Human-Centered Design Challenge 2026
This competition invites young designers to apply Human Factors & Ergonomics (HFE) principles to create innovative products or services that enable elderly individuals to maintain or regain active income through safe, meaningful, and dignified work.
Our vision for HCDC 2026 is to instill empathy and respect in the young for the elderly, and create harmonious work relations that have lasting impact.
Why Join
Experience a complimentary, first-of-its-kind 2-day Human-Centred Design Bootcamp
- Gain exclusive mentorship from experienced local Human Factors professionals
- Learn by doing through hands-on activities and address real-world design challenges.
This is a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of human-centred design and connect with industry mentors, all at no cost.
Who can Join
Students from local secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
How to Join
Each team should consist of 3 to 4 students. Schools and students can express their interest by completing our online form by 11 October 2025.
Participation is limited to the first 20 teams, based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Successful teams will receive a confirmation email by 20 November 2025. Please note that full commitment is required upon confirmation.
For any questions, feel free to contact:
Bootcamp Programme
Our bootcamp is designed to equip students with cutting-edge skills at the intersection of design, research, and technology. Throughout the programme, participants will:
Explore human-centred design through hands-on research methods and user experience strategies.
Leverage AI-powered tools to enhance creativity and streamline the design process.
Build and test prototypes using modern techniques that bring ideas to life.
Key Activities
Bootcamp for students in IHL
28-29 Nov 2025
Bootcamp for students in Secondary Schools
9-10 Jan 2026
Submission of design
17 May 2026
Judging
26 Jul 2026
Exhibition at Our Tampines Hub
26–31 Jul 2026
Top team to compete at the Asian Council of Ergonomics and Design (ACED) International Conference
4 Aug 2026
Prizes
Certificate of Merit + $1000 Cash (per category)
- Secondary School
- IHL / Open Category
- Best Digital Design
- Best Physical Design
- Best Service Design
Certificate of Participation + $100 Cash for all complete submissions
Grand Prize: One top team will represent at ACED Grand Prize. Refer to ACED website for details
Our Team
Core Team
Competition Chairman
Dr Angela Tan, Singapore University of Social Sciences
Marketing Design Director
Julius Pang, Temasek Polytechnic
Design Technical Director
Lim Chee Koon, Next of Kin
Design Workshop Director
Dr Teo Leong Hwee, Singapore University of Social Sciences
Events Director
Kenny Chua, DSO National Laboratories
Sponsorship & Partnerships Director
June Lawan Tangsakul, Singapore University of Social Sciences
Social Media Marketing Director
Henry Low, Spark Systems