The Design Thinking Award winners are helping to bridge the digital gap for seniors and encouraging healthy food for students.
Helping the increasing numbers of elderly to navigate the online world is crucial for their social connectivity, access to information, and overall well-being. In today's rapidly advancing digital era, the elderly often find themselves struggling to navigate the vast online landscape. Many seniors face barriers such as technological literacy, fear of technology, and limited resources. By offering dedicated programs, workshops, and personalized online assistance, we can empower them to overcome these hurdles and unlock the boundless opportunities that the internet has to offer. One of the GDA Design Thinking Award winners does just that. The FunAge project has achieved remarkable success with helping seniors to use their digital world. The success was due to an excellent use of Design Thinking which puts the real use into the point of focus.
On the other hand, motivating students to eat healthily often feels like an uphill battle. The allure of fast food, sugary snacks, and sedentary lifestyles can overshadow the importance of a balanced diet. So a well deserved winner of the GDA Design Thinking Award goes to CoPlant. The project was based at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Students there were encouraged to buy and enjoy plant-centric bentos cooked by student chefs. These CoPlant student chefs created meals inspired by their background using locally-sourced vegetables. This created a wide selection of carbon footprint-friendly meals on campus. By introducing these engaging educational initiatives, interactive cooking classes, and school-wide wellness campaigns, CoPlant can inspired CMU students to make healthier choices, develop lifelong habits, and improve their overall well-being.
In Scandinvia, design thinking has a long tradition in design and architecture. The Horizon Haven house stands as a testament to the power of Danish design thinking, showcasing how a human-centred approach can result in a tailored solution that integrates the functional, aesthetic, and emotional aspects of the elderly client couple's lives. At the functional level, the house had to be at one level without any stairs. Yet the great view from the top of the sloping site had to maximised. The design emphasises accessibility, functionality, stunning views, elegance, and simplicity. The project serves as an inspiring example of how design thinking can positively impact the lives of individuals, bringing together innovation and empathy to create a home that not only meets their needs but also brings joy and fulfilment to their everyday lives.
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