Design on the frontline is an open call to the design & innovation community for ideas to some of our most pressing challenges.
Our frontline staff are currently facing intense new challenges and Covid-19 has exposed cracks in many of our existing services and processes. Our healthcare system and our people are under pressure.
In response, we have created 'Design on the frontline' - a national call to the design and innovation community for help. We believe that bringing design and healthcare closer together could offer an incredible opportunity to tackle current challenges and shape where we go next.
We see Design on the Frontline as a way to explore, demonstrate and highlight this opportunity and bring new ideas and fresh thinking when we need them most.
CHALLENGE
BRIEF
We asked our frontline healthcare staff about the challenges they face today as they work tirelessly to get us through this difficult time. We had an overwhelming response, and from this we identified three challenges that we need solutions for. They are;
How might we tackle some of the interaction, efficiency & comfort challenges arising as a result of increased PPE usage?
How might we identify, prevent, reduce or manage the onset of frailty in older adults while socially isolating / cocooning?
How might we mitigate some of the negative impacts of social isolation, poor communication and boredom to, enable more meaningful connections for people with amplified needs?
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View / download the online briefing document
“I had to tell a young fit man he most likely had lung cancer last year in full PPE, after that conversation he was able to self isolate at home having been a covid contact too and we organised all his next steps over the phone.
Probably one of the biggest conversations in his life, 6 weeks later I saw him in the foyer of the hospital and despite us having a good relationship he walked right by me and I realised it was because he had no idea what I looked like. I checked later and it was operable and I heard he was doing well. But that was an intimate conversation where he clearly had no visual input from me other than doctor in a giant white boiler suit mask and goggles”
HOW YOU MIGHT APPROACH THESE CHALLENGES
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Relevance over perfection
We know designers like time and space to do rigorous and beautiful work, but for this call we are looking, not for perfection, but for insightful, considered and creative concepts that may provide an implementable solution in the short to medium term.
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Find insight anywhere you can
We know designers like time and space to do rigorous and beautiful work, but for this call we are looking, not for perfection, but for insightful, considered and creative concepts that may provide an implementable solution in the short to medium term.
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Your too simple could be our perfect
Something that is obvious or too simple to you, could be game-changing in the hands of a healthcare worker. Proposals don't have to be masterpieces, they just need to demonstrate how they could make a difference.
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Don't be afraid of existing solutions
Innovation is not always about conceiving and creating something new, it is also about bringing existing things together new ways. If you think something out there could be used, perhaps in a new way or configuration, please put it forward.
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Trust your designer instincts
Designers have an incredible ability to understand people and identify ways of helping them make progress. Our three challenges are very human challenges, with the potential for many solutions. Don't be afraid to reframe and interpret the challenges as you see fit.
KEY
DATES
Dates updated
CALL
DETAILS
Why submit a concept?
Who should submit a concept?
This call is open to all members of the design and innovation community, from students to professionals. We welcome entries from across all disciplines of the design and innovation.
What do we mean by a concept?
Speed trumps perfection. Perfection is the enemy of good
Our Commitment
What is the evaluation criteria?
This call aims to inspire designers and innovators to propose concepts to 4 challenge areas that have been identified as important by frontline healthcare workers. Due to the urgency of Covid-19 situation, we are seeking submissions that are implementable immediately, but were also open to be challenged and inspired by what is possible. All submission will be evaluated by our expert panel according to the following criteria;
What are the submission elements?
Submitted concepts should be presented over 4-5 digital boards, demonstrating the details and features of the concept and the story of its development. The presentation boards should be saved as a high resolution, print ready PDF in landscape format. Entrants may interpret the instructions as they see fit.
SUBMIT A QUESTION
To assist you in research and discovery, you will have an opportunity to submit specific questions relating to each challenge brief. These questions questions will be answered by our healthcare champions, or another healthcare worker with an understanding of the area.
Selected questions and answers will be categorised and posted on the call website.