The second Methods Lab focused on living with MS (Multiple Sclerosis).
Four student teams drawn from across the Royal College of Art developed design concepts with creative partners from the disability world.
The event was supported by CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) and was in partnership with SHIFT.MS and Enabled by Design.
This two-day intensive programme brought together students, tutors and people with MS as creative partners. Each team consisted of RCA students from different disciplines and led by an RCA design tutor to design with a creative partner.
'As a designer, communicator, maker or artist, collaborate with your team members from different disciplines and develop a design proposal that improves our quality of life. Through working with your creative partner to draw inspiration from their situation and lifestyle and use the insights they give to innovate through inclusive design.'
The results were four proposals presented by the four teams. There were no restrictions to the format of their presentations and an eight-minute time limit was imposed. All the teams were asked to introduce their team members and to explain their findings about MS before introducing their design ideas. They were also asked to suggest applications for the ideas.
Team 1: 'Memory Scarf' is a digital diary and navigating device for use in a crowd. It is an interactive textile that is also a personal accessory and can express emotions without talking.
Team 2: A series of technological design ideas to help people to cope with visual impairment in an urban environment:
Team 3: 'Inreach: Exercise in Disguise' is a design website that aims to encourage people to associate everyday activities with repetitive exercises, for example, mixing gardening with exercise. Creative diagrams explain how our bodies move and users can develop tactics to develop body movements. The website is also a platform for people to share information on how to exercise in new ways.
Team 4: Rethinks the ultimate shopping experience in supermarkets by introducing a system that contains 'Fresh Produce Pods'. Instead of carrying heavy goods around, customers can select the products by using a personal scanner and sending them to the cashier using an overhead conveyor system. A personal carrier bag was designed to use with this new shopping experience.
