Russia is one of the launching countries of Samsung Innovation Campus, which focuses on improving knowledge and practical skills in programming and mobile app development for the local youth.

Igor is one of the students that caught the opportunity to develop their IoT knowledge with Samsung Electronics in the summer of 2021. Igor was first made aware of Samsung Innovation Campus during his final year at high school. At first, he was uncertain about participating in an extracurricular program with graduation only months away. His doubts were washed away, however, right on the very first day of Samsung Innovation Campus. Read on to check out Igor’s story.

What were your expectations of Samsung Innovation Campus?

My aim was to build my knowledge to a point where I could practice mobile programming. Samsung Innovation Campus provided me with the knowledge in the Android development space to fulfill my aim and it didn’t stop there. I also learned about different programming algorithms, the structure of networks, and how servers work.

What support did you receive during the program?

My teacher helped me overcome certain learning difficulties in the mobile development space. She assisted me with the process of design creation and advised me on how to improve user experience.

You developed an app called “Elementary Launcher”. What is it and how did you do it?

The main idea behind Elementary Launcher is to facilitate interactions of a visually impaired person with a mobile device by enlarging the icons and highlighting colors on the home screen. It was something I wanted to invent for my grandparents who had difficulty reading smartphone screens. They found it hard to click on the right icon among many others.

The development process was complicated, especially as it was my first real application. Still, I set myself as a professional to meet high standards. I learned how to correctly use all the tools presented to us through the course as well as how to best present my ideas effectively to the public.

Do you plan to continue working on the project? What do you want to do?

Samsung Innovation Campus motivated me to grow my skillset in mobile development. I would like to link my future education and career path in this area, hopefully at Tomsk State University. As for Elementary Launcher, this is still a project that I continue to work on and expand upon. I am implementing additional features like multiple screens and dark mode and in time the application will be released for the public.

Would you recommend Samsung Innovation Campus to other students?

An absolute yes. If there is anyone who, just as I did, has doubts, I guarantee you will not regret applying for Samsung Innovation Campus. I wish everyone good luck with their future developments. Do not give up and always head for victory!