British Council 48-hours Inclusive Design Challenge

Design solutions

Team 1 – MPowerStyx
(Best Design)

Team 1 were inspired by their time with the Tang brothers, who both suffer with Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS). Using the computer is something both brothers enjoy and spend much time doing, however the mouse is a problem as their hands have large fingers and reduced flexibility, making it an awkward two handed process. Although greatly limited in dexterity, both brothers use chopsticks with great skill. The team took this application to computer input and MPowerStyx was born– the chop stick mouse.

 

 

Team 2 – Hearpeace

Team 2 discovered that for people with differing hearing abilities, there are some common needs and desires to reduce the levels of noise pollution. Their core challenge idea was to create a campaign that facilitates a more peaceful public environment, consisting of an identity and a range of design items including: a visual and oral announcement system; a noise-reducing booth in public places; and an advertising campaign to raise the public awareness of noise pollution.

 

Team 3 – MyMag

MyMag^TM streetwear with magnetic fasteners and integrated stabilizers makes getting dressed easier for people with limited upper body strength and dexterity. The clothes were designed by a team 3, who were teamed up with Liu Wei, a design partner with no arms. Getting dressed and changing trousers is one of his key challenges, particularly in confined public spaces like changing rooms, toilets, on trains and airplanes.

 

 

 

Team 4 – Snipper

A wheelchair-bound person may not have feeling in their legs and find it difficult to apply the right pressure when using a nail clipper, ending up cutting themselves. Team 4 set about designing a simple inexpensive system – by placing the protective cover over the finger or toe, the edge sits neatly under the nail to act as a trimming guide and protect the skin below.

 

 

Team 5 – Infiniti

Team 5 identified an emotional conflict with partially sighted people of needing help, without being noticed or treated “differently”. Infiniti helps blind and partially sighted people with everyday lifestyle choices and way-finding difficulties, by allowing the user to stream information using Bluetooth and their existing personal mobile GPS technology to position and navigate within the urban environment.

 

 

Team 6 – Fruit-Ball
(Best Presentation)

Team 6's design partner Willy, a wheelchair user, shared a wish with his team: “I wish I could share the park with everyone else and not just be an observer.” Fruit-Ball is an educational interactive experience. The objective is to roll the ball, apple or round fruit up to the hole. The top of the table is a subtle dome allowing the unsuccessful objects to return to the edge. Once the object passes the outer circumference, an LED ring halfway up the mellow incline lights up and plays the corresponding sound to the picture. Any object that enters the hole, returns to the under tray.