MIT Hackathon
COVID-19 Challenge
Elder Wand
Since seniors in residential homes can’t be visited anymore due to the pandemic, Elder Wand is the platform for elderly or just lonely people to use and connect. This solution combats loneliness by creating real connections virtually.
Virtual events
Overview
Group
The hackathon was organised by MIT and together sponsors, mentors, and participating teams tried to find a solution for life after the pandemic. These were then divided into 8 sub topics which applicants had to choose prior to joining. During the two days, over 2,000 international hackers joined the challenge to combat and prevent a future crisis. Once you chose a subject you want to design a solution for, it is up to you, to find your group. It was important to team up together with participants, you wanted to collaborate with during the next 3 days.
Innovation
During a global crisis, it is not easy to brainstorm, organize and execute your team's idea over a slack channel. My team was spread over 3 continents with 5 different time zones. All-nighters and coffee were my best friend.
Present
Each team has 5 minutes time to present their solution based on the project they chose. Give your best, you only have one shot!
An issue in society
COVID-19 disrupts physical visits, and we will be in this new normal indefinitely.
Local chapter lead
The process of becoming an Elder Wand member
Recruitment
In order to implement this solution, it is necessary that both high-school volunteers and local aging communities or residential homes are willing to make a difference.
Profiles
This phase includes the profile creation. Seniors and volunteers will have to customize their profiles in order to enter the platform. It was important to ensure the customer a safe and legit place to communicate.
Match
Based on availability, language, preferences and interests a match will be found for each user. The more details a user can provide, the easier it can be to find a match. Also, this is a great chance to start off a conversation, seeing all the interests both parties have.
Chat
Once the platform found a suitable match, users can start their conversations by phone or video chat.
Shaping the future
A worldwide problem we identified is that seniors living in residential or single homes are often very lonely. Due to COVID-19 they are also not allowed any visitors. Therefore, our team developed a platform, where the elderly can connect virtually to communicate and combat their loneliness. Our solution would provide virtual events and chat rooms where young and old can exchange experiences and stories with each other. ‘Elder Wand’ is a website that gives seniors the opportunity to share and listen, without jeopardizing their health.
Key partners
Our key partners would include residential homes, schools and colleges. This way the business can recruit members from partnering facilites.
Value proposition
There is a distinct value this platform offers in comparison to competitor networking sites. By giving elders the opportunity to talk to someone and combat their loneliness, students can fulfill their volunteer hours in a meaningful way.
Customer segmentation
These are primarily senior citizens in residential homes and students.
The homepage
Important here is that both age groups can navigate easily through the website.
Introducing Elder Wand
Our team focused on the importance of making the older generation feel safer and more comfortable while using this platform, because of many scams. Especially, this group if often targeted and with time, this has become harder for seniors to identify. Describing who and what Elder Wand does, is the key for this this solution to function.
The event board is based on the most common activities, both young and old are likely to enjoy. A growing customer base will adjust the portfolio accordingly.
A calendar is a simple way of displaying information. Particularly, because it is commonly used by the elders. Therefore, it suits their needs to comfortably edit their digital events.
A face to the networking channel.
Become a member
The sign-up process is a crucial step to a clean, simple and most importantly straight forward design. For this reason, the information displayed is what seniors can easily remember.
The Terraces at Los Altos
Staff member
“This is a great idea since we do not allow guest visits, including family members.”
After a survey of 3 residential homes in California, all three of them expressed interest in implementing such an initiative in their facilities.
1st prize in MIT COVID-19 Challenge
With two team members, we pitched Elder Wand to a crowd and panel of 8 judges, 2000 participants and received the 1st prize and $500 in prize money in the Track B: „Well-being: Adapting to a new normal“.
I must say, I am very passionate about this topic and also needed motivation to overcome my own concerns about life after this crisis. I quickly realized that this was a project I felt passioned about and I could actually be part of a solution, which would have a serious impact on society.
The Elder Wand Team
Our creative team
Skills incorperated
I really want to emphasize on the soft skills, which were required when working with such a diverse group of young people. I wanted to stay diplomatic and adaptable to the situation and thereby be ready to motivate when needed. Furthermore, it was important to embrace my creativity and not being afraid to be wrong, since that it a valuable lesson I learned at hackathons.
- Empathy
- Leadership
- Conflict management
- Teamwork
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