CHALLENGE
In 1996, Apple selected 10 universities globally and issued a single brief: design the future of virtual community.
More than 200 students entered. Westminster was selected. Our competition included Domus Academy Milan and the University of Siena. Some of the world's most prestigious design institutions.
The human problem was MS. Multiple Sclerosis dismantles the social infrastructure most people take for granted. Patients faced compounding isolation: physical barriers, financial barriers, and support systems that required you to show up in person.
The task: use technology to change that. Not build a product. Build a community.
INSIGHT
Community is not proximity. It never was.
The barrier was never emotional. MS patients wanted to connect. The barrier was access. Remove it and the community would form itself.
The competition rules required multidisciplinary teams: graphic design, computer science, and psychology combined. We investigated real user needs and tested prototypes with actual MS patients. The platform had to flex as the condition progressed. Trust was non-negotiable. The MS Society was the foundation.
SOLUTION
We designed a virtual community centre accessible through adapted televisions with touchscreens. Already in the home. Already familiar. No new behaviour required. The touchscreen removed the keyboard. the single biggest access barrier for anyone with reduced motor function.
The platform delivered peer counselling, group forums, live events, and trusted information. One-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-many. The same architecture that would define social networks for the next two decades.
On July 23, 1996, our team flew to Apple to present live to executives and industry peers.
Apple formally commended our team by name: "Your ideas, your skill, and your hard work have inspired us."
The technology adapted to the person. Not the other way around.
That principle has not left me in thirty years.
Tuesday, July 23, 1996
9 AM Town Hall Auditorium
Apple Computer, Inc.
1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014-2084
University of Westminster Project Submission
Multiple Sclerosis and the Virtual Community: A Virtual Centre for the Physically Challenged
Student Team:
Stuart Wilson, Paul Fennel, Adam Kenny
Faculty Advisor:
Roman Buj
Apple Liaison:
Sally Grisedale, Harry Sadler, Eileen Genevro
This project addresses the unique needs of the multiple sclerosis (MS) community. Our research revealed a strong desire for better communication and connection among MS individuals. We propose a virtual community center, utilizing existing television sets with touch-screen technology, to foster interaction. Our extended presentation will explore key topics like community, individual needs, and the technology required.
Apple Design Project Brief 1996
Humans inherently form communities for survival and social enrichment, transcending mere necessity. In our fast-paced world, "communities of interest" emerge, bringing people together through shared passions rather than physical proximity. This broad definition of community encompasses groups that, while diverse, engage collectively over time through shared histories and values.
University of Westminster Response
Our exploration began by recognizing how current technologies can hinder creativity, particularly for the physically challenged. Focusing on the MS community, we identified how technology can adapt to their unique challenges. MS can severely limit social interaction due to physical barriers and financial constraints.
Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease that primarily affects young adults, with onset typically around age 17. Symptoms vary widely, including clumsiness and temporary numbness, leading to significant life changes and challenges.
Background
MS limits social engagement, often reducing interaction to phone calls. New technologies can enhance communication and create a virtual community for individuals with shared experiences.
Aims and Objectives
We aim to build a system that allows MS members to connect virtually. Managed by organizations like the MS Society, this "Virtual Community Centre" will offer counseling, forums, and opportunities for shared experiences, fostering real-world interactions through online engagements.
Issues and Requirements
MS individuals often face challenges like adapting their homes or cars. Utilizing existing technology, such as telephones and TVs, is vital for effective communication without overwhelming costs. Our interaction with David Pearse from the MS Society highlighted the importance of relatable facilitators in community building.
Adaptive Communication Technology
Accessible technology can empower individuals to engage fully in their communities. Often, newly diagnosed individuals lack guidance, making a supportive virtual MS community essential. Affordable touch-screen solutions can enhance communication, counteracting MS's impact.
Project Planning
Through research, we will develop technology catering to the varying stages of MS, focusing on enhancing communication through sound, vision, and gesture. Our goal is to create systems that adapt to individual needs and foster meaningful connections within the MS community.
