The New School News

Parsons Students Prototype AR, VR, and AI Projects as Part of Verizon Connected Futures III

An augmented reality experience that allows parents and students to engage with the common core system (LiftAR). A virtual reality training experience that serves as a space for people with social anxiety disorders to practice for real-life situations (Vrbl). Artificial intelligence software that analyzes video footage to improve future spatial planning (Fish Eyes). An AR clay set for children which can be used for an AR game (Dreamine).

These are the innovative projects students at The New School’s Parsons School of Design created as part of Verizon Connected Futures III. Held in partnership with NYC Media Lab, the prototyping and talent development program gave 12 university teams from five New York City universities—Parsons, Columbia University, New York University, Pratt Institute, and The School of Visual Arts—the opportunity to create new products and services around AR/VR and AI technologies. The teams worked with leadership from Verizon Envrmnt, which builds immersive experiences for leading companies in advertising, digital media, professional sports, and retail.

Participants were MFA Design and Technology students Fanyun Peng, Shuang Cao, and Ying Xiao who created Dreamine; LaTricia Watford, Aaron Lee, Aimee Abalos, Karla Polo Garcia, Sydney Adams, who created LiftAR; Vivian Lee, Hannah Ekman, Tong Zhang, Aim Duangratana, who created Fish Eyes; and Ray Luo and Chanel Luu, who teamed with students from other school to create Vrbl.

Representatives from Verizon and NYC Media Lab visited campuses across the city in an 8-week recruitment process that culminated in a competitive applicant pool. Teams were chosen based on their vision for prototyping within one of Verizon’s chosen areas of inquiry: AR design and marked tracking; social VR/AR; and the intersection of AR and AI.

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