In our recent collaboration with RMIT Industrial Design, a group of committed students worked alongside three of our Need‑Knowers to co‑design assistive solutions that respond to their real everyday challenges.
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For 15‑year-old Cai, we explored a foldable and compact tray with modular supports — designed to help him carry items on his lap while using a manual wheelchair, so drinks or snacks stay secure even when both hands are needed to move.
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For Joanne, an enthusiastic Lawn Bowls player living with reduced strength on one side of her body, the team developed a one‑handed bowl‑lifter — including a latch mechanism — with the aim of helping her lift bowls independently and continue enjoying sport.
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For Morgan, a passionate candle‑maker and small business owner, we worked on a modular candle‑making setup that stabilises moulds, helps with wick positioning and wax pouring, so she can work more safely and confidently on her craft.
Throughout each project, RMIT students engaged with lived experience, learned about inclusive design, and applied their skills to create thoughtful, user‑informed solutions. And perhaps more importantly, our Need‑Knowers — Cai, Joanne, and Morgan — generously shared their time, feedback and hopes.
We want to extend our sincere thanks to RMIT Industrial Design for facilitating this collaboration, to the students for their creativity and dedication, and to our Need‑Knowers for their openness, insight and trust. We look forward to seeing how these ideas evolve!
