Engineering for Social Impact - Randy MarsdenCo-founder of Swype Inc. and Cleankeys Inc, Randy Marsden, gave a TEDx Talk about the role of engineering in leaving an impact on society. From an undergraduate project to help a disabled gymnast communicate through a laptop for his wheelchair. This project changed Marsden's life and he decided to spend the rest of his career helping many people with disabilities, which led to more brilliant inventions like the easy-to-disinfect, self-monitoring keyboard
The same concept applies for structural and architectural design. As more engineers and architects see the advantages of adaptable buildings and start to promote the concept, building design would include more adaptable features. And one by one, new buildings could be completely adaptable, saving many building from demolition or abandonment. |
Design Decision(s) |
Finding that the number four cause of death in Canada is Going to the Hospital, Marsden wanted to help in the fight against super bugs, the 0.1% bugs that disinfectants don't kill. Marsden tracked down the source of these superbugs to computer keyboards, the most contaminated surface in hospitals. Therefore, Marsden invented CleanKeys: a keyboard with no keys so it's easy to wipe, with touch and vibration sensitive sensors. These keyboards are also self-monitoring to detect wiping motion and the liquid used to wipe, whether it's water or alcohol-based cleaner.
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Social Impact |
The CleanKeys keyboards are a revolutionary solution to infection control concerns. They are now being used in dental offices, hospitals and other medical settings. Paying a little money on prevention, saves lives and saves money spent on cures.
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