One of Scotland’s leading providers of housing and social care, Blackwood is dedicated to enabling people with disabilities throughout the country to live life to the full. From experience we know just how big a difference innovation and technology can make in improving people’s independence.

The Blackwood Design Award 2015

Now in its third year, the Blackwood Design Awards has in the past uncovered brilliant and innovative designs that have received huge acclaim and gone on to achieve great success. Could your design be the next winner?We are looking for an idea which:

• Is innovative and original
• Has the potential to change lives
• Will enable people to live more independently

Entries can be as high or low tech as you want. What’s important is that they have the potential to really make a difference to someone who has a disability. All entries are welcome from state of the art hardware, to adapted clothing, to computer programmes and 3D printed adaptations. You can enter even if your design is not yet fully developed or at a theoretical stage (although the more work you have done on it the more chance you have of impressing the judges). The winner will receive a prize package that includes prize money and support from Blackwood and its partners to carry their design further.

How to enter

Click here to download the entry form. This should be completed and sent to bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk; no later than 20th June 2015. You should receive confirmation of receipt within two to three working days.

If your entry is selected as one of the finalists, you will be asked to make a final pitch to our judging panel via Skype and answer their questions. This will give you the opportunity to talk about your design in greater detail. A date will be confirmed nearer the time.

If you are unsure about any aspects of the competition or have any questions, please contact paulr@blackwoodgroup.org.uk.

Good luck!

NB Please be aware that bespoken is an open forum so if you need to protect the IP for any aspect of your design then you should do this in advance.

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Check out last year's winner!

Highlights from the 2014 winner

Mountain Trike: the 2013 winner