Edinburgh-based Blackwood Foundation has researched how design and technology affects the day to day lives of Scotland’s disabled population.
The nationwide research enables housing associations and disability bodies to understand the living experiences of those with a disability, sensory impairment or support requirements, through identifying what works effectively in the home environment.
The Business Challenge
In 2010, and working in partnership with Capability Scotland, The Blackwood Foundation held 11 workshops throughout Scotland to gather the views of the disabled on what pleased or frustrated them with design and technology across a range of contexts in terms of independent living.
These workshops were also observed by industry representatives from local authorities and housing associations.
The Blackwood Foundation required an academic partner to document these workshops and produce a post-project research report for future use.
The Solution
Interface facilitated an introduction between The Blackwood Foundation and Phillippa Robertson-Rieck and Nick Watson from Strathclyde’s Centre for Disability Research, School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Glasgow.
The academic team compiled data collected from 97 disabled individuals. The data itself was segmented into three technology categories – ‘generic’, ‘specific’ and ‘appropriated’.
‘Generic’ refers to technologies aimed at enabling independence such as computers, remote controls and cooking aids. ‘Specific’ refers to technologies and design, including specific domestic applications and designs, aimed at enabling independence which have been specialised for certain disabled people. ‘Appropriated’ includes examples of both design and technology where disabled people have been innovative in creating their own solutions.
This collaboration resulted in the report ‘Design and Technology as an Aid to Living Independently: Disabled people’s views and experiences’.
Key findings included:
• Inaccessibility and inappropriate design was the single most important and common design frustration, i.e. the width of fixtures and fittings, plug sockets too low down; kitchen cabinets too high or low; inappropriate door handles; inappropriate taps and inaccessible bathrooms
• Access to computers and the internet was central to the lives of many participants and the reliability of an internet connection was a major problem
• Level access was seen as a crucial design feature that facilitated independence and accessibility
The Blackwood Foundation has launched a social media site which acts an information forum for the disabled and those in the relevant disability fields to share knowledge and increase awareness of design and technology solutions available to them.
Keep up with the Blackwood Foundation here.
Martin Energy Limited was established in 2004 to develop novel ways to reduce energy costs and improve the environmental performance of the electricity industry. The company has recently re-branded and is now known as Flexitricty.
The Business Challenge
Flexitricty is, in effect, a “virtual” power station – a low carbon resource of reserve electricity which supports the National Grid by running generators and reducing consumption when the national electricity system is under stress. Due to the nature of the business, it operates on a 24/7 basis.
Partners
The company prides itself on being a ‘knowledge business’ and places great importance on its highly qualified and experienced staff, so working with university academics is central to the company’s growth strategy as Flexitricity’s managing director, Alastair Martin, explains.
“We had researched all the various government-backed schemes, grant aided assistance and other options to engage the services of a university partner to help our research and develop plans, but the complexities of unravelling the most appropriate scheme and the most suitable university to work with was time consuming. However, when we met with the Interface team through a contact at Scottish Enterprise, we knew from the initial conversations that they could distil this to meet our requirements.”
The Solution
Interface – The knowledge connection for business helped broker collaborative links with two academics from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering and Electronics, Dr Dimitri Mignard and Professor Dr Gareth Harrison.
The collaboration is working well. Flexitricity was successfully awarded a two year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to explore ‘the supply and demand balancing in the National Electricity System and has now employed a KTP Associate to fulfill the terms of the KTP agreement.
Alastair adds; “I worked for large power generation operators for a number of years and more specifically high energy fossil fuel generators. I soon realised that it was possible you can have efficiency within an electricity generation plant, but that is often at the expense of flexibility. It would appear you cannot have both. However on the energy consumption side, there is a lot of flexibility with no efficiency penalties, so Flexitricty was borne out of the potential to harness this.
I realised that what was needed was as an efficient way of managing the process as a real time operational system and that’s precisely what we have done with Flexitricity”.
Dr Gareth Harrison comments;
“We are now working our way through the KTP in collaboration with Flexitricity and I’m delighted to say the synergy within this partnership between Flexitricity and ourselves is very complimentary. The academic capability within the university’s energy and engineering departments are looking at ways of developing new systems with Flexitricity which will help enhance the efficiency of matching electrical consumption to the supply/demand balance.”
Follow-On Activity
Flexitricity are currently (March 2019) involved in the Smart Hubs demonstrator project which will also use vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology to enable cars to deliver electricity back to the smart grid. The project, which will look at integrating “various battery storage options”, would allow large numbers of electric vehicles to be charged without placing further pressure on an already-constrained grid.
Napier University helped Scottish life sciences company, The Medical Device Co Ltd., save time and money trying to find a solution to an engineering problem it was trying to solve.
The Medical Device Co. Ltd managing director, John Targell said: “We specialise in helping clients in the plastics and disposable medical device industry take their ideas from initial concept to production.
The Business Challenge
“One of our clients wanted to do something out of our realm – in an area around thermodynamics – and luckily I met Dr. Siobhán Jordan, director of Interface at a seminar.”
After an introduction by Interface – the knowledge connection for business, The Medical Device Co. has been given help with technical challenges by Napier University engineering experts.
The Solution
As a result, the company has been told what they were trying to achieve would not be feasible as it defied the laws of physics! However, this information allowed them to search for an alternative solution the company has now implemented.
John Targell continued: “This information was invaluable as letting us know that something is not possible saved us an immense amount of time and work.
“My previous experience with universities many years ago was that the collaboration process can be quite long-winded and the experts tend to be non-commercially focussed. However, my recent experience has been excellent. I’d certainly go to Interface again for help. They’ve made me realise that working with universities is a quick and straightforward process and ultimately the experience has saved us a lot of unnecessary work.”
Dr. Siobhan Jordan, director of Interface said: “This is an excellent example of one of the ways universities can help Scottish companies with their individual business challenges and Interface is keen to help business across all sectors and sizes access similar assistance.”
With a reputation spanning over 100 years, East Kilbride based Mentholatum are a recognised leader in the sale of Topical Pain Relief products.
The Business Challenge
Looking to diversify into the skincare market the company had developed a new range of skincare cosmetic products based on novel ingredients for the treatment of acne. Requiring academic analysis to be carried out on their range before they could be taken to market, the company was referred to Interface by Scottish Enterprise. They needed to gauge performance and efficacy in the key areas of:
- reduction in skin redness
- control of sebum production
- anti-bacterial properties
- promotion of clear skin
The Solution
Following a full search of the academic base in Scotland, Interface introduced the company to Dr Richard Weller at the University of Edinburgh, who had relevant industry experience.
Leading the eight week clinical protocol study on the OXY range, Dr Weller conducted a full analysis report and published a white paper on the results, both of which have proven invaluable to Metholatum.
As Colin Brown, Director of Research and Quality Development at the company explains:
The introduction from Interface to the University of Edinburgh has been invaluable for the launch of our Oxy range for the spot prone skin market. The increased credibility we have received from working with the University and with Dr Weller has also improved our opportunities to gain increased market share in the healthcare/personal care market.
The collaboration was also beneficial to the University in terms of highlighting the scope of their research to the wider business world, as Dr Weller comments:
The Mentholatum consultancy work has been very successful. We conducted a full clinical trial of its anti-spot products. To date, this work has gained considerable interest in two major British dermatology journals, and I suspect it will gain additional favourable media attention.
Creating Sustained Relationships
So successful has this collaboration been that Mentholatum see the partnership of University and business as filled with potential for future projects. Colin explains further:
This initial introduction has opened many doors within the University and also the wider Scottish academic network. We envisage this partnership with the University of Edinburgh as being long term and see many mutual benefits from working together.
2016
Since this initial project for their OXY skincare range, the company have funded a three year SUPA (Scottish Universities Physics Alliance) PhD studentship which investigated the application of Magnetic Resonance Elastography.
They have also sponsored a second PhD studentship through SINAPSE, a consortium of six of Scotland’s top universities’ medical imaging groups, including the University of Stirling and the University of Dundee.
This Scottish imaging network is at the forefront of research in the field of brain imaging.
Looking to the future, Mentholatum is now collaborating with the Department of Physics at the University of Edinburgh on a project which will support the measurement of the rheological properties of its products.
Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd (previously Toshiba Medical Visualization Systems Europe Ltd) in Edinburgh is a key part of Canon Medical Systems Corporation’s global R&D network and is responsible for the design and development of cutting edge products and technology for use in medical imaging equipment.
The Business Challenge
Keen to tap into the expertise available within academia, Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd became aware of Interface at an event and arranged further meetings to discuss the company’s research and development requirements.
A specification was agreed and Interface undertook an expertise search for potential academic collaborators.
Ian Poole, Senior Scientist commented, “Interface offers companies access to a diverse network of world class expertise and plays a vital role in facilitating the partnerships.”
Interface identified the knowledge and facilities required within the SINAPSE POOL.
SINAPSE, the Scottish imaging network, is at the forefront of research in the field of brain imaging and brings together six of Scotland’s top universities – Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews and Stirling.
Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd recognised the opportunity to capitalise on the extensive expertise within SINAPSE and was keen work with the group.
The Solution
Interface worked with SINAPSE and Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd to develop a successful Staff Exchange Programme with the University of Edinburgh and the University of Aberdeen.
Both parties have experienced significant benefits from this collaboration. The programme is a true example of successful knowledge exchange between academia which involves Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd employees spending time in a clinical environment and SINAPSE researchers and students spending time at the company premises embedded in an industrial environment.
Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd were able to explore with researchers the different technologies, techniques and approaches which can be used to develop images that may result in new or improved clinical diagnosis. The programme also provides university researchers with the opportunity to see how their research can be transformed into marketable products within an industry environment, building awareness of the tough requirements involved with commercial software. In addition the programme acts as a catalyst for innovation within Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd in providing an environment which is conducive to exploring new ideas.
Two Engineering Students at the University of Edinburgh also undertook placement at Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd.
The Future
The initial partnership between SINAPSE and Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd continues to flourish and has led to discussions regarding a larger collaboration which will build on the current project. The company has also announced its decision to launch a major new R&D programme in healthcare imaging informatics at its Edinburgh facility.
Ken Sutherland, Director of R&D at Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd’s Edinburgh facility commented, “Its great that we can tap into some of the first class academic research going on here in Scotland and at the same time play a useful role by sifting and highlighting those aspects of research that look most promising in terms of commercially viable innovation”.
Dr. Siobhán Jordan, Director at Interface commented, “The Staff Exchange Programme further demonstrates the importance and potential benefits of business and academia working in partnership. I am sure the recent news announced by Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd will present future potential collaborative opportunities between the two networks.”
Alan joined the team in November 2014 as Systems and Finance Manager having worked in the charity sector for nearly 20 years.
An Engineering with Management graduate from Napier University Alan has a wealth of experience in developing and supporting IT infrastructure as well as providing bespoke management reporting systems, primarily for finance and HR.
He has an established background in software development with .Net (C#) and Java, building web based software as well as Android application development.
He is keen to promote autism awareness whenever he can and in his spare time he likes photography (landscapes and wildlife mainly), walking and watching football.
Meet Amelia Whitelaw, Interface’s Director. She joins the team with a wealth of experience, previously working as the Executive Director of the Wheeler Institute for Business and Development at London Business School (LBS). The Wheeler Institute seeks to apply business expertise and research to social and economic challenges in developing countries. Amelia brings to her leadership position success with leading academic institutions in developing, promoting and implementing multi-organisational and international collaborative programmes.
Amelia, in her roles at LBS, as the former Executive Director of Global Outreach and Director Global Experiences, leveraged the School’s work and networks to increase the profile of the School, to generate interest in degree programmes, and to create unique learning experiences. In collaboration with faculty, senior alumni and business leaders, Amelia established the experiential learning programme that allowed students practical application in live settings, the contextualisation of business knowledge and experience, and increased exposure to developing countries and micro trends. Prior to joining LBS, she provided the vice chancellor and other senior executives of The Australian National University (ANU) with strategic, operational and policy support in developing its international programme. Amelia was also representing the ANU on the east coast of the US and developed the management framework for the secretariat of the International Alliance of Research Universities. This alliance has been highly productive in developing a portfolio of global summer programmes for students, strong research programmes and improving benchmarking across institutions.
Amelia graduated from The University of Edinburgh Business School with a MBA with distinction, and holds a Bachelor of Arts.
Elaine has joined the Interface Marketing Team as Marketing Executive with responsibility for promoting the work that Interface do via the website and social media, developing case studies, managing events and reinforcing the Interface brand.
Elaine comes to Interface with 25+ years (ahem started very young) experience gained in various marketing and communications roles across the private, public and third sectors including Phillips BCS, Scottish Enterprise, Quality Scotland and Beatson Cancer Charity.
Outside of work Elaine likes to spend time with friends and family, cooking and eating out, and doing yoga. She also works on a part-time basis and volunteers, when possible, for the Beatson Cancer Charity. It’s her way of giving back and helping others following her own cancer journey in 2018
Glen joined the Interface team as a Marketing Executive in August 2021. He brought with him an enthusiasm for digital marketing, an appetite for creative copy, and a desire to maximise Interface’s online potential.
In 2015 Glen graduated from the University of Leeds with a BA in Cinema and Photography. Since then he has worked with several companies to raise brand awareness and generate leads. Over this time, he has created social media strategies, developed and optimised websites, produced visual media and written content, as well as managed live events and webinars.
Glen enjoys baking and is a big fan of all things sweet; you can often find him in the kitchen trying out a new recipe. To balance this out, he’s also an avid cyclist and likes riding his bike up into the Pentlands.