The Martian starring Matt Damon will hit theaters in two weeks, but Microsoft is letting fans get in on the action in a design challenge partnership with 20th Century Fox to bring protagonist Mark Watney home.
Based on the novel by Andy Weir, The Martian follows the story of an astronaut (Watney) who becomes stranded on Mars and is left with very limited resources to survive.
The Hacking Mars challenge, which kicked off on Tuesday, allows fans here on Earth to help the castaway by coming up with survival solutions. Those who participate in the design challenge are asked to submit a three-to-five minute video about an app, game, service or product that could benefit Watney is some way, such as providing a way to grow food, obtain water, get clear air, communicate back home, or pass the time for relief from stress. Participants can focus on just one survival aspect or focus on all three (staying alive, getting home, passing time). While the goal is to help Watney, the final solution should be able to benefit large numbers of people on Earth.
"Technology is hacked in extreme ways to benefit the thing that matters most—the person in need. It shows how design can start with the most basic human needs, like food, entertainment, and a sense of connection. If we design with these basics in mind, we end up creating solutions that benefit people on a universal scale," said Sarah Morris, a senior design strategist in the Windows and Devices design team.
To enter the #HackMars challenge, participants must form a team with a maximum of three members. When choosing members, it's important to think about diversity such as partnering with a designer, engineer and psychologist, for example.
The deadline for submissions is Oct. 13 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Participants can win $25,000 and a trip to Microsoft to experience HoloLens. The finalist teams will be announced on Oct. 24, with the winning team announced mid-November.
The Hacking Mars challenge website proves steps and instructions, as well as tools for a team's product such as using Skype to speak with Microsoft experts, and exclusive interviews with Weir about the challenges his character faces. Teams can also track Watney's progress via an interactive map from Bing, which is an interactive experience that takes users on the same path as the character.
The Microsoft and 20th Century Fox collaboration will help people of all ages learn more about the red planet and what it would be like to be stuck out there. Using Bing in the Classroom, Microsoft's ad-free search engine, teachers are also able to download curriculum to educate students about space. Students with STEM backgrounds are especially suggested to join the challenge.
Photo: The Martian | Facebook
