The World vs MS finalist Ellis Dagnall tells us about his wearable technology Afleek.
What inspired you to choose the brief you answered?
First and foremost, I was inspired to solve a complex problem in a new and innovative way. I was shocked to learn that balance problems affect 70% — 80% of people living with Multiple Sclerosis, and that there are 2.3 million people who suffer from MS worldwide. After some deep thought and copious research, I discovered just how life-altering a solution to this brief could be. I am inspired by the millions of people around the world who live everyday with Multiple Sclerosis, and the prospect of working to improve their lives has lit a fire inside me.
Is it something you or someone you are close to are affected by, were you already working in this field?
Last year my father suffered a stroke. Thankfully he is on his way to a full recovery, but for a long time his daily life was severely impaired. I saw first hand how our physical functioning is the foundation of an independent and fulfilling life, and just how hard life can be when it’s disrupted.
What was the most interesting thing you learned about MS along the way?
Every MS experience is unique. Indeed, individualism is at the heart of MS; it can strip a person of their independence, and there’s often a highly complex emotional situation involved. Many MS sufferers simply crave normality and the ability to be themselves again. Designing solutions for sufferers must take this powerful desire for individuality into account. That notion forms the root of my idea.
Tell us about your idea, in particular how you think it addresses the challenge brief you chose to answer
My idea is to innovate on existing Functional Electrical Stimulation technology by building it into fashionable athletic leggings. FES devices were designed to tackle to problem of drop-foot, a form of muscular weakness or paralysis which causes the dropping of the forefoot, severely impairing the ability to walk. Common FES devices on the market have a number of weaknesses. They can be time consuming to put on, they’re difficult to position correctly, they’re bulky and unsightly and can be alienating for a user. My concept is to build on a growing industry of wearable tech and ‘smart clothing’, where electrical stimulation technology is built into fabric. I have chosen athletic gear due to the growing trend of fitness fashion, because it allows the electrical impulses to remain as close as possible to the skin, and because it can be applied and removed quickly and easily. The wearables would also come with a mobile app, where users can track and monitor their own activity. In time I would like to develop machine learning technology that would use the data collected by the processors in the wearables to generate insights and advice as to how each user could self-direct their own functional improvement. For example, users could track their distance and speed, set goals and unlock achievements based on their progress. My grand vision is to create a world where MS sufferers don’t have to rely on irregular visits to a doctor to get insights into their condition, because they are their own expert on themselves.
How, when and where can the idea be used?
The tights can be worn at any time, including under outer-wear. I would also seek to develop the tights to work in water, utilising P2i waterproof technology. Rather than specifically enabling athletic functioning, the tights would first be used to augment everyday life and make daily journeys, such as shopping, as painless and enjoyable as possible.
What are the key strengths to your idea?
My concept makes a number of dramatic functional improvements to existing technology, such as the foot switch. Besides these, I would also use my branding and marketing talents to transform the image of my product. MS sufferers don’t want to be classified as lifelong patients, and when they use my products they will feel a thrill and sense of purpose and achievement. I will build a strong social media presence, encouraging people who use the product to share photos and videos of their daily achievements to foster a sense of togetherness and community. I also aim to significantly reduce the price for electronic stimulation technology which can cost several thousands of pounds. Combining the wearable technology with a mobile app is also a key differentiator, as it gives people the power to manage their own lives.
How do you think your idea will help the thousands of people living with MS?
Today there exists a huge information asymmetry between ‘patients’ and doctors, where people are often ignorant of what’s happening with their own bodies. I hope to change that by giving MS sufferers access to their own data to aid their own rehabilitation. This is why the wearables, mobile app and machine learning are all vital components to my overall vision.
What would it mean to you for your idea to win?
Of course it would mean the world. There were thousands of entrants to this competition, and winning it would change anybody’s life. For me, it would mean jumping headfirst into the world of disruptive technology and rubbing shoulders with some of the brightest and best in the country. It doesn’t get any better than that.
What excites you most about the future of your idea?
I’m a heretic at heart, which means that I always look to disrupt the established order. There will come a day where wearable technology enables every individual to be the expert of their own bodies, but only if passionate and dedicated people take the risks to make it happen. I’m excited to see an entire industry transform, and in so doing improve a way of life that we’ve come to see as ‘normal’. The healthcare sector is ripe for disruption, and I want to be part of that exciting process.
How would winning change your life?
I’m at the beginning of my career, so I’m bursting with ideas. Winning this competition would help me to gain clarity of purpose and direction, and give me the platform from which to dedicate my life to making a positive impact on the world.
How would you convince somebody to vote for your idea?
At this stage of the competition, I think it’s a case of ‘may the best idea win’. But, there can only be one winner. All I would say is that backing my idea is backing me. Everything I have I’ve made myself. I’ve left my home and family to venture down to London with the sole intention of meeting as many people as possible and learning as much as I can. I’ve done a number of internships in the creative world, learning my craft and developing my skills. I take my career very seriously, and I’m committed to doing something impactful and purposeful with the life I’ve got. I’m resourceful, confident and determined. My idea is bold and ambitious, but that’s what makes it exciting.
Is there anything you would like to say to voters?
If you’re reading this it’s because you’re interested in the world of technology and innovation. Even if you don’t vote for me, please send me an email and let’s have a chat. Great things can happen over coffee.
If you could summarise your idea in 3 words what would they be?
You’re an Afleek.
Who is the inspiration behind your idea?
I would not say a person inspired me as such, but for me it’s more about the great ideas that are already out there, and the solutions to problems that have already been fixed. Creativity has the power to change the world, as I believe will I, somehow and someway, so long as I stay focused and persistent.
What innovators motivate you, if so who?
IDEO, +Accumen, NovoEd, Creative Conscience, D&AD Impact, FitBit, Don’t Panic, Georg Lois, Innocent, Kahoot, Gary Vee and Dave Cornthwaite’s ‘Say Yes More’ community, to name a few. But I would like to talk about Lego Education as they are such an innovative company. They understand the next generation, the Maker generation. I like to think of millennials as the Doer generation; if we don’t like something we do something about it, where as the next generation are makers, from a young age they will begin to code and build things at a vast rate. We have to understand and be ready for how they will disrupt and change our landscape. Be ready to hire younger people than ever before.
Did your family/friends inspire you?
Yes, I get my thick skin from my farther and humility from my mother.
My friends inspire me massively, they are all so very different but all so very special, they deserve a mention.
Hussain Manawear, who has been vote the third most, inspiring young person in the world, a poet, and astronaut in training, and Mental Health Matters campaigner with his famous strapline, ‘sorry for the inconvenience I am trying to change the world’.
Then there is Will Reynolds and Erin Potter, founders of New Work Order, the home of Self-Directed Careers, a group that mostly consists of millennials together questing the world and out to change it.
Jerome Collienge who is a self taught freelance creative who just keeps growing. Recently he has just collaborated with Beats by Dre & Antony Joshua.
And my good friend Max Parker Smith, a modern day hippy who I had the pleasure of living with for 2 years, when we lived and studied together in Copenhagen. He has helped me to think about my impact on the world from an eco friendly perspective and the food I consume.
Finally I have to mention Steve Henry, advertising legend, co founder of Decoded and D&AD Judge. I meet up with Steve occasionally and put the world to right. He has a vast amount of experience, understands young people and is a great mentor.
What drives you and keeps you inspired?
I’m inspired by the world we live in, right here right now. We are breaking the shackles of the industrial era and moving towards something that we know nothing about. From AI to robotics, machine learning to big data, we have no idea how our world will look in even a few decades’ time. And yet, despite this uncertainty, people are making moves and taking risks in order to take huge strides forward for the betterment of humanity. The past century has seen human beings do a lot of good, but also a lot that needs to be fixed. Technology can help us, and I’m inspired by those who are following a grand vision towards a better future.
What appeals to you about being part of a business accelerator programme?
I’ve spent time in an accelerator while studying at university with a previous venture, so I know first hand how important your immediate environment is and how valuable your network can be. What appeals to me most is being in close proximity to other innovators and big-thinkers, people who I can talk to and learn from.
In addition to the development grant, you will receive mentorship and support in creating network connections. Why is this important to you and what are the key areas where you see this support being most valuable?
Mentorship is in my opinion one of the most undervalued and under-utilised aspects of career-building. Young people are full of ideas and energy, but could benefit from a more experienced guiding hand. The fact that mentorship is becoming more common in the startup world is cause for great optimism, and I’m very excited and grateful at the opportunity to be mentored. I believe that magic happens when two or more people come together, and that the result is always greater than the sum of the parts. The areas where I see this support being most valuable for me is in my general personal development, as well as my business acumen.
To what extent have you considered your business plan and how you propose allocating the €100,000 to advance your idea?
Whilst I haven’t developed a fully-fleshed out business plan, I am developing a road-map that will enable me to attract brilliant people to join my pursuit. For me, no business plan will be successful if the product itself isn’t as good as it can be. My first priority will be product development, and I will be looking to join forces with people who can bring their own expertise into the mix. Don’t be afraid to contact me ellisdagnall@gmail.com
Link to vote for idea: https://www.theworldvsms.com/vote/
Composition also featured in Wired Magazine: http://www.wired.co.uk/article/the-world-vs-ms-continues
