Sydney Students Shine with Illuminate
BioDesign Challenge 2020
This week saw a cohort of our biodesign students presenting their work in the 2020 Biodesign Challenge (BDC). An international summit and competition featuring innovative student projects from across the world, guest speakers and industry Q&A’s, BDC runs for a week between June 15th and 19th.
“Biotechnology is spreading into every aspect of our lives — from our materials to our everyday products. As biotech becomes ubiquitous, it impacts lives in unknowable ways. Until now, biotechnology has played an equivocal role in our society. Society needs interdisciplinary thinkers to come up with the next solutions and to help understand their impacts. BDC bridges art, design, and biotech to develop the first generation of professionals who cross disciplines, anticipate promises and pitfalls, and engage the public in dialogue about the broader implications of emerging biotech.
As the science finds its way into our lives and our products, future designers must fully understand the debates surrounding biotech, so when they are asked to design with it, they do so thoughtfully and ethically. Simultaneously, showcasing the students’ work serves as an ideal opportunity to foster public dialogue around biotech.” (BDC2020)
The competition raises questions about how natural processes can become a sustainable part of future technology, from medicine, transport, food, textiles and more.
Illuminate Pressure
Our student team has developed an innovative system for alerting hospital staff of patients who may be getting bedsores due to a lack of movement. The project proposes that common natural processes be integrated into new technology: in their case, the behaviour of Aliivibrio Fischeri bacteria, which will glow at certain population densities, can be used to help nurses care for patients more effectively.
Find out how by watching their video: https://youtu.be/FM4eOzFOJgI
This project shows how design can inform biotechnology by understanding the user needs (nurses and patients), grounding in relevant scientific research, and developing a concept that is ethical, useful and practical.
Designs are judged on the concept, presentation, reflection and context. Good luck to the entire Illuminate team: Kaitlyn Briden, Amalie Judd, Mehak Dhiman, Madison Nguyen, Savvena Christoforou, Andrew Xing, studying Design Computing; Isaiah Balot and Chi Chi Pau studying Medical Science and Bridget Scott studying Architecture.
Student developed their design as part of the Biodesign Studio Unit offered by the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning. Led by Dr Phil Gough, students from across biology, medical science, biomedical engineering and design work together to investigate, design, prototype and validate ideas that demonstrate positive human and planetary health. Combining scientific theory with creative design practice, students explore the 21st century as the age of biology, where living machines will disrupt industries and create change.
BDC2020 Program
You can find out more about the program of exciting events here: https://biodesignchallenge.org/summit-2020
