Design Day project success

New MSU App makes getting around campus easier

A new mobile application developed for Michigan State University students, employees and visitors is making it easier to navigate the university’s 5,200-acre campus and stay current on campus news and events.

A Design Day project created by (left, back row) Roy Perryman, Patrick Pale, Ryan Johnson and (front) Scott Swarthout and Nayana Kodur in 2017 has been adopted by MSU.A Design Day project created by (left, back row) Roy Perryman, Patrick Pale, Ryan Johnson and (front) Scott Swarthout and Nayana Kodur in 2017 has been adopted by MSU.

A group of computer science and engineering (CSE) students conceived of the MSU App for Design Day in December 2017 as a class project. Originally called the Spartan Experience App (SEA), the team of Ryan Johnson, Nayana Kodur, Patrick Pale, Roy Perryman, and Scott Swarthout worked together in their senior capstone course, CSE 498, to create the mobile app.

“SEA provides directions, events, class and sports schedules, building images, parking info – all the navigation details needed to enhance the MSU experience, including telling you where to eat,” Kodur explained.

The MSU App was then developed by the university’s information technology team with input from the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU), the undergraduate student government. The app allows users to easily access a campus map, see a listing of upcoming events, read university news, find the nearest residence dining hall and view its daily menu.

“We’re proud of the work our students and staff put into developing the app. Since we announced its launch on Aug. 13, the free app has been downloaded more than 7,000 times,” said Rob McCurdy, MSU’s chief information officer. “The app was designed to grow with input from the Spartan community. Feedback submitted through the app goes directly to our development team, who review and update it monthly.”

The MSU app was introduced in time to be used by the university’s largest freshman class of 8,400 students as they arrived on campus this year.

“This is a great way to increase engagement and connection to campus, and a perfect opportunity to centralize important information and resources,” said ASMSU President Katherine Rifiotis. “I’m excited to see how it evolves.”

The app is available for download from Apple Store and Google Play Store. Additional information can be found on the MSU IT website.

Design Day at MSU Engineering

Design Day features the creative and innovative abilities of our students and helps us showcase that these Spartan Engineers are ready to enter the engineering profession, said Wayne Dyksen, Executive Director of Design Day and a Professor of Computer Science and Engineering.

The 15-week capstone course, which is required for graduation, provides a platform for students to apply the knowledge and experience gained throughout their engineering education at MSU. Students work in teams of four or five to solve real-world problems for big and small companies and present their products at Design Day.

The new MSU App allows users to easily access a campus map and get information on campus news and activities, including a daily dining menu.The new MSU App allows users to easily access a campus map and get information on campus news and activities, including a daily dining menu.

(Date Posted: 2018-09-18)