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challenge

Everyday Heroes: Innovating Assistive Tools for Children with Special Needs

Everyday Heroes: Innovating Assistive Tools for Children with Special Needs

(winter term 25/26)
Open for application

Our Challenge

In this challenge, you will collaborate with pupils from the Elfenwiese School in Hamburg, which specializes in supporting children with special needs. Through empathy-driven observation and dialogue, you will identify real-life challenges these students face in their daily routines. Your mission is to co-create innovative solutions that improve everyday life for the pupils. From practical tools and supportive devices to playful spaces and creative ideas that foster inclusion, comfort, or interaction. Working in interdisciplinary teams, you will be supported by experienced Teamchers from various fields (see Providers section). The collaboration is designed to be hybrid from the ground up: while some team members may engage directly on site in Hamburg, others will participate remotely. Contributing through research, design, coordination, or digital prototyping. The process encourages hands-on learning, inclusive design thinking, and creative problem-solving with the shared goal of making a meaningful difference in the school community.

The Team

LO
Profile photo
Lennart Osterhus
Teamcher
GL
Gesine Liese
Teamcher
AH
Profile photo
Anna-Lena Heins
Teamcher
0 learners
Study format
Hybrid
Application period
30 June – 28 September 2025
Study period
15 October 2025 – 6 February 2026
Credits
3 ECTS
Hosting university
Hamburg University of Technology
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Learning outcomes

Design and Prototype Development Skills

By the end of the course participants will learn to design and develop functional assistive tool prototypes for children with special needs, utilizing 3D printing and other prototyping methods to bring ideas to life.

ESCO SKILLS

Empathy-Driven Problem Solving

By the end of the course participants will gain skills in understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by children with disabilities and apply this understanding to create practical, user-centered solutions that improve daily activities.

ESCO SKILLS

Work in international, interdisciplinary teams

By the end of the course students learn how to work in international, interdisciplinary teams in terms of: knowing about the different roles, reflect on team dynamics, get to know tools for efficient online collaboration and how to provide constructive peer-feedback.

ESCO SKILLS

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Information

At the Elfenwiese School in Hamburg, pupils with diverse learning and mobility needs face everyday challenges during lessons, breaks, and social interaction. In collaboration with school staff, physiotherapists, and a cross-disciplinary Teamcher collective, this challenge invites you to explore these needs and co-create solutions that positively impact everyday school life.

Your contribution can take many forms, from supportive devices and sensory tools to playful spatial elements or inclusive design interventions that foster comfort, engagement, or participation. Whether you're working on-site or remotely, the goal is to rethink everyday tools and environments through empathy, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Hosting university

Hamburg University of Technology

Hamburg University of Technology

Challenge provider

Schule Elfenwiese

Associated Partners

WorkINGLab
KinderForscher