Social Impact BuildFest: 2023

300 W Dean Keeton Street,Austin TX 78705

24 March, 2023

Description

What is BuildFest? An inclusive event that encourages students to embrace emerging technologies and use them to address the social issues they face on campus everyday. Event Overview: Immersive technology is a very powerful tool being used in the fight for social change. The Social Impact BuildFest is a weekend-long event that challenges the idea that building with immersive technology is difficult and complex. Designed for people who don't see themselves as “tech-savvy”, attendees are not expected to arrive with existing development experience. They will be guided through the design and prototyping process by both technical experts who understand the technology tools as well as social mentors who will ensure that projects are nuanced, impactful, and sensitive to the communities being addressed. This year we have partnered with 8th Wall to bring their cutting edge WebAR platform to BuildFest 2023. Diverse teams of 3-5 participants will use 8th Wall to build an augmented reality experience that addresses a wide variety of social issues. These projects will then be presented to a panel of industry judges who will provide feedback and award prizes. This BuildFest is open to all -- Austin media professionals, UT students and faculty. Social Topics: The event will include mentorship from social issue experts to help with ideation/design. Ensuring that projects are sensitive, nuanced, and effective in their approach to addressing these complex social issues. This years topics are: Mental Health and WellnessEnvironmental Inequities Access Needs of Disabled studentsRace Visibility Gender InclusivityFAQ: Q: I have never written code before, is that okay? A: YES! While having some existing development experience is great, this event is designed for people like you who have never done any AR development at all. You will be guided through the entire building process. Q: Do I have to form a team before I sign-up? A: No! While we encourage you to bring your friends, there is no expectation that you arrive with a team already formed. We will do a guided team formation activity to match you with awesome people who want to work on the same kind of projects as you. Q: What is included in my FREE ticket? A: All attendees will receive complimentary meals throughout the weekend as well free event merch. Just show up and bring your creativity, we will take care of the rest.