"Will machines work with us or replace us? With rising interest in deep learning and artificial intelligence on campus, the student-led board of advisors thought it was time to find out. Their virtual background design contest put humans against computers. The primary goal being student engagement.
Students were asked to submit new and original designs for a chance to win one of four $75 gift cards. Categories included the ARTificial Intelligence Award for the best AI-generated design; the Virtual-oso Award for best human design; the Cobot Award for best human-computer collaboration; and the Judge’s Choice Award selected from among all submissions.
No coding or art experience was required. All skill levels were welcome. Over two weeks, four AI, 13 cobot, and 19 human designs were submitted. That’s only 36 submissions. But 679 students voted on their favorite designs. And to date, there have been 55,200 downloads with designs receiving between 816 to 3,974 downloads each. The designs are available for download from the board’s landing page and on the student center home page."
From the Judges
This is a timely campaign with real-life applications to the student body. A wonderful student-led initiative that gives UCI further insight into the student's feelings toward AI while increasing engagement.
