The 2007 challenge has been divided into two categories in the areas of mechanical and electrical engineering. Teams may choose one of the following two challenges:
The Mechanical Challenge
The Problem
Macmillan currently only reaches 1 in 5 people that need our support. Our ambition is to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer by 2010. Currently people access Macmillan through our post holders, such as nurses, doctors and other health professionals, as well as via our website and free phone helpline.
The challenge
· To develop a stand alone system (pod) to improve the availability and accessibility of information within the community for people affected by cancer.
· To ensure the pod is suitable for erection in public areas such as libraries, community centres, hospitals and supermarkets.
· The pod should be highly visible and unmanned.
Additional considerations
· The pod needs to enable the general public to access information in paper and electronic formats.
· It needs to weigh no more than 25kg to enable transportation by one person.
· It needs to be compact enough to fit into the boot of a standard car, and unfold into a small stand to be put up in minimal spaces.
· It should have storage space for leaflets.
· Power and light.
· Meet Health & Safety standards and Clinical Infection Control Guidelines.
· Consideration needs to be given to the lifespan of the pod and servicing needs.
· The pod should cost less than £20,000 to produce and less than £3,000 per annum to maintain.
Macmillan branding
Full guidelines on Macmillan’s brand can be found at www.be.macmillan.org.uk under the Learn and How we look section.
Designs need to make an impact – be bold and lively. They should have a human, hand-made feel to them to ensure they are approachable, whilst remaining simple and clear. Nothing should be decorative - every piece of type or image is there for a clear reason.
Particular lighting, colours, smell and tactile materials encourage the sensory stimuli to work within a physical environment. This should be considered when designing the look and feel of the pod.
Electrical Challenge
The problem
A side effect of a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be lymphoedema. It is chronic swelling due primarily to a failure of lymph drainage and arises from damage to lymphatic structures by inflammation. It can happen as a result of cancer, surgery or radiation therapy.
Lymphoedema can affect anywhere in the body but most commonly affects a limb, or limbs. It involves swelling of the soft tissues of the arm or hand (sometimes up to three times the original size) and the swelling can be accompanied by numbness, discomfort and sometimes infection. It isn’t life threatening, but it can last over a long period of time.
Swollen limbs can mean reduced mobility and a change in feeling (skin can feel almost alien). Lymphoedema patients are susceptible to infection so have to be very careful with hygiene.
The challenge
To devise an electronic aid(s) that will enable people living with the effects of lymphoedema to be able to carry out their daily lives as normally as possible.
Main issues that people face include:
· Getting dressed - consider how they might button up their shirt, thread and fasten a belt buckle or do up a zip
· Applying a pressure bandage – is there anyway to make it easier or help to maintain the pressure
· Cooking – think about how they might open tins, grasp pan handles or stir soup
· Exercise - devise an electronic game or device to encourage movement
Additional considerations
· The aid should have an electrical component
· The aid must be useable in everyday situations
· Must meet Health & Safety standards and Clinical Infection Control Guidelines
· The product should cost less than £20,000 to produce and less than £3,000 per annum to maintain.
Macmillan branding
Full guidelines on Macmillan’s brand can be found at www.be.macmillan.org.uk under the Learn and How we look section.
Designs need to make an impact – be bold and lively. They should have a human, hand-made feel to them to ensure they are approachable, whilst remaining simple and clear. Nothing should be decorative - every piece of type or image is there for a clear reason.