DEVELOPING – the BYU robotics department has just completed its first prototype of a hearing aid that will detect the word “frick” in all of its forms and block the audio before its wearer can hear it. The project was a senior project created by Kaitlyn McBride and overseen by Robotics teacher Brother Dean. The Alternative Universe was able to get exclusive access to an interview with Kaitlyn.

“This project means so much to me,” said Kaitlyn, sipping her drink in the frigid December air as we walked out of a soda shop near campus. “With a project like this, I can make myself feel like I’m better than – I mean, it can help everyone be able to feel like campus is a safe space, where you won’t be barraged with vulgar language”.

She gave a small shiver as the wind picked up. “This project is about the small things, the details, y’know? If you’re not focusing on the small things, what are you doing?” she questioned as she crossed the street to avoid a homeless man leaning against a trash can.

Brother Dean was similarly excited. “This prototype has been a strong step forward for this project. The only issues that need to be fixed are long-term issues with connectivity. Across our semester-long trial of the prototype, the audio cut out for long periods of time whenever we tested the hearing aid in the library during midterms and finals and whenever Chick-fil-a gets Kaitlyn’s orders wrong. We’re still trying to figure out why that’s the case.”