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GDA's Social Impact Award makes a global impact

The GDA Social Impact and Equality Award celebrates groundbreaking initiatives from Asia, Europe, and Africa. This award category certainly demonstrates the scope of innovative approaches to fostering social equity. This year’s winners reflect a remarkable breadth of thought and action, demonstrating how design can drive positive change across diverse contexts. The growing number of global applicants highlights the category’s importance as a platform for inspiring solutions that champion inclusivity and equality. Congratulations to the winners.

The iBus Kaohsiung Bus Real-time Dynamic Service, designed by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co.'s CiT/UXD team, enhances public transportation accessibility for seniors and visually impaired users. Key features like ‘Waiting Mode’ with audio-visual cues, voice announcements, and universal icons improve usability and reduce waiting anxiety. This socially inclusive design promotes equal, convenient, and pleasant travel experiences, exemplifying innovative urban transit solutions.

Once again, the jury found that the Sürüm Bookstore project, The Mortal and All the Matters, was a winning concept. This project promotes "civic palliative care" as a moral and social responsibility to support individuals facing mortality, framing vulnerability as a source of hope. Key initiatives include the "Final Wish Book" to guide life priorities, community activities for bereavement support, and global collaborations like TEDx and Death Cafes. The overarching goal is fostering a society that values equitable, dignified living until life's end.

A brilliant application of modern technology and a really worthy winner of the GDA Social Impact and Equality award. GreenNet transforms rural transportation in Denmark with autonomous electric minibuses, offering flexible, on-demand mobility via an intuitive app. Designed to replace traditional transport in underserved areas, it creates dynamic routes for schoolchildren, workers, and seniors. With zero emissions and a focus on inclusivity, GreenNet enhances social cohesion and redefines sustainable rural transit.

This well-considered project from Africa really stole the jurys' hearts. A great combination of design-thinking for the community - by the community. The AquaBOT addresses water supply challenges in central Africa's smaller communities with an autonomous all-terrain vehicle carrying a large water tank on an electric drivetrain. Guided by GPS and app-based requests, it improves access and reduces costs, as shown in Nigerian trials. Developed locally in Ibo communities, it fosters social impact and independence, ensuring future maintenance and upgrades can be handled within the region. Stay ahead with GDA Awards. Check out the next deadline for applications.

 

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