‘Design the Change’ winner completes internship with charity supporting children with brain injuries

Thomas Salkeld, a third year Product Design BSc student from Cardiff Metropolitan University was this year’s ‘Design the Change’ winner. Now in its second year, this competition is arranged by law firm, Bolt Burdon Kemp and aims to show how innovative designs can help make a real difference for people living with spinal cord injuries.

As well as a very generous cash prize for Tom and his university, he was invited to attend a week-long internship with Cerebra Innovation Centre (CIC) – a collaboration between children’s charity, Cerebra and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

CIC is made up of a small team of designers who design and make bespoke solutions for children with brain injuries. This includes a wide range of products such as daily living, mobility, learning, musical and sports equipment. All of the products are free to families that need them and are designed to help inclusion and reduce social stigma attached to disability by looking as amazing as possible.

Tom’s winning entry was the ‘Smart Wheel’, a high tech, motorised wheel that is compatible with regular hand propelled wheelchairs to offer powered assistance on tough terrain. The wheel can be added to most wheelchairs and can be controlled from a smart phone.

During his week with CIC, Tom was introduced to CIC’s work and contributed to ideas and discussions. His innovation skills were then once more put to the test as he was set a small project of his own! The CIC team asked Tom to look at geometry equipment for children with reduced motor skills and/or single handed use. This is a subject that CIC are asked about regularly and have been producing bespoke solutions for each child for a number of years.

Tom was tasked with designing a consolidated response to a range of geometry tools, such as, rulers, set squares and compasses to enable young mathematicians to participate with greater independence in their classes. Needless to say, Tom excelled.

CIC Design Manager, Dr Ross Head said; “Tom rose to the challenge admirably and was soon developing creative solutions, generating CAD drawings and had the 3D printer whirring! For such a short internship, Tom achieved some great results and fitted in with the team comfortably… he even makes a really good cup of tea!”

Tom really enjoyed his experience at CIC and adds; “I had a great time working with the design team and a big thank you to CIC for letting me see some of the amazing things they do. It was a real inspiration for me going forward, as it’s the field I want to go into. They are truly making the world a better place.”

To find out more about Cerebra and CIC, please visit www.cerebra.org.uk/get-advice-support/cerebra-innovation-centre/