Guidelines for a successful design proposal
As part of the requirements for entering the EWH Design Competition, each Innovation Team must submit a design proposal that is accepted by EWH. The proposal is due on December 1, with an early deadline of November 1 for reduced registration fee. Please see the EWH Design Competition timeline. The EWH Design Competition is open to designs that can have a positive impact on health care in any developing country health care setting. EWH wishes to support designs that can be manufactured and distributed for these purposes. No prototypes or performance measurements of the design are necessary at this point. The design proposal should consist of two parts: the problem definition and a statement addressing the impact of the design on health care in the developing world.
1. Problem Definition (1 page maximum)
In this section of the design proposal you should describe an engineering problem that has a feasible technological solution. Please explain the purpose and function of the proposed technology, including what medical condition(s) it can be used to treat and/or diagnose. A brief description of the target performance requirements of the technology may be appropriate.
2. Statement of Impact in Developing World (1 page maximum)
Please explain why a technical solution to your defined problem will benefit people in developing countries. Provide a brief description of any technology currently used to solve the defined problem. If there is an existing technology, please explain what advantages your proposed design will have (lower cost, increased portability, battery powered, more robust, etc.) over the existing solution.
You must establish that the defined problem hinders the delivery of effective health care in the developing world. This argument could be supported by any of the following: 1) consultation with health care providers or medical technicians in the developing world, 2) consultation with global health institutes or NGOs that have field experience in developing countries, and 3) literature review. The EWH Projects that Matter list is generated from interviews with developing world medical staff, and these projects are acceptable for the EWH Design Competition.
Your design proposal may be submitted electronically to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or in paper form to the following address: Engineering World Health; The Prizery, Suite 330; 302 E Pettigrew St.; Durham, NC 27701. Accompanying the design proposal should be your EWH Design Competition Registration Form and your registration fee.
