Nick Webb, Matt Sparrow and Matt Dyson (pictured) have answered the needs of sleep-deprived parents everywhere with Rockit, a portable rocker which attaches to any pushchair, pram, car seat or crib and simulates a gentle rocking motion to soothe babies to sleep.
Peter Bailey’s TickleFlex is designed to improve the everyday lives of insulin-dependent diabetics by removing the human error and pain of injecting insulin. A Type 1 diabetic himself, Bailey’s device clips on to the needle and works by creating a pinch that concentrates the subcutaneous tissue, controls the needle depth, and saturates local sensory inputs which then block the pain pathways. The specially textured flexing fingers grip the skin and fold inwards, like a multiple-fingered pinch, resulting in a safer and more comfortable way of self-administering.
Wendy Minks, a trainee in oral and maxillofacial surgery based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has addressed a critical medical issue from a grassroots level with Rhinamite. Designed to stop nosebleeds in their tracks, this non-invasive device is an alternative to the uncomfortable treatment of nasal packing often used in A&E. The simplistic and compact design applies cool pressure to the nose and can be used by nosebleed sufferers, healthcare professionals and those working in the sports field, enabling individuals to maintain an active and independent lifestyle.
The fourth award was presented to Handy-Fasteners. The brainchild of Sheffield University graduates Matthew Barrett, Natalie English and Thomas Fantham, these magnetic clothes fasteners can be retrofitted to existing garments, replacing fiddly buttons. For people with arthritis in their hands, buttons and fastenings can be challenging. The Handy-Fasteners are aimed to offer ease and independence when dressing and undressing, without compromising on style.
The 2016 Awards were granted after a thorough assessment of each venture’s business plan and product viability by Design Council Spark’s investment panel. Each award provides up to £50,000 of further funding, with the total amount tailored according to the next stage of product development.
Claire Mitchell, Design Council Spark investment panel member, said: “Seeing the finalists and products grow from an idea to where they are today makes me extremely proud of their creativity, tenacity, passion and belief in themselves and their products. It has made the judging process almost impossible.”
