Mbarara University of Science and Technology: Unpacking Design Thinking Principles through Biomedical Engineering Student’s Innovation Cafes

The aim of this project is to unpack design thinking principles through Biomedical Engineering Student’s innovation cafes to assess the needs of people with disabilities (PWDs) living at a Community based rehabilitation center at Ruharo Mission Hospital, Mbarara Uganda. This will be achieved through weekly visits to the rehabilitation center for students to understand the needs and challenges of PWDs. Students will discover, ideate, prototype, get feedback from PWDs iteratively and present final prototypes at the end of the year. Students will gain a clear understanding of the needs and challenges faced by PWDs, get familiar with the design thinking principles and how to apply them to tackle other health challenges, PWDs will be empowered to participate in health research and innovations. The department of Biomedical Engineering organizes innovation cafes where the public presents health challenges and students come up with prototypes using Bio design process and this takes place from the university premises. Unfortunately, the voices of the less privileged people especially PWDs living in designated homes are not heard by the young aggressive innovations community. This project will empower such people to be part of the innovation community

Programme: Public Engagement Fund

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