What to Create

Your conceptual design (no physical prototypes are required) must consider the following criteria:

1. Identify your focus scenario

Teams must first identify a specific area or scenario of patient health that is impacted by pressure ulcers. This is a broad area and there are many approaches you might choose. For example, pressure ulcers can occur in patients who are confined to a bed (also known as bed sores). They can also develop in people who use wheelchairs if there is too much friction from the chair against the patient's skin. Pressure ulcers can also present in patients with other health conditions, like diabetes, where reduced blood flow and loss of feeling in the lower limbs can cause these issues. There are many other reasons and scenarios where pressure ulcers occur - your team must decide which scenario to address (and the target audience affected by the specific conditions) and develop a creative, textile-based solution that helps to PREVENT, MONITOR, or TREAT this condition.

2. Consider how you will use textiles

Textiles and technology have many intersections. Textiles can be manufactured with advanced technological equipment. They can also be embedded with "smart" fibres, yarns, and treatments. Textiles can even be created to wirelessly communicate with handheld devices. Your team must choose how to use textiles in your design. There are many options to consider, and the Tech Demos will help you learn about different technologies to incorporate into your process that might help you achieve your vision.

3. Create detailed technical specifications

Because all submissions will be conceptual (no physical prototypes required), teams must supply detailed technical information about their design so Judges may assess the feasibility of the idea. Technical specifications must be presented in a clear, easy to follow way. All teams must provide technical illustrations (these may include flat or 3D renderings) showing their design from multiple angles. Additional details may include: measurements, electrical/current information, circuit board details, description of materials, fibre content, fabric type (knit, woven, non-woven), details about conductive materials/inks/threads/yarns/fabrics, pattern information, assembly information. Though you will not be building your prototype, please create your supporting documents with enough detail that someone reading your technical specification document(s) could physically create your design from the details and instructions you provide.

4. Develop professional branding and marketing strategy

Your team must create a brand name, logo, and develop a marketing strategy to take your concept from the lab to the target audience. Identify your target user, develop a narrative about your brand and what it represents. Conduct a SWOT analysis: identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. For more information on developing your branding and marketing strategy, be sure to attend the Marketing Workshop on Saturday, May 14 at 11am EDT/8:30pm IST. You may also do additional independent research on conducting a SWOT analysis prior to the Hackathon. You may wish to develop a web presence, social media, and promotional campaign. Remember - time is limited, so be mindful about how you are spending it.

5. Create a 1-minute video pitch

Teams must create a 1-minute video pitch for their design. The video must: 

• Describe your idea - what is it, and what does it do? 

• Explain the problem it addresses - who is affected by the pressure ulcers you have targeted? How many people are affected? Is the problem isolated or widespread? 

• Make it clear why people should care - why should companies invest in your idea? Why should patients be excited about your solution? Why might doctors be enthusiastic to support your research? 

• Briefly explain how your idea works - what is involved in making your idea functional? Special equipment? Fabric? Construction process? What is unique about your idea?

Your video must not exceed 1-minute!

Remember, your idea must include textiles (fabric!), but the product you conceptualize is up to you. Is it shoes? A bag? Carpet? A chair? Think outside the box!

What to Submit

Your submission must include:

• 1-minute video pitch
• branding/marketing plan (PDF file)
• technical specifications (including all the details about your idea, how it’s made, and how it works) (PDF file)

Provide a YouTube link to your video pitch with your submission. Compress the two PDF files into a single ZIP file. ZIP files and all files included within the ZIP must include the team name / brand in the title, along with the contents. Please use the following format:

• • Marketing plan format: BrandName_Marketing.PDF

  • Technical specifications format: BrandName_Specifications.PDF

  • ZIP file format: BrandName.ZIP

  • Please do not use common titles such as “final_submission.pdf” as this can cause confusion and result in components of your design being accidentally overlooked.

Upload files and video link to Devpost by 9pm EDT/6:30am IST to be eligible for prizes.