These lifechanging designs are each inspired by the challenges faced by a loved one
Sean Guyett (pictured) combined his love for his partner Ora Hambleton with the force of magnetism to create a magnetic walking stick for disabled people. Hambleton, who has multiple sclerosis, found that a standard stick regularly fell over when she was on public transport or when it was left leaning against a shop or cafe counter. So Guyett, a graduate of Nottingham Trent University, set about designing a more empowering mobility aid. Named after Mount Ida, where mythology suggests magnets were discovered, the ‘Ida’ attaches to a person’s hip using removable magnetic pads secured on to clothing, enabling users to use both hands freely.
Image: Tracey Whitefoot
When we need to go, we need to go, but what if there’s no toilet in sight? Zoë Chapman grew tired of letting her toddler Mayson go in cardboard coffee cups when out and about, and found that alternatives were limited to bulky travel potties. Eyeing a compact solution, she designed The Whizzer, a silicone, leak-proof portable eco-toilet that could easily be mistaken for a sleek travel mug. The Whizzer also supports, she says, neurodivergent children who prefer not to use public toilets due to the sensory overload, and those with bladder conditions.
After caring for her terminally ill father and with her grandfather experiencing prostate enlargement, Chapman developed the design further. Her latest product will be the first Whizzer to be specifically adapted as a medical aid, and features in a research and development project for the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award.
Image: Kerry Barton
First-time mother Deborah Ajaja couldn’t wait to share photos of her baby boy lying next to a ‘I am one month old’ milestone card. So, she was disappointed to find that no such cards existed depicting babies of her son’s skin colour or Nigerian heritage. Spotting a gap in the market, Ajaja launched Colour Celebrations, designing a line of cards featuring black and mixed-race children. The company now offers greetings cards, height charts, dolls and T-shirts, all celebrating diversity, culture and heritage.
Image: Hannah Farmery
Main image: Hannah Farmery
Be part of the solution
Positive News is helping more people than ever to get a balanced and uplifting view of the world. While doom and gloom dominates other news outlets, our solutions journalism exists to support your wellbeing and empower you to make a difference towards a better future.
But our reporting has a cost and, as an independent, not-for-profit media organisation, we rely on the financial backing of our readers. If you value what we do and can afford to, please get behind our team with a regular or one-off contribution.
Give once from just £1, or join 1,400+ others who contribute an average of £3 or more per month. You’ll be directly funding the production and sharing of our stories – helping our solutions journalism to benefit many more people.
Join our community today, and together, we’ll change the news for good.
