SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Code, create, showcase: Learning goes beyond the classroom

Students took centre stage at the third annual Designing Tomorrow: Student Tech and Design Showcase, presenting capstone projects that demonstrated their technical expertise, creativity and readiness for the workforce.

The showcase highlighted work developed throughout students' programs from the School of Computing and Digital Innovation and School of Creative Media, Arts and Sciences, bringing together skills learned over the course of their studies into applied, real-world solutions. Projects ranged from emerging technologies and user experience design to digital storytelling and community-focused applications.

Capstone projects challenge students to identify complex problems and develop practical solutions. Projects feature work-integrated learning and are frequently connected to industry needs, applied research, and real-world environmental or social challenges.

"This is an exciting moment for students," says Heather Craigie, program head of the Graphic Communications and Interactive Design and Technology programs. "The showcase builds confidence by giving them the chance to share ideas they've spent months developing and to see industry professionals engage with their work."

Over 100 students participated this year on 54 projects, with seven teams sharing keynote presentations on their capstone projects.

The showcase encourages students to think beyond traditional approaches. Alongside technical skill, projects emphasize creative thinking, adaptability and user-centred design. Many capstone projects address everyday challenges, focusing on safety, improved digital experiences, accessibility and much more!

The Manhole Manager capstone was developed by a team of Business Information Systems students in partnership with the City of Regina's roadways seasonal operations team. Students include Cristina Lansang, Dawich Sonthikitphon, John Aaron Elorde, Prachi Bhalla and Shivalika Soni. The web-based system modernizes how raised, damaged and repaired manholes are reported and tracked.

The platform replaces manual reporting and email-based workflows with a centralized system that improves efficiency, communication and record management. An interactive GIS map allows users to view manhole locations and statuses in real time. City staff can submit reports, upload photos, track repairs and review maintenance history through a digital interface designed for both office and field use. By digitizing the reporting process, the Manhole Manager capstone supports faster response times, more informed maintenance decisions and improved public safety.

Another capstone project, Project tanshi, is an interactive app developed by Computer Systems Technology students to teach Plains Cree to children aged four to seven through Indigenous storytelling. The app was created by Ikechukwu Ajunwa, Paul Alvin Alejandria, Ammar Ahmad Butt, Kaushal Pradipkumar Bhavsar, Avery Collison and Kalael Dabao. It currently features two chapters inspired by the seven grandfather teachings and the medicine wheel, blending audio, visuals and hands-on activities to support early language learning.

Built with the Godot engine, the app uses a library of reusable scenes that ensures consistent, scalable lesson development. Future plans include using AI to generate new content and developing a dedicated language model to improve Cree translation accuracy.

User experience design was central to Slidr capstone, a visual product rating platform created by Olivia Dumalski a Graphic Communications student. Slidr rethinks how people evaluate online reviews. Rather than relying on vague star ratings or lengthy written comments, Slidr breaks products down into key attributes and allows users to filter information based on what matters most to them.

Through a sliding interface, dynamic icons and clear visual indicators, users can explore ratings related to qualities such as performance, ingredients, flavour or other defining features. The goal is to simplify decision-making by presenting clear, personalized information in one place.

Throughout the event, students connected with faculty members, industry partners and potential employers, explaining their design decisions and technical approaches. The atmosphere was marked by strong engagement and meaningful networking.

For industry attendees, the showcase offers early access to emerging talent and fresh ideas. It also provides insight into the skills graduates bring to the workforce and how those skills can contribute to future innovation.

"This year's event was a great success," says Joseph Herbert, academic chair for the Faculty of Digital Innovation, Arts and Sciences. "We had a high level of student participation and enthusiasm. This showcase reflects the future of digital creativity and technology driven by students ready to apply their learning beyond the classroom."

Learn more about Sask Polytech's School of Computing and Digital Innovation and School of Creative Media, Arts and Sciences.