Istanbul, 2013

The İstanbul Metals and Minerals Exporters Association (IMMIB) is a non-profit trade association affiliated to Turkish Exporters Assembly and has organised a design competition for eight years running. The workshop brief was to develop innovative product designs for either home, hotel or restaurant use to suit either disabled people, older people and children. The team’s were asked to find design partners from diverse backgrounds with different abilities and to document a day in their life. After this the teams were asked to design a product or service that would radically improve the lives of their design partner.

 Projects

 Workshop 1: Middle Eastern Technical University, Ankara

• Team A: En-Join A modular communication accessory with detachable elements and raised pictograms that the wearer can be customise
  
• Team B: Comfort Tray A safe, supportive and easy-to-stack tray for different scenarios particularly suited for those with balance or dexterity problems
  
• Team C A multi-functional communication device with a simple interface that encourages sight and hearing-impaired users to become confident with technology
  
• Team D Easy-access coin purse and wallet
  
• Team E: Bl’ Hanger  A clothes hanger for one-handed use
  
• Team F: Hedroll Group game that allows multiple communication scenarios for its players.

 Workshop 2: Mimar Sinan University, Istanbul

• Team A: Digital Guide Navigational device for visually impaired people
  
• Team B: Tortoise Customisable luggage carrier for indoor and outdoor use
  
• Team C: DejaVu Navigation device for visually impaired users
  
• Team D: Placemat Slip-free silicone placemat set with grids and bowl
  
• Team E: Slideboard Sliding modular storage system designed for ease of access
  
• Team F: Trigon Children’s game of colour and visual memory inspired by design partner with a hearing impairment
  
• Team G: Spider Plug Portable multiple plug system that requires no drilling.

 Workshop 3: Marmara University, Istanbul

• Team A: Buddy Three-wheeled multi-purpose carrier for the home
  
• Team B: Clueguide Tactile navigation system for interiors
  
• Team C: Compact Cooking Workspace Portable, easy to use cooker with sliding mechanism
  
• Team D: Modular apron that stores ingredients and comes with own cookbook
  
• Team E: Synes Aid to enable users who have trouble processing or distinguishing sounds to learn to play an instrument
  
• Team F Structural game to encourage socialising and stimulate mental and physical activity.