By PR | 08:56 PM October 02, 2023
Fordago Team from Bohol Island State University (BISU) emerged as the grand champion of CHRONICS 2023, a prestigious product design and ergonomics competition held recently in Indonesia.
Held annually by Universitas Gadjah Mada in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the competition took place September 14-17.
This year’s event attracted over 100 entries from universities across Southeast Asia.
Led by Medy Gucaban, the team consisted of industrial design students Jocelyn Faith Pozon and Kenn Bantugan, with guidance from their adviser Jerome Manatad, an industrial designer and the director of FABLAB.
Their winning product, called “MatBlock,” is a 2-in-1 board game that combines a sliding puzzle for mathematical operations with a tic-tac-toe game for analytical thinking.
What sets MatBlock apart is its inclusive design. The puzzle incorporates braille markings and tactile elements, making it accessible for visually impaired and blind children. This feature allows users of all abilities to engage in the game and develop their mathematical calculation skills, concentration, decision-making abilities, and critical thinking.
The achievement is not only a testament to the team’s creativity and hard work but also to the support it received from various organizations.
The Provincial Government of Bohol, Youthlead Philippines, Inc., Tagbilaran City, Bohol Industrial Designers Association, and FABLAB Bohol Philippines all played a crucial role in the development and prototyping of MatBlock.
The grand prize for the winning team was IDR 14 million (approximately P50,000) in recognition for the outstanding innovation and contribution to the field of product design and ergonomics.
The victory not only brings pride to Bohol but also highlights the talent and potential of Filipino students in the field of industrial design.
MatBlock’s introduction to the market opens up new possibilities for children to engage in interactive and educational gameplay.
By combining fun and learning, the game promotes inclusivity, gender equality, and quality education.
It provides a safe space for children to explore their interest in STEM subjects and improve their critical thinking skills while having fun.
The success of BISU’s Fordago Team demonstrates the power of collaboration, innovation, and determination.
The achievement hopefully inspires future generations of product designers to push boundaries and make a difference in the world. (PIMO/ML)
