During the design phase, the candidates experienced firsthand what it is like to be a product designer as they took the very rigorous task of choosing colors, materials and agreeing on finishing between the mentors and manufacturers. But after the smell of paint wore out and the dust settled, the candidates each had a fully functional, fully designed product they could be proud of as they prepared to meet with the design jury that was comprised of permanent jury members Dr. Fouad Mrad and Prof. Ibrahim Al Nuaimi.

Alongside the permanent jury was third time Education City juror Dean Allyson Vanstone from Virginia Commonwealth University at Qatar and second time VIP juror Mr. James Law who flew once again from Hong Kong for this special occasion of deciding the fate of the top 6 candidates.

The prime kicked off with Mohamed Watfa projecting his newly designed software that included various new features from child gaming to a dining experience that James Law and Dean Allyson tried firsthand. Dean Allyson was critical of the device in restaurants as she did not want to use a mouse as it reminds her of being at work and is not hygienic.

Khaled Eid was next to take stand as flipped open the sides and pulled up the pyramid to reveal his newly transformed 3D holographic display that James Law also called an augmented reality box. Khaled displayed a human heart in hologram form as Dr. Fouad asked the audience to give him a round of applause for the accomplishments he has made this phase.

Jaber followed Khaled as he presented to the jury his arabesque designed automated home pharmacy. After his presentation, James Law challenged Jaber by asking him what would happen if there was no power on the machine. Jaber defended himself by stating that the end user would still have no access to the medication and instead a warning would be sent out to the caregiver warning of such incident. Mr. Law congratulated him on his response.

After Jaber, Amina rolled out her turquoise and white designed assistive device. Dean Allyson focused on the foot rest being the connection between human and machine and questioned why it was not comfortable looking and welcoming for the patient. James Law focused mostly on Amina’s personality and asked that she takes design more lightly, responding to her serious tone.

The energy during the prime was high as Hekmat took the stand and laid out the packaging examples he made that included the integration of his thaw indicator stamps. James Law was critical of Hekmat’s simple design and said it needed more complexity. He also disagreed with Hekmat on using description to an icon, saying that the icon is weak if an explanation is needed.

Khalid Aboujassoum was last to take the stage as he presented his stainless steel automated home cooking pot. After listening in on his presentation, Mr. Law suggested that he explore other colors instead of industrial grey as he stated that it does not reflect a healthy lifestyle. Khaled was quick to defend his decision saying that he wants the inside and outside of his device to be in unison so the end user will not be surprised while opening the lid and seeing the aluminum pieces. 

After listening to the 6 presentations, the juries grading was locked and read out by Khaled Al Jumaily. Here are the results:

Khaled Eid – 3D Holographic Display, 81%
Jaber Henzab – Automated Home Pharmacy, 80.5%
Amina Al Hawaj – Assistive Device, 70.2%
Khalid Aboujassoum – Automated Home Cooking Pot, 67.7%
Mohamed Watfa – Projected Virtual Computer, 63.5%

Unfortunately, Hekmat left us today with his indoor thaw indicator stamp device, however as difficult as it was to say farewell to his friends, he will always remain in the memory of Stars of Science.

Tune in next week as we head to the Business and Marketing phase where 5 candidates pitch in order to secure their place in the finals!