Assistive Tech Team Challenge 15-16 October

What would you invent to make life better for a person living with disability?

Clonard entered a Year 9 the first ever Assistive Tech Team Challenge run by Geelong Tech School in partnership with Barwon Health. The team members were: Sophie N, Alistair F, Phoebe N, Charlie G & Hannah G. Eight other teams entered from a number of Geelong schools.

The 40 students who gathered for the two-day workshop were challenged to design Assistive Tech devices or equipment to help people with disability in everyday life. They worked within a Design Thinking process to develop and realise their ideas: Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test.

Diana, an occupational therapist who works with Motor Neurone Disease patients helped students to understand the needs of people with disability. She brought in examples of good and bad tech for helping users with tasks such as dressing, showering, eating, mobility and getting in and out of a car.

Students then defined the task and ideated with a “100 ideas” protocol before developing concept sketches. The bulk of the time was spent in making prototypes to communicate ideas.  Team Clonard designed flotation devices to help disabled people to swim.  One prototype strapped around the legs, for users with lower body paralysis. The other one supported the head for users with arm problems.

Other inventions from students included a Swiss Army style tool for doing up buttons and zips, an exoskeleton to assist arm movement, low-cost customised cutlery and a GPS wheelchair.  Prototypes were then tested through discussions with GTS staff and finally presented to staff and industry experts for feedback.

“I really liked the creative aspect of it. Being able to make our ideas a reality was an awesome experience.” Alistair

“Brainstorming ideas was good; I liked to hear what everyone was thinking.” Hannah

“I enjoyed sharing ideas and then putting them into action.” Charlie

“I like how it gave us a chance to explore different lives and create stuff. We got to think and not get told what the solutions are.” Phoebe

“I enjoyed making our prototype and going to Maccas after.” Sophie

“It was learning and building at the same time. Kids were very proactive and engaging. Go Clonard Tech Team!” Helia

“The students made a great team to create some innovative designs.” Billy