HackHive 2026 at Ontario Tech University

What we built

HackHive 2026 became a fast iteration cycle around a simple idea: accessibility only works when the interaction feels effortless. Our team built AssistMe, a webcam-based system that helps users communicate and make selections using eye movement without relying on precise mouse control or complicated setup.

• Designed webcam-based eye tracking with reduced jitter for stable interaction
• Implemented region-based selection to eliminate the need for precise cursor control
• Added persistence so returning users don’t need to recalibrate each session
• Built a simple interaction loop: look → select → generate → speak output

Early on, we realized the product could not feel like a technical demo. It had to feel intuitive, calm, and understandable within seconds, which drove most of our design decisions.

What I took from the weekend

The biggest lesson was that accessibility improves when it reduces effort instead of demanding more precision.

• Large interaction zones outperform small, precise targets
• Guided choices are more usable than fully open-ended input
• A strong demo depends on clarity of experience, not complexity of code

The project also reinforced the kind of systems I want to build—where product thinking, real-time interaction, AI integration, and usability all come together with a clear purpose.

• Next: deeper usability testing with real users
• Next: faster, smoother onboarding
• Next: more personalized interaction behavior