Blackwood Design Awards
Blackwood Design Awards— where great design meets independent living.
Launched in 2013, as the Blackwood Student Design Competition, the Blackwood Design Awards are now an annual fixture, attracting innovations and inventions from tech hubs, universities, and a host of other sources from across the world.
Previous winners have delivered vital life aids for people who are ageing or have disabilities, including an app that makes living spaces safer for people with dementia and a ‘spill-proof’ spoon for those affected by conditions which cause them to shake.
Past winners have included the Mountain Trike, the eye controlled wheelchair and the S’up Spoon. It’s not about being high tech; it’s about making the biggest impact on people’s independence.
The 2023/4 Blackwood Design Awards took place on January 11th in Edinburgh.
Read our blog on the 23/24 Design Awards Celebration
Watch Blackwood Design Awards on STV News
Meet Some of Our Past Winners
Case Study Blackwood Design Awards
Rebecca Lamb Case Study BDA
Rebecca Lamb's Case Study
Rebecca Lamb
Best New Concept
inflataAid
Problem
Rebecca Lamb, a 21-year-old innovator from Glasgow, has made waves in the realm of inclusive swimming with her ground-breaking creation, the InflataAid. Inspired by her experiences teaching swimming to a child with paraplegia, Rebecca recognised the need for innovative solutions to enhance the swimming experience for individuals with disabilities.
Solution
The InflataAid is designed to provide optimal body positioning for swimmers with disabilities. It consists of three components: the main structure and two inflatable sections. Thise modular design allows for adaptability based on the swimmer's progression, with the ability to deflate the inflated sections as the swimmer advances in their skills. Ultimately, the goal is to empower individuals to swim independently, without the need for assistance.
What's Next?
As Rebecca looks towards the future, she is committed to realising the full potential of InflataAid. With a passion for promoting inclusivity in swimming and beyond, she envisions expanding the reach of her product to benefit individuals with disabilities worldwide. The award has provided Rebecca with the encouragement and momentum to continue her journey of innovation, with the ultimate goal of making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Tim Morgan's Case Study
Tim Morgan's Case Study
Tim Morgan
Best New Aids, Equipment, or Accessible Technology
eTrike Mountain Bike
Problem
Tim Morgan, a visionary entrepreneur from Nantwich, Cheshire, has redefined outdoor mobility with his pioneering creation, the Mountain Trike. Drawing inspiration from his love for the countryside and his experiences in downhill mountain biking, Tim embarked on a journey to make outdoor adventures more accessible to individuals of all abilities.
Solution
The Mountain Trike isn't just an all-terrain wheelchair; it's a symbol of freedom and empowerment. Tim's relentless pursuit of innovation led to the development of an off-road capable wheelchair that blends practicality with adventure. From its beginnings as a university project in 2007 to its official launch in 2011, the Mountain Trike has evolved into a game-changing mobility solution.
What's Next?
With the introduction of the eTrike in 2019, featuring electric assist technology, Tim has unlocked new possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts. The eTrike not only expands the reach of Mountain Trike to a wider audience but also promotes physical exercise and well-being.
As Tim looks towards the future, he envisions continued growth and impact for Mountain Trike. With a focus on enhancing accessibility and promoting inclusivity, Tim plans to further expand the reach of Mountain Trike across various markets, empowering individuals to embrace the great outdoors with confidence and freedom.