A re-engineered Spotify experience that helps people with autism better access the calming power of music took top honors in the first Amazon-University of Maryland Design Challenge, a University System of Maryland student competition to redesign an app, website or experience for a more inclusive world.
Developed by electrical and computer engineering major Elyas Masrour, the streamlined Spotify concept was one of just three entries, selected from 40 proposals, that earned a spot in UMD’s inaugural Amazon Day symposium. Masrour grabbed first place—and $2,500—through a live poll by Amazon employees and UMD faculty, administrators, students.