The team decided to narrow down the target market to focus on teachers, particularly those of special needs students who are struggling most with hybrid education models during COVID-19. After interviewing many special education teachers, professionals, and students, several needs became apparent.
Specifically, this team is working to help teachers find ways to do the following:
(1) Improve students’ attention
(2) Encourage interpersonal and academic engagement without additional screen time
(3) Assist students with safe physical stimulation.
After extensive brainstorming, the team settled on a few engineering solutions that are intended to address each of these challenges in a safe, affordable, and practical manner.
The team plans to develop four integrated design solutions:
The Beekeper, a portable children’s desk
The BusyBeeBand, an accountability wristband with accompanying tracking app
The BuilderBee, an interactive game
The Beehive, a desktop to reduce distractions
Each of the designs require metrics based around the average size and varying abilities of elementary school aged children. Since these product will be designed for small children, extra consideration will be given to safety and simplicity.