Design4Impact 1 (2020)

Tackling healthcare and social problems related to COVID-19

The circuit breaker period in Singapore brought significant challenges, as COVID-19 intensified stressors affecting physical, social, and mental well-being. Measures such as physical distancing and social isolation compounded health concerns and economic uncertainty, leaving many Singaporeans vulnerable.

Reduced face-to-face interactions disrupted social connections, particularly for the elderly who were less familiar with digital platforms. This digital divide deepened their sense of isolation in an increasingly virtual world. At the same time, sedentary lifestyles became more common, with some individuals turning to binge eating as a coping mechanism.

Access to healthcare, already hindered by factors such as mobility issues, language barriers, and caregiver availability, became even more difficult during the pandemic. Routine clinic visits and medication collection posed heightened risks, especially for older adults.

In response, the inaugural run of D4I created a virtual space for socially conscious Singaporeans to collaborate and develop innovative solutions for vulnerable groups affected by the pandemic.

All participants had the opportunity to attend industry-led design thinking workshops with pedagogy and training jointly developed by the NUS-ISS and DesignSingapore Council’s School of X (Dsg SoX); pitch their ideas to attain seed funding; network with potential funders, community partners and agencies; and be guided and championed by sector developers to implement their winning solutions in the community.

Challenge statements

Social Isolation of Seniors in the COVID Era

How might we reduce the impacts of social isolation while maintaining physical distancing?

Facilitating Physical and Mental Health Despite Physical Distancing in the COVID Era

How might we facilitate physical and mental health despite physical distancing?

Continued Access to Health and Social Care in the COVID Era

How might we improve access to health and social care to those who need it?

A comprehensive and immersive learning journey

Participants underwent five stages of learning as part of the D4I1 experience.

Phase 1: Empathy
Research and immerse in the needs and challenges of our users

Phase 2: Define
Analyse research, synthesise insights and refine the design challenge​

Phase 3: Ideate
Generate ideas and concepts based on research insights​

Phase 4: Prototype
Transform conceptual ideas into tangible solutions​

Phase 5: Test & Iterate
Test solutions and improve though iteration

Judging criteria

Solution Fit
To what extent does the proposed solution address the problem statement and end users’ needs effectively?

Feasibility/Scalability
How easy will it be to develop and implement a working model of this solution?

Application of Design Thinking Principles
How well has the team used design thinking principles (empathy, define, ideate, prototype, test & iterate) to inform their solution?

Pitch & Presentation
How has the team articulated their proposal and engaged the audience?

Innovation
How well does the solution present new concepts or approaches to tackle the design challenge?

D4I1 Pitch Day