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Human-Centered Design Challenge

This design competition invites young designers to apply Human Factors & Ergonomics (HFE) principles to create innovative products or services that enable elderly individuals to maintain or regain active income through safe, meaningful, and dignified work. Our vision for HCDC 2026 is to instill empathy and respect in the young for the elderly and create harmonious work relations that have lasting impact.

The inaugural Human-Centered Design Challenge (HCDC) was sponsored by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and presented as the SUSS Human-Centered Design Challenge Award. The competition recognised seven outstanding award winners. Award recipients and participants may include this achievement in their résumés and professional profiles using the following designation:

SUSS Human-Centered Design Challenge

- Global Edition -

Gold Award

Draft Gear, an upper-limb assistive powered exoskeleton for middle aged and elderly designers working on a table in a seated position.

Zhang Yi Hong, Lam Leung Hey, Ka wing Tsang, Hailiang Wang 
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

Gold Award

Shield of Wisdom: Experience is Ageless, Technology Makes it Limitless

YueXuan Wu, Chengbin Jia, Yu Zhang, Zhao Liu
Tsinghua University, Mainland China

Participation

Stonehand - Smart Mortar Nozzle

Ka Wing Tsang, Shing Nok Yan Calvin, Zhang Yi Hong
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong  SAR

Participation

Cyber-Artisan System: A Bidirectional Brain-Computer Embodied System Bridging the Aging Skill Gap

Liang Yun, Jiayi Bao, Liyun Wang
Tsinghua University, Mainland China

Participation

Silver Strokes: A Vision-Only, Prompt-Free AIGC Assistance System for Senior Artists and Elderly Painting Enthusiasts

Wang Peng, Wu Xiangxin, Meng jianghuan
Tsinghua University, Mainland China

Participation

Ink Whispers of Time: Handwritten Blessings by Older Calligraphers

Yanjie Wei, Meixiu Li, Jiayi Liu, Yue Li
Tsinghua University, Mainland China

SUSS Human-Centered Design Challenge

- SG Edition -

Gold Award

Tilting Conveyor System - Easing Checkout Work for Matured Cashiers

Yeo Han Nguan Andrew, Ang Li Khoon Darren, Khong Kok Yu, Wee Jing Long, June Lawan Tangsakul
Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore

Gold Award

Using AI markerless camera to Reduce Musculoskeletal disorder

Pang Jinjin, Ng Yan Qi Stanley, Francis Xavier Edwinraja
Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore

Gold Award

MedStack: The Modular IOT Ecosystem to Verify Medication Adherence & Medical Literacy in Outpatient Medication Management & Storage

Nathan Gotama, Dylan Koh Mo-Chan
Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore

Silver Award

J-Arch Orthotic Sleeve

Muhammed Irfan Bin Shafarudin, Alexi George, Lukas Tan Li Zhi, Wang Congying
Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore

Silver Award

CLEANHUB - Supporting elderly cleaners

Durrah Hazirah Binte Mohammad Yusria, Jayda Aw Chyi Yan, Shernice Lim Hsuen Ni
Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore

Participation

Assistive Products for Elderly Librarians

Rebecca, Alicia, Daven, Issac
Temasek Polytechnic

Participation

ShelfEase Toolkit – A compact toolkit to lessen physical stress

Ang Kay Lin, Lim Zi Xuan, Krystal, Atlas Aadric A. Adrinamshah
Temasek Polytechnic

Participation

This is OneReach, the all-in-one, elderly-friendly cleaning tool.

Sabrina, Charliz, Jenae, Paige
Temasek Polytechnic

Submissions must demonstrate clear relevancewithin their application field or industry.​

  • Solutions should be grounded in real humaninsights, obtained through user research,observation, or participatory design.​
  • Designs must address substantial humanchallenges, improve everyday experiences,and create meaningful value – forindividuals, communities, organizations, andthe planet.​
  • Consideration of sustainable principles,resource-consciousness, and long-termimpact is essential.​

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