TOM @ UNIVERSITY
TOM @ University combines the TOM process, teams of Makers and Need-Knowers, with interdisciplinary, human-centred design and engineering curriculums at Swinburne University of Technology.
About
The TOM @ University program is a unique opportunity that brings together people with disability who have a specific need (Need-Knowers) with university students from various disciplines. Together, they co-design an assistive technology solution to address a challenge experienced by the Need-Knower. The intellectual property for every design is then shared through open source digital files, so others can replicate or iterate it.
We are excited to be working with Swinburne's Design Factory Melbourne (DFM) as well as RMIT later in 2023.
We would love to hear from potential Need-Knowers or tertiary institutions who are interested in participating in the TOM @ University program.
Please get in touch with us to find out more or register your interest.
TOM @ UNI
DFM 2023
The 2023 TOM @ University program will run with Swinburne’s Design Factory Melbourne (DFM). “Need knowers” will work together with a team of Masters students over one semester to design an assistive technology solution for an unmet accessibility challenge.
The program will connect a person with a disability to a mixture of Occupational Therapy and Design students to develop a solution based on the unique skill set of the team.
The focus of the program is on the co-design process, ensuring that the Need-Knower is part of the team to innovate a solution specifically designed to support their needs. Whilst promoting disability awareness, the aim of the program is to produce a “proof of concept” prototype and for the design solutions to be published on the TOM website which are shared open-source.
The program is provided free of charge, with the option for reimbursement of travel and transportation expenses within Metropolitan Melbourne.
timeline
Applications for the TOM @ University DFM program Open!
Applications Close end of May
Introduction Session 31st July or 4th August
TOM @ Uni DFM program concludes 27th October
3 x Flexibly timed catch-ups running from August to end of October
What makes TOM @ University so great is that we're working with real people with real problems and we're co-designing with them rather than using a hypothetical brief
Paris Triantis, TOM @ University Lecturer
