How does your project use AI to help people with sustainability in a way that hasn't been done before?
My project uses AI to help people with sustainability in a way that has not been done before because it is an architecture program that does not currently exist that will help make homes and communities more climate resilient. AI is currently being used to predict climate hazards in certain areas and to help architects with basic design. However, it has not been used to design climate resilient homes. For example, my product would use data from prior natural disasters to look for patterns that humans may not recognize for which properties survived, such as their material, shape, orientation and landscape, and then incorporate that knowledge into the design recommendations. In addition, it would allow architects to use their own designs so that they can design climate resilient structures without losing their own creativity.
Describe a challenge you faced. How did you overcome it? How did you reach out for help?
The biggest challenge I faced was coming up with a product that does not exist. I overcame this challenge by continuing to ideate. When I thought I had come up with enough ideas I forced myself to come up with 5 more. By doing that, I finally came up with a product that does not exist. To confirm that my idea doesn't already exist I found a local architect to interview. He confirmed that the product does not exist and was excited about the idea.
What did you learn from this process that will impact the way you interact with technology in the future?
From this process, I learned that AI has many positive uses. Before starting this project, I had a negative view of AI and thought using it was like cheating. Through this project I learned that AI can be used for good, and can be a helpful learning tool. For example, AI can be a helpful tool for research as long as you check its sources. For example, I used the AI overview on Google to learn more about climate change, sustainability, and architecture design. I also used AI to help refine some of my marketing ideas, such as logo, website colors, and font. I also learned how to communicate effectively with AI. In the future I will be more open to using AI as a learning tool.
Why did you choose this format for your project?
I choose a product website format for my project. I chose this format because I wanted to show my product in action through the video on the website. I also thought it would be fun to market my product by creating a website for it. I also wanted to develop my web design skills. I initially wanted to code the website myself. However, I discovered that I could create a more advanced website by using Google Sites because I could use drop down menus, image carousels, and buttons.