Political Science Student Helps DNC...Develop an App

It seems like every organization and business has their own app today, and the Democratic National Convention is no exception. With the help of AT&T, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) host committee put together an app detailing all the events that would be taking place during the DNC here in Charlotte. However, the DNCC host committee needed some help with putting together the local information. That's where Alex McMillan and his team came in.

McMillan is a senior Political Science student here at UNC Charlotte. Working with a team of four, McMillan was sent out across the Queen City to gather as much information as necessary for the 'Charlotte' tab of the DNC app. "A lot of people think that we worked on the creation of the app. I have to quickly correct them," says McMillan with a laugh.

A view of the Charlotte Tab on the DNC App

Since mid May of this year, this four member team was sent to scour the streets of Charlotte and collect data. "We were looking at anything with appeal. Things that were eye opening." The team worked tirelessly to to over 250 locations developing the content for each location, including the address, description and GPS tracking to help the user get to the location.

"Ultimately, we cut it down to 125 locations," says McMillan. The team also worked on the Carolina Stories, 30 two minute videos that showcased what are the greatest aspect of the Queen City.

When asked how he first started with the project, McMillan thanks his Political Parties class professor, Professor Eric Heberlig. "He came into class one day and asked if any one wanted to work on the DNC. I signed up right away," McMillan recollects. McMillan was the only student on his team and proud to represent the school.

A view of the GPS Maps section for help with travel

The DNC app is still available on the iTunes app store and Google Play for Android for free.