Every year the University of York holds a student-led interactive showcase, providing an opportunity for those studying Interactive Media to exhibit their work.

Developing the prototype of Planet. A, a climate change app, Nikita explained, “I came up with the concept prior to university, during lockdown. During this period, I noticed the amount of news highlighting how the environment was improving while people were not outside. After watching a few documentaries on the topic, I decided I wanted to actively do something to prolong this impact and make a difference longer term. After all, there is no planet B. Hence the name Planet. A.”

Nikita’s app aims to reduce human impact on climate change by focusing on each individual, their food, transport and mobile phone habits. Each day the user answers questions on these topics and after one week of inputting data, the app will tell the user how much they have improved their environment.

The concept of the Planet. A app led to Nikita winning the University of York's Critical Perspective Award, an award that recognises a project that demonstrates a compelling, comprehensive and commanding understanding of its subject matter, and focuses on projects that have a critical lens.

 Congratulations Nikita, we'll be watching out for your next project!