Industrial Design alumni claim top spots in James Dyson Award 2022

Industrial Design alums John Tay and Koh Bei Ning were respectively named the national winner and the runner-up of the James Dyson Award 2022.  

The James Dyson Award forms part of a broader commitment by Sir James Dyson to demonstrate the power of engineers to change the world. The Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology, the James Dyson Foundation and the James Dyson Award encourage aspiring engineers to apply their knowledge and discover new ways to improve lives through technology. 

Design with heart is what connects these winning entries from CDE students. Both designs had been featured in the Division of Industrial Design (DID) Grad Show earlier this year. 

John, also valedictorian of his 2022 cohort, will see his design, Rehabit, proceed to the international stage of the award. John's thesis project took a sudden change in direction halfway through the year to focus on using design to make a difference in his dad's recovery from stroke. Working closely with his dad and therapists, he created an innovative set of equipment that guides the patient by the hand to execute movements correctly and safely. Most importantly, as patients only visit the therapist once a week, these products turn tedious exercises into simple habits that can be practised at home independently. 

As for Bei Ning, her project, Rollerball Itch Relief, was also inspired by personal challenges. As someone who has suffered from eczema for years, Bei Ning knew better than anyone the struggles of this medical condition. Describing herself as "both a designer and a patient" had put her in a unique position to design a product that allows some relief without further injury to inflamed skin. 

Our congratulations to both! We are proud that our students continue to use their creativity to serve a higher purpose.  

Rehabit by John Tay 

Singapore National Winner 

John sharing more about his work to guests at the DID Grad Show 2022

Rehabit therapy equipment is designed for stroke patients seeking effective movement rehabilitation. Light, sturdy and easy-to-use, Rehabit turns tedious exercises into simple habits. Removing complexities and obstacles, Rehabit frees the patient to focus on what matters most - to relearn and to recover, the vital ability to move.  

Discover each product in detail at: https://rehabit.sg  

Under the supervision of Patrick Chia. In collaboration with multiple therapy centres. 

Rollerball Itch Relief by Koh Bei Ning 

Singapore National Runner-Up 

The rollerballs designed by Bei Ning as part of the Rollerball Itch Relief project 

Designed to help eczema patients cope with their unbearable itch, this textured rollerball provides a sensation similar to scratching, while its rolling mechanism ensures that skin is never torn. Made of stainless steel, the rollerball is cooling to the touch even at room temperature, so users can further soothe their inflamed skin. This itch reliever is proposed as an intervention tool, so users will no longer feel helpless and guilty during flare-ups. 

Under the supervision of Donn Koh.