How research fueled our victory: The Engineers Without Borders Competition 2012
Let's talk about the importance of research in design, and how, from my own experience, it can take good ideas to great ones.
Many of you won't know this about me, but I was an Industrial Product Designer in a past life.
In 2012, my team and I participated in the Engineers Without Borders competition which I'm proud to say that we won.
Our design wasn't groundbreaking, but our commitment to research is what truly set it apart.
The brief focused on the importance of play in early childhood development in East Timor. Our task was to create a playground to support this crucial aspect.
🔍 Key findings from our research:
Cultural connection: We discovered a local myth, 'The Good Crocodile,' inspiring us to shape the playground like a crocodile.
Sustainable materials: Bamboo was abundant locally, so we used it to make the playground sustainable and accessible.
Community engagement: We learned about local needs and play preferences, ensuring our playground was meaningful and enjoyable.
Land use understanding: Respecting the local Fugal land system, we designed a modular playground that they could be built where they saw fit.
Skills development: We created LEGO-style instructions, empowering locals to build the playground themselves, minimising costs, and teaching new techniques.
Safety and Inclusivity: We ensured the playground was safe for all children, including those with disabilities.
While research on materials, tensile strengths, and construction techniques was vital, understanding local culture and people truly set us apart.
This experience underscored a critical lesson for me: Research is the cornerstone of impactful design.
It transforms good ideas into great solutions that are culturally relevant, sustainable, and deeply connected to the people they serve.
So here's to the power of research and the incredible journey it leads us on!
I'd love to hear your stories of an unexpected insight that research has uncovered for you, taking your work in new directions.
Share them in the comments 👇
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