Life lessons of a teen inventor | Alex Deans | TEDxFrankfurt

Summary

At 20, Alex shares his journey of creating the iAid, a navigation tool for the visually impaired, born from a chance encounter with a woman who had lost her guide dog. Through a series of challenges, including a failed prototype, Alex learns that trust and understanding the real needs of the visually impaired are key. With mentorship and a creative mindset, he creates a device that guides users through touch. Alex emphasizes that age and resources aren't barriers to innovation and encourages others to step out of their comfort zones to pursue their ideas and talents.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alex, a 20-year-old inventor, shares his journey of creating the iAid, a navigation device for the visually impaired.
• 😀 At 12 years old, Alex encountered a woman who was visually impaired, which sparked his interest in creating solutions for the visually impaired.
• 😀 Alex realized that the visually impaired face not only physical challenges but emotional ones like fear and a lack of independence.
• 😀 Despite having no programming background, Alex took on the challenge of building a device to help the visually impaired, starting with a hobby and seeking help from experienced inventors.
• 😀 The first prototype, the iBelt, didn’t work as expected, but Alex learned valuable insights from the feedback and went back to reimagine the solution.
• 😀 After engaging with visually impaired individuals, Alex learned they were looking for trust and safety, not just high-tech solutions.
• 😀 The iAid, Alex's final prototype, used a joystick that provides turn-by-turn directions, offering a sense of guidance and trust to users.
• 😀 Alex’s work with the iAid began gaining media attention, but he expressed frustration with being labeled as a 'genius,' wanting to show that anyone, regardless of age, could create solutions.
• 😀 Alex stressed that his success wasn't due to special access or knowledge; it was due to his creativity, determination, and limited resources.
• 😀 Alex encourages others to use their talents and creativity to solve problems, emphasizing that anyone, even a normal kid with a wild idea, can make a difference.

Q & A

What was the initial inspiration behind Alex's invention of the iBelt?

The inspiration came from a chance encounter with a visually impaired woman who was struggling to cross the road after losing her guide dog. This made Alex realize the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and the lack of adequate support for them.

Why did Alex's first prototype, the iBelt, fail during testing?

The iBelt failed because, although technically flawless, it didn't fully address the needs of visually impaired people. Feedback from users highlighted that the device was not designed with their real-life challenges in mind.

What critical lesson did Alex learn from the feedback at the CNIB?

Alex learned that many visually impaired people were not seeking high-tech solutions but rather needed trust and companionship. They often felt unsafe and isolated, preferring to go out only with a companion.

What was the unique feature of the iAid that made it different from the iBelt?

The iAid featured a joystick that could be held in the user's hand, which rotated to show directions and tilted to indicate distance. This design aimed to replicate the trust and companionship of a friend guiding the user.

How did Alex's artistic hobby influence the development of the iAid?

While painting, Alex realized how sensitive his fingers were to touch. This gave him the idea to use the sense of touch, leading to the design of the joystick in the iAid, which guides the user through tactile feedback.

What future plans does Alex have for the iAid?

Alex plans to take the iAid to Botswana, where he will work on a project with the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Trust to provide free eye screening and work on preventing blindness caused by diseases like trachoma and river blindness.

How did media coverage impact Alex's perception of his work?

The media often labeled him as a 'whiz kid' or 'teen genius,' which made him uncomfortable. Alex felt that this image made his achievements seem unattainable to other young people, while in reality, his success was due to a simple idea, resourcefulness, and determination.

What was Alex's initial motivation for developing the iAid?

Initially, Alex created the iAid as a hobby out of personal interest and enjoyment. It wasn't initially driven by a selfless desire to help others, but rather by his curiosity and passion for building things.

What key advice does Alex give to other young people based on his experiences?

Alex encourages young people to take advantage of their time and talents, step outside their comfort zones, and recognize that creativity and ability can come from anyone, regardless of age or background.

What does Alex believe is the most important factor in creating something impactful?

Alex believes that understanding the true needs of the people you're trying to help is crucial. In the case of the iAid, this meant learning about the emotional and practical challenges faced by visually impaired individuals before designing a solution.