Designathon 2017 – Info Session
Designathon 2017 is a DesignSingapore Council initiative for designers, developers, entrepreneurs, students, healthcare workers and social service providers to collaborate on identifying design solutions for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Singapore. You are invited to join this exceptional programme. The objective of Designathon is to engage participants in designing solutions that will help persons with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, sensory (sight or hearing) disability or physical disability.
The Info Session (19 December 2016) aims to acquaint prospective participants with the theme and challenges of the Designathon. You will have the chance to hear from experts as they share their insights on design for PwDs and discuss the challenges in depth. This will also be an opportunity for you to meet like-minded innovators and form teams!
Theme
The Designathon theme is Inclusive Design for people with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, sensory (sight or hearing) disability or physical disability. We’re looking for solutions that will help enhance the lives of PwDs in the following ways:
Gaining independence
Many PwDs have the desire to manage their own lives, without caregivers. How can PwDs be empowered for greater independence?
Social integration
PwDs have the desire to know more people. However, their disabilities often limit their contact and interaction with people. How might PwDs find ways to engage with the community?
Finding employment
PwDs aspire to work. However, they often have difficulties securing a job due to stereotyping or lack of confidence from prospective employers. How might society and employers be enlightened for greater empathy and understanding for PwDs?
Designathon Journey and Important Dates
Step 1: Info Session: 20 December, 2016
Join us at the info session to learn about and discuss the Designathon theme and challenges. Find out about the full Designathon journey. Also, get a chance to meet like-minded innovators and form teams!
Step 2: Submission: 22 January, 2017 (Deadline)
Already have a team and an idea? Grab the submission template here, fill it in and send it across to latest by 22 January, 2017, 2359h. This submission will be your team’s official entry into the Designathon.
Please note that by signing up, participants are to attend all sessions under Designathon 2017 (10th, 18th and 25th Feb). The week in between 18th and 25th is free for your use of testing of concepts. There may be a prototyping workshop made available for you before Designathon. We will update you closer to the date.
Step 3: Workshop (pre-Designathon): 10 February, 2017 (6:30pm – 9:00pm)
Upon submission, the 20 best teams will be shortlisted and invited to the pre-Designathon Workshop, where you will have the opportunity to share your ideas, delve deeper into the challenges, learn about the tools and resources at your disposal, and begin prototyping!
Step 4: Designathon: 18 and 25 February, 2017 (8:30am – 6:00pm)
You will continue working on your solution and present to a panel on 18 February. The ten best teams will advance to the finals on 25 February, where you can make your final pitch!
Prizes
Shortlisted participants stand to win prizes worth over $10,000; and a chance to work with potential VWOs/ entrepreneurs in realising the concept.
For more information, check out https://www.designsingapore.org/for_designers/designathon.aspx#details
FAQs
Who can participate in Designathon?
Designathon is relevant to:
- designers (all disciplines)
- business and marketing professionals
- hardware and software development managers
- healthcare workers
- social service providers
- design students
Participants, aged 18 (and above), are encouraged to form teams of up to five members. No participation fee is required.
Can we sign up as individuals?
Yes, you can sign up as individuals. In the latter, we will get in touch with you to organise a session to help like-minded individuals to form into a team of five. Do kindly note that it is still highly encouraged to sign up as a team with different disciplines to effectively address the Designathon challenge.
Do I have to attend the all the sessions to join Designathon?
Yes, sessions on the 10th, 18th and 25th are mandatory. Other sessions may be optional. Do note that if you signed up as an individual, we would require you to come for an info session, that facilitates you in finding a group.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
If you have a question, please drop an email to Jamie_Loh_from.tp@mci.gov.sg.