections 5 and 4.2.1 of the Hamilton Transportation Master Plan highlights the importance of health outcomes like respiratory function and mental health in the evaluation of transportation plan designs, projects and policies as well as Complete, Livable and Better Streets. Residents report poor health outcomes, poor air quality and undesirable streets in the Beasley, Strathcona and Central neighbourhoods due to full time heavy truck routes. This prevents residents from participating in healthy activities such as biking, walking etc. and contributes to the 185 premature deaths per year in Hamilton due to poor air quality.

Process:

• Consulted with Elise Desjardins (Environment Hamilton - Friendly Streets)
• Interviewed Kate Whalen, Dr. Bruce Newbold, Laura Ryan, Peter Topalovic, Dr. MoatazMohamed, Trevor Imhoff and Shelley Rogers
• Visited site at Queen Street North, one of the truck-permit routes in Central Hamilton
• Studied Quebec “No Truck” Guide and Toronto Heavy Truck Policy

Solution:

Develop criteria to review truck routes for Central Hamilton neighborhoods and community facilities based on the three pillars of sustainability

• Restrict truck access time on specific routes during school start/end time and rush hours - no truck zones for specific time/routes
• Build more green infrastructurein the residential areas with truck-permit routes
• Enforcement -monthly/annual tolls on specific routes, install transponder/cameras on routes; fine for non-compliance
• Educate truck companies on new policiesthrough emails, and workshops

Next Steps:

• Improve the criteria while gathering more truck data to access and review the truck routes more efficiently
• Review and propose sustainable adjustments to the current truck routes regarding the developed criteria and gathered data
• Develop reasonable enforcements for the new policies
• Advise truck companies about the new truck routes and policies

Students:

Xiaole Zhong [Elec and Biomed Eng III]
KaihuaYang [Electrical Eng III]
XiaoyuZhai [Elec and Biomed Eng III]
YichenZhou [Chem and Bio Eng III]

Problem:

Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada. Our device aims to improve or change the current situation regarding heart attacks in public. There is always a time gap between the moment someone starts struggling with and heart attack and when emergency services actually arrives to the patient. During this time gap, the device will exercise precautions to increase the chance for the patient to survive their cardiac arrest.

Process:

• Interview many subject matter experts from different fields
• Interviews aided in outlining our problem statement
• Extensive research into cardiac arrest
• Solution was iterated several times upon further research 

Solution:

• Blanket with ECG electrode and pressure sensor which can provide 3 kinds of feedback
• Use three-point fix to locate heart and uses feedback to aid bystanders in performing effective CPR
• Could dramatically decrease death rate produced by improper CPR technique
• Innovative solution for the problem

Next Steps:

• Testing and assessing the accuracy of the device àMaking improvements àIntroduce into market
• It is anticipated that this device can significantly improve the success rate of CPR with low cost
• Future partners: Go Transit, City of Hamilton, Darts, School bus companies

Students:

Sukhbeer Badwal [Civil Eng II]
NaveenVarathan [Civil Eng II]
Richard Weiss [Civil Eng II]
Adrienne Klein [Arts and Sci II]

Problem:

There is a two-way bike lane on Cannon St. but only a narrow lane on Ferguson St. and no other bike lanes that run North-South within the area. The alleyway we chose to work on (running South off Cannon St. between Mary St. and Elgin St.) is aesthetically displeasing and leads to people littering within it. Cannon St. and Mary St. had the highest rate of cyclist collisions within the city in 2017 (4 collisions), and tied for the highest rate of cyclist collisions over the last 5 years (10 in total). Providing an alternative route will not give people a safer option, but also a more pleasing commute (as there would be reduced traffic noise and air pollution). According to the Cycling Master Plan for Hamilton, section 4.2.1, the cycling network continuity, safety and cost are the 3 main priorities of the city. Revitalizing the alleyway to add to the mobility of the neighbourhood and meet the standards of the cycling master plan.

Process:

• Consulted with Elise Desjardins and Beatrice Ekoko; they develop projects to improve shared mobility spaces in neighborhoods longside Cycle Hamilton & Environment Hamilton 
• Consulted with the Beasley Neighbourhood Association
• Pedestrian & Cyclist Collisions (2017)
• Beasley Neighborhood Association Survey (2019)
• Beasley Neighborhood Community Survey (2019)

• Utilizing artwork and other long lasting aesthetic and functional improvements, this alleyway will be transformed into am inviting, ighly walkable and bike friendly alternative route
• A more inviting path will attract users as that area gets a lot of foot and bike traffic already
• Alternative path that has certain benefits over walking on a sidewalk near auto traffic
• Multiple cities around the world have taken the initiative to improve their under-utilized allies
• Potential street design schematics

Next Steps:

• Growing support within Beasley and with neighbouring stakeholders
• Securing funding for project
• Engaging local artists and suppliers
• Expanding design ideas
• Alleyway opening party
• Applying learning to other projects in Hamilton

Students:

Yang Chen [Chemical Engineering IV]
LeezaTeshler [Art Sci I]
Serena Balzer [Art Sci I]

Problem:

Poor quality of transportation for pedestrians and bikers between LRT stop at King and Wellington to General Hospital. The pedestrian path along this road has no bike lanes or road verges causing this walkway to feel unsafe. This path is also associated with higher exposures of vehicle exhaust and noise pollution.

Process:

We have pivoted the direction of our project a few times. After doing many on site visits in downtown, speaking with subject matter experts, and meeting with Elise Desjardins and Beatrice Ekokowith Friendly Streets, Beautiful Alleys, and the Barton Village BIA, we landed on the designated area of Wellington Street and surrounding area.

Solution:

• Promote alleys as an alternative path by creation of a mural
• Designated path (seen in picture on left)
• Obstacles to using alleys: negative perception of unsafety, lack of awareness, sustainable maintenance and cleanliness
• Mural Design: artistic, functional map of the alleys and popular locations

Next Steps:

• Growing support within Beasley and with neighbouring stakeholders
• Securing funding for project
• Engaging local artists and suppliers
• Expanding design ideas
• Alleyway opening party
• Gather data on impact the alleyway has on the community
• Take what was learned from this project and apply it to other projects in Hamilton

Students:

Hosam Abdel Hafeez [iBioMed HESE II]
Vikash Nanthakumar [iBioMed HESE II]
Taha Parvez [iBioMed HESE II]

Problem:

The current referral system relies on family doctors to choose the specialist to refer a patient to
without being able to consider a specific specialists wait time. Patient files are often lost or referred to the incorrect subspecialist due to outdated records. This results in patients suffering from an inefficient system causing longer wait times, suboptimal specialist locations, and lost files. This is an important issue as there is a strong need to improve the healthcare provided to patients. Our project aims to start with a group of clinicians in one specialization and to eventually expand to become a province-wide referral system which utilizes artificial intelligence.

Process:  

• Consulted with:
  Dr. Cynthia Lokker (MSc eHealth director)
  Dr. MajdiQutob (Orthopaedic Surgeon)
  Dr. Elizabeth Alvarez (Family Medicine [Canada and USA]
  Dr. Dale Kalina (Infectious disease)
• Our research questions revolved around the issues with the current system, ways to improve it, and
  how to implement change
• We consulted literature discussing the Quebec CRDS referral system and change behaviour
• We started with a different idea but decided to pivot in January as the previous idea would not make a
  significant impact

Solution:

• An online, pool-based referral system that utilizes a machine learning algorithm to match patients with the appropriate specialist based on set criteria. (Urgency, proximity, patient mobility, etc.)
• Using an objective system that is self iterative will better reflect population demands
• Patients will have a more personalized experienced while specialists will be able to treat more appropriate patients within their subspecialties
• Case study: Quebec uses a pool based system that has been recently implemented and is successful
• Quebec uses coordinators in their system instead of artificial intelligence
• Our project addresses article 5.1.3 of the City of Hamilton Master Plan as we are designing a system that will account for the accessibility needs of the patients

Next Steps:

• We met with Dr. Kalinafrom the infectious disease unit at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS)
• We plan to work with the office of 15 specialists from HHS
• We will develop a high fidelity prototype (program) and integrate it with the HHS system
• Eventually we would like to expand this system throughout HHS’ many units

Students:

Gavin Boyd [Civil Engineering and Society III]
Danielle Liao [Earth and Space Sciences III]
Ryan Kum [Engineering I]