Join us for the PILOT N8CIR-WHPC Tech Triaging Workshop, an applied problem‑solving session where experts collaborate to unpack and roadmap an early‑stage technical challenge brought by an innovator. This interactive format—adapted from successful triage models used in the mathematical science communities—offers an intellectually stimulating way to contribute your expertise in an area that’s (probably) different from your day job.
Why Attend?
- Engage with a real technical challenge: Help an innovator clarify architecture, feasibility, and early development pathways.
- Apply your expertise for social good: The featured challenge focuses on accessibility and inclusive design.
- Learn from peers: Work alongside specialists across disciplines
- Support ethical innovation: Clear rules of engagement ensure boundaries around IP, labour, and consultancy. Please note that the spirit of the workshop is mutually beneficial collaboration.
Who is this for and who can attend?
Anyone who enjoys structured technical problem-solving. The event is open to all: post-graduates, post-docs, early career researchers, research data stewards, and research software engineers.
You do not need to be a member of an N8 partnership institution or a WHPC chapter to join this meeting.
What to Expect
- A short introduction to the challenge
- Collaborative mapping of technical options and development routes
- A synthesised set of recommendations for the innovator to move forward
Your participation helps demystify technology for founders while giving you a chance to collaborate, contribute, and connect with like‑minded experts.
Agenda
- 12:00 - 12:10: Welcome
- 12:10 - 12:25: Innovator presents their challenge
- 12:25 - 12:55: General Q&A and discussions
- 12:55 - 13:15: Discussions of next steps
- 13:15 - 13:30: Closing comments and general chat about the format of this event
About us
Learn more about the N8 CIR Women in HPC Initiative: N8 CIR Women in HPC Initiative
Find out more about Innovate UK Business Connect: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/
Summary of the Challenge
AllKin, a sensory shopping app founded by Eleanor Swann to make fashion and lifestyle products accessible to individuals with sensory sensitivities, limited mobility, or cognitive differences. Key points include:
- Background:
Inspired by Eleanor's personal challenges and the spending power of the UK’s disabled population (£274 billion), AllKin aims to address the difficulties faced by neurodivergent individuals in physical and online shopping environments.
- Challenges:
- Online shopping interfaces are often overwhelming for neurodivergent users due to sensory overload, unclear information, and accessibility issues.
- Eleanor faces financial barriers in developing a prototype, with costs ranging from £2,000-£5,000. She has struggled to secure funding without a prototype and is exploring partnerships and accelerators.
- App Vision:
- Create an accessible online store tailored to sensory needs.
- Features include personalized sensory profiles, AI-driven product selection, AR/VR changing rooms, blockchain-vetted providers, and a subscription-based model for tailored interfaces.
- Overall Goals:
- Build and test a prototype with enhanced accessibility and personalized sensory profiles.
- Secure funding for development and rollout.
- Establish corporate partnerships to promote sensory products and build traction in the B2B market.
Immediate Priority:
Eleanor seeks guidance on the first steps to build an app or web app with personalized sensory profiles.