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It started with a question from Vegro, supplier of care and aiding tools, turned into a study assignment by HKU: develop a tool that allows wheelchair users to talk with others at eye level. A group of students presented a beautiful solution, which they named 'Ongeremd' (Unrestrained): an extendable wheelchair bench that can be attached to one of the wheels, providing an on-the-spot seat at eye level for conversation partners. "It's typically one of those projects of which it would be a shame if it ended as just a prototype for graduation," says Tom van de Wetering, project leader and coach at HKU X, the programme that supports students and recent graduates in becoming entrepreneurs. HKU X contacted the designers after their graduation, and Van de Wetering assisted them in applying for a Take Off Grant from the taskforce SIA. Supported by this grant, five graduates continued with the design: a lightweight plastic accordion-like structure that can accommodate up to three people. The accompanying video speaks volumes: it's challenging to participate when everyone else is standing, and only you are sitting. And that's where Ongeremd provides a practical solution.
Evening news
The designers pitched their invention at Innofest and sent test subjects with a prototype of their design to the Dutch festivals Noorderzon and Zwarte Cross. The reactions were promising. But still, the wheelchair bench has not been introduced to the market yet. "It turned out to be very challenging to create a high-quality and durable product at a reasonable price," Van de Wetering explains. Without acquiring machines worth several tons themselves - which would be too big of an investment for the five starters – production could not become feasible. Meanwhile, the group has outsourced the project to another company that is reevaluating its technical feasibility. Van de Wetering adds, "The design team has learned a tremendous amount along the way, such as efficient collaboration, material research, financial planning, and generating publicity. Their plan even made it to the 8 o'clock news. As designers, they have taken huge steps outside the safe walls of the academy."
Sparring partner
These are the aspects in which HKU X assists creative startups. It's already challenging to successfully market a good idea, and as a recent graduate designer, you are suddenly on your own. How do you find investors? How to tackle further development and production? And how do you monetize a healthcare innovation? "It helps if you have someone to discuss the value of your product, and identify logical partners, and market opportunities," says Van de Wetering. Moreover, the support from HKU X is not limited to coaching and training, but also offers a vast network of potential clients and investors who present actual cases. In turn, these parties also benefit from the programme, by gaining direct access to the design capabilities of young creative makers who are eager to devise solutions for complex societal challenges.
Just in time
These design capabilities are directed towards practical results by the coaches of HKU X. Van de Wetering emphasizes the "just-in-time" approach. "One lesson in accountancy during your studies won't suffice for that. For many, it's still far from their reality. You can only truly learn about the obstacles you meet when you put things in practice." That's why HKU X offers training and guides through the process at the moment when designers actually transition from students to entrepreneur. In return, they ask startups who have successfully completed the programme to share their knowledge with other students and startups, through guest lectures or personal advice.
Conversation starters
One example is Twan de Vaal, who was coached by Van de Wetering in the development of his dialogue game Waan-zinnig Gesprek. This game can help people stay connected to a friend or relative who is having delusional thoughts. “It is impressive how Twan managed to turn it into a professionally designed card game that is now available for purchase. It is well thought out, developed in collaboration with psychiatrists and healthcare professionals from the UMC (University Medical Centre), and he thoroughly immersed himself in the users' perspective. Initially, he was stalled by partners who participated much less actively than he had hoped, which led him to search for new clients. We applied for an SIA grant together that helped him get started, and we brainstormed a lot. After this resounding success, we are in turn connecting him to students and alumni who are also developing conversation starters. He is currently advising a group that aims to break taboos surrounding menopause for women."
Baby Builder
And there are many other alumni like Twan, who found their place within the healthcare domain via HKU X. Take Anne van Turnhout, who graduated at UMC Utrecht hospital with her Tijd-Lijn app (‘Time Line app’). For clients who are in waiting to receive mental health assistance, this app makes the wait bearable by informing them on the progress behind the scenes. It’s comparable to the track-and-trace service that tells you when your online order will arrive. This service motivated her to cooperate with Growtivity: an IT company that manages waiting lists for many healthcare providers.
Another great example is Bertrand Burgers, whose traveling installation Baby Builder' is sparking public discussion about genetic modification. And this in turn serves as an important source of information for the ethical research conducted at Erasmus MC. Burgers has by now also developed the course "Art & Genomics" for Erasmus MC, allowing future scientists to learn how to use art to communicate ethical issues to a wider audience.
Win-Win
With this new focus on healthcare and well-being at HKU, more and more cases like these will be suggested for further development in collaboration with, and the benefit of, the healthcare sector, Van de Wetering expects. "The value of such projects is increasing in the current healthcare climate. And by sharing the knowledge that students gain from these practical experiences back into the education system, HKU also grows.”