A group of IDarte students recently took part in one of the challenges set within the framework of the Bilbao Bizkaia Design Week (BBDWEEK). This initiative, supported by the Health Department and Bilbao City Council, posed four real-world challenges aimed at improving public services and user experiences, as well as raising awareness around health-related issues.
The teams were formed in a multidisciplinary way, bringing together students from various design and innovation schools. Each group was assigned one of the four challenges and spent a month developing a response through mentoring sessions, collaborative dynamics, and both independent and group work.
The aim was to present four innovative and viable proposals, one per challenge, by the end of the process. The work included field research, prototype testing, user interviews, cost estimation, and the time planning of complex projects, among other tasks.
For the students involved, it was an enriching experience. They had the chance to apply what they’ve learned, explore new methodologies, collaborate across disciplines, and gain insight into the management of real, multidisciplinary projects. All in all, a valuable step in their professional development and a broader view of how design can address real needs.
These are two of the challenges tackled by Enia Susperregi, Ander Varas, and Lander Martinez:
Ander Varas (Challenge 1)
Challenge 1 focused on cardiac arrest and the lack of visibility and knowledge around CPR techniques. Their research revealed that, beyond lack of training, panic is what often paralyzes bystanders. To address this, they created the Latidos Bilbao Taupadak campaign, a dual strategy combining two solutions: SMS Flash, a visual and audio metronome sent directly to the bystander’s phone by the 112 operator to help guide compressions and overcome the initial panic; and TAUPA, a physical device placed on the chest that helps ensure the correct compression depth (5–6 cm). The goal: empower citizens and reinforce the idea that “the worst resuscitation is the one that doesn’t happen.”
Enia Susperregi (Challenge 4)
Our team aimed to promote the use of calisthenics parks in Bilbao, especially among young women, a group that is still underrepresented in these predominantly male spaces. We developed a graphic proposal for a campaign focused on breaking stereotypes and reinforcing the message that “these parks are for you too”, encouraging a more inclusive, accessible, and diverse approach to outdoor exercise.
