Project Pioneering the Digital Transformation

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) is pioneering the digital transformation of creative industries by bringing students together with artificial intelligence, three-dimensional modeling, and virtual reality technologies through its European Union (EU)-backed project named ‘IDEAL’. Carried out simultaneously with educational institutions in the UK, Germany, and Italy, and funded by the EU with 1.4 million euros, the project has reached over 800 young people to date through various educational programs. Most recently, 45 students from different universities in Izmir received a total of 20 hours of training over 5 days as part of the program titled ‘Digital Design for Creative Industries’. Young people who successfully completed the program were presented with the IDEAL Project Certificate. Prof. Dr. Arzu Vuruşkan, IUE Head of the Department of Textile and Fashion Design and Project Coordinator, stated that they are pleased with the students’ interest in the project and added, “We will continue our training sessions in the upcoming days.”

Stating that the program, held for the first time openly to students from different universities in Izmir within the scope of the IDEAL project, was attended by students studying in different departments such as architecture, interior architecture, visual communication, fashion design, and industrial design, Prof. Dr. Vuruşkan said, “The students participating in the trainings worked on AI-supported concept development, 3D modeling and visualization with Blender, and immersive 3D presentation processes carried out using Meta Quest 3 VR headsets. We divided students into groups of 3-4 people. We formed the groups so that each included students from different universities and disciplines. In the survey we conducted, we learned that 70-80 percent of the participating students had never used VR goggles before. Students had the opportunity to experience VR technology and stated that this technology is very beneficial for their own disciplines. We also had many students who had never used Blender before. They were immensely happy to experience this program.”

“THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS INCREASING”

Pointing out that artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly used tool in the field of design, Prof. Dr. Vuruşkan said, “We tried to provide students with a vision on how they can use artificial intelligence as a tool from a designer's perspective and how they can guide it. Creative industries formed the general framework of these trainings. Within this scope, we had students who designed accessories and interiors, and developed various objects that can be used outdoors.”

“WE WILL CONTINUE TO REACH OUT TO YOUNG PEOPLE”

Recalling that they have previously provided training to students in various fields, Prof. Dr. Vuruşkan stated that the work will continue and said: “Earlier this year, we provided training to hundreds of students in the fields of entrepreneurship, design for the digital future, smart and sustainable products, and innovative entrepreneurship for creative industries. We had developed an applicable training model for creative and cultural industries. We presented the EIT-IDEAL certificate to participants who successfully completed these trainings. Our numbers have increased even further with the latest trainings. The more young people we reach, the more successful our project will be.”