Junior Friendly Design Competition

In collaboration with Thailand Friendly Design, a government backed media-based initiative that promotes awareness for products and services that support disabled people and the elderly in Thailand with an emphasis on “Access for All”, the Design Council hosted the Junior Friendly Design Competition. On Monday 8th October 2018, representatives from Thailand Friendly Design launched the project, introducing the clients: disabled people and the elderly. Through a variety of games, students attending were able to grasp a better understanding of the clients’ needs.

The competition was open to all students in the Secondary School with Thailand Friendly Design judging the submissions. Contestants were expected to generate design proposals to help improve the quality of life for wheelchair-users and the elderly. The ten best design proposals were showcased at the Thailand Friendly Design Expo at the IMPACT Convention Centre on 1st December 2018. The participants were also given the chance to present their design at the Expo, which had television coverage on National TV. Large national corporations, such as PTT and SCG, were also in attendance at the expo.

This competition was a great opportunity for students to become involved in Socially Responsible Design as well as being excellent preparation to work at IB level. It was exciting for younger audiences to participate in a national competition. In addition, this also facilitated the launch of the Design Council – another exceptional opportunity for students to engage in STEM and socially responsible design.

The team believes that it is important that the Design Council is globally engaged in order to gain understanding of real world design based issues. In turn, it will be our responsibility to share this awareness with younger students. As IB Diploma students, we understand the significance of sustainable and socially responsible user-centered design. Through our combined experience across multiple subject areas, we feel that we can direct younger students towards a way of thinking that considers and cares for the present whilst looking towards the future.