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Spring 2012 Microsoft Digital Signage Design Challenge

Teams will compete to design the best all-around example of an engaging digital signage application.  The interface can be done in Silverlight, Flash, HTML or whatever … it just needs to be able to run on Windows 7.  Digital Signage can include viewer touch interaction, camera recognition and integrate with handheld via QR Codes.

Sponsor: Microsoft
Game Owner: Jon Parks
Judge: Steve Gereb
Location: Virtual
Capacity: 10 teams
Team Size: 1-2 student(s)
Registration is Open

According to Digital Signage Today, the global market for digital signage will grow from nearly $1.3 billion in 2010 to almost $4.5 billion in 2016.


Teams will compete to design the best all-around example of an engaging digital signage application.  The interface can be done in Silverlight, Flash, HTML or whatever … it just needs to be able to run on Windows 7


Digital Signage can include viewer touch interaction, camera recognition, and integrate with handheld via QR Codes.


 Teams will develop their code in advance and then bring their design on game day in April where it will be loaded onto the systems on-site.  Judges will then review and score the teams on their designs.


 


Faculty Sponsor


Not Required – Optional


 


Registration Deadline


Teams must be registered by Friday February 17th, 2012.


 


Discpline/Skills Recommended



  • Silverlight, Flash, HTML or other GUI design tools

  • Graphic Design

  • Industry computer knowledge

  • Proposal creation experience

 


Event Description


By Friday , February 24th, 2012 registered student teams will be provided with  the following:



  • Application expectations & examples

  • High Level Functional requirements

  • Technical requirements (hardware specs)

  • Suggested links to tools required for app creation

  • Any game changes to the rules or expectations

  • Judging methodology and scoring criteria

  • Game Blog site to communicate questions

 


A one-hour conference call will be scheduled on Friday, February 24th and will be open for all teams to attend.  Student teams will have an opportunity to obtain further information on Avnet’s requirements as well as ask technical questions that can help with your design.  Students should be ready to ask questions that will help refine the proposal/application. Teams can also ask Questions via a blog site.


 


Student teams will then have until Friday, March 30th to prepare a rough overview and beta app that can be demonstrated. This version will not be judged but will be used as an indication that you are committed to competing on game day in April 2011.  All beta entries must be submitted by 5PM Arizona time on Friday March 30th, 2012.   


 


FINAL SOFTWARE APP DUE – All final versions of your software applications are due by 5PM Arizona time on Wednesday April 11th.  Judging will not take place until Game Day.  This will give Avnet time to prepare the H/W needed on game day for demonstration and judging.


 


GAME DAY – Saturday April 14th  2012 – Teams will be required to be available in-person at the event where we will have systems to install the application for spectators to view and also to allow judges to score.


Teams will also need to submit a small proposal that provides all the details and specifications – aka spec sheet – product overview sheet – of their solution.


The winning team members will each win $1000 scholarships.


 


Parameters


Game & Proposal



  • Game is a Game Day event with pre-work before game day

  • Students, Faculty and Schools are not required to purchase any equipment or software.

  • Avnet reserves the right to modify or make changes to this game or the rules of this game at any time.

  • Teams can create a working Silverlight GUI using Microsoft’s Expression Studio, using the 60 day evaluation version available from the following website: http://www.microsoft.com/expression/try-it/default.aspx

  • Guides on Silverlight Development are located here: http://www.silverlight.net/learn/quickstarts

  • Final scores are determined using a criteria scoring sheet that will be provided upon the start of the competition.

  • Final winner is determined by having all entries judged using a scoring sheet – highest score wins.

  • Teams are capped at a maximum of 2 people

END PRODUCT MUST BE:



  • Original work of the contestant/team

  • Work properly within the designated environment

  • Demonstrate Creativity

  • Meet all published deadlines

 


Schedule


Complete Registration:  February 17th , 2012


Game Scenario Info provided to teams:  February 24th, 2012


Avnet Conference Call:   February 24th, 2012


Beta Application available for preview:   March 30th, 2012


Final Version of Application Due:  April 11th , 2012


Judging of Final Entries:  April 14th, 2012


Select winner:  April 14th, 2012


 


Awards


Each winning team member will win a $1000 scholarship.


 

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