Inclusive Design Challenge: with MakerFest

Our first hackathon was a blast! We loved seeing how quickly teams took to breaking down and solving these real life challenges. A big thank you to all that attended and we hope you had as much fun as we did!

 

Team Laura & Julian banner

Team 1: Team Laura & Julian

Challenge

For people with autism; how would you create a separate space in a room with minimal materials that could be a “chill out” space if a theatre performance became too overwhelming?

Solution

Having a small room with reflective lighting, calming colours, soft cushion-like floors, affordable sound-proof barrier materials (like acoustic foam or egg cartons), and a table with mind games like puzzles and rubik’s cubes.

Prototype

Team Laura & Julian’s Prototype

Justice League Team Banner

Team 2: Justice League

Challenge

For people with autism; how would you create a separate space in a room with minimal materials that could be a “chill out” space if a theatre performance became too overwhelming?

Solution

Create an environment where a performance can be enjoyed on a smaller, less intense scale.

Prototype

Team 1's prototype at the Big IDeA Hackathon. Photo of an empty room with tiled floor in green, blue, and red. Walls with sound proofing material and table with fidget toys on it.

Team Justice League’s Prototype

Access for all team banner

Team 3: Access for all

Challenge

Patrons spend too long waiting for Wheels-Trans buses and miss their buses frequently due to communication and location issues.

Solution

Awareness campaign, solar powered light posts to improve visibility of stop sign, and a mobile app that sends arrival notifications to and from drivers and users to enhance user experience.

Prototype

Photo of Team Access for All's Prototype

Team Access for All’s Prototyping process

Accessible Washrooms Team Banner

Team 4: Accessible Washrooms

Challenge

What is a sturdy design for a transfer device that could be installed permanently or as needed in public washrooms?

Solution

A transfer device made by redesigning the toilet seat and the support system in accessible washrooms. Thus improving mobility between toilets and wheelchairs.

Prototype

Photo of Team Accessible Washrooms' prototyping process

Team Accessible Washrooms’ Prototyping process

Foldable Chairs Team Banner

Team 5: Foldable Chairs

Challenge

How do we provide a space to sit in our very small lobby area for those who cannot stand for long periods of time in between performances?

Solution

Create a height adjustable foldable chair to be mounted on a wall. Hence, conserving the walkable space in the small lobby while allowing for patrons to sit and relax.

Prototype

Photo of Team Foldable Chair's prototype

Team Foldable Chairs’ Prototype

Mighty Easy Transit Solution Team Banner

Team 6: Mighty Easy Transit Solution

Challenge

How can an overall transit experience (Payment, stop Request, stop announcements) be made more accessible for those with muscular dystrophy?

Solution

A transponder app (including a low cost hardware) that streamlines payment, trip announcements, and stop requests by incorporating Bluetooth, GPS, and E-Commerce technology.

Prototype

Photo of Mighty Easy Transit Solution's prototyping process, involving the use of many post-it notes to map a user journey

Team Mighty Easy Transit Solution’s Prototype

Dumbo Team Banner

Team 7: Dumbo

Challenge

What are simple solutions to help guests at a table to hear each other and enjoy the music and energy around them?
How can this solution be an unobtrusive part of the decor?

Solution

Redesigning the back of a chair to include a curved adjustable back piece so patrons can control the intake of the sounds and visuals in their surroundings.

Prototype

Image of team Dumbo's prototyping process

Team Dumbo’s Prototype