The winning team consisted of four students, each from diverse academic backgrounds: Jackie Cunningham (Industrial Design), Charlie Harker (Medical Sciences), Maxwell Kemats (Economics), and Faith Rider (Computer Science). This transdisciplinary approach was a cornerstone of their success, highlighting the power of collaboration across different fields of study.

Focusing on the principles of design thinking, the team prioritized empathy for the community they aimed to serve. Rather than rushing to a solution, they dedicated time to understanding the problem deeply—a strategy that proved effective in crafting their final presentation. To vividly illustrate their vision for the future of mobility, they developed a lo-fi prototype accompanied by a creative stop-motion video, which captivated the judges and audience alike.

This achievement not only underscores the innovative spirit of the NEXT Innovation Scholars program but also showcases how diverse perspectives can converge to address complex challenges. By harnessing their varied expertise, the team demonstrated that the future of mobility can be reimagined through collaboration, empathy, and creative problem-solving.

As cities continue to evolve, the insights and strategies developed during this challenge may play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable and inclusive transportation solutions for Cincinnati and beyond.

Featured image at top: The NEXT Innovation Scholars explain their first iteration of the final prototype to the judges. Photo Credit: UC student Grace Nunn