Contest rewards camera designs
By JESSICA DAUES
News Writer
Earlier this month, Notre Dame was chosen as one of 13 prestigious universities by Samsung Opto-Electronics America, Inc., to participate in the second Samsung "Prometheus Award For Creativity in Design Contest."
Students have from Oct. 1 to Jan. 1 to design a functioning camera that is both practical and appealing.
"Right now we are in the brainstorming stage," participant Jess Coseo said.
The students, working with their professor, must submit a picture of their product from all sides, one perspective view and a typed product description for judging. The camera must include a flash, zoom lever, battery and film chamber — all parts any other functioning camera would contain.
"What Samsung is looking for is a shape or function that has not been explored yet," associate arts professor Paul Down said. "For example, if the students decide that the camera will be made for athletic purposes, the camera must not only function in extreme circumstances, but it must also be designed in a way that shows extreme sports. The camera must function correctly as well as be visually striking. Our students' task will be to find a new way to do it."
Other participating universities include Purdue University, Brigham Young University, University of California-Northridge and North Carolina State University.
According to Down, his students have a very good chance at winning. "Compared to the other schools involved," he said, "we are on a very competitive level."
The first, second and third place winners will receive scholarships of $10,000, $7,500 and $5,000, respectively.
Along with these prizes, the three will also receive a one week trip to South Korea to visit the Samsung headquarters to meet and work with their design team.
Winners will be announced at the Photo Marketing Association Show in Las Vegas, Nev., on Feb. 4, 2000.
All News Stories for Thursday, September 30, 1999
