Games are hot. It’s undeniable. In the past people looked at gamers as nerds,
antisocial people who lock themselves in their basement for days on end. But this time has long since passed. Nowadays everyone plays games. The concept of gaming is implemented in everyday life.

In one week time 140 students from The Hogechool Utrecht and Saxion Enschede battled against each other for the coveted title of Media Battle champion 2011. This year was a little different than previous times. In addition to the Media battle there was a Museum Battle. 
First the students showed their concepts at the presentation market. All the participating groups used allot of posters and graphic expressions to show that they have what it takes to take the title. After this event every principal picked one group that they felt had the most potential to win. The remaining groups had 5 minutes each to present their concepts to everyone.
During these presentations I was amazed by the quality of the ideas and the thought and effort the students put into every concept.
Most groups where able to use the feedback they received Wednesday to improve their concepts further and designed with their targeted audience in mind.
In the end Utrecht was the winner of both the museum battle and the media battle. The score is now 3-2. The question is how will Enschede respond to this in February?
Only time will tell….

The battle between the Hogeschool Utrecht and Saxion Enschede has begon!
After two days of brainstorming for new innovative concepts the students have a chance to pitch the ideas they have to the teachers. This way they can get advice on how to make improvements to their concepts.  The thing I noticed today is that everyone is very passionate about presenting new ideas. I get allot of positive feedback from students. For example, they like the fact that they’re creating new concepts for real companies instead of virtual companies. The idea of creating something that is going to be used, is very fulfilling for most students. The thing I noticed is that allot of student are good at problem solving, however they sometimes find it difficult to imagine the way user interact and experience their products. Ideas are good, but the users are the ones that can make a good idea successful. That being said there are two groups that I consider potential winners. And those are: the “Echt waar Bazaar” group and the “Hoog Catharijne” group. Both looked at their targeted audience and thought off something that they would use and appreciate.
I wish everybody good luck these last couple of days, and other groups… prove me wrong!