Frequently Asked Questions for Designs

The equipment has to be very simple to use, right?

No. People in the developing world are just as capable as you and I
to learn how to use a piece of equipment. If you can figure it out, they can too.

The equipment has to be really quick to use, right?

No. The concept of time is different in the developing world. It is quite an
acceptable design to require a significant amount of man-hours (minutes?) to
operate your device.

The device has to be maintenance free, right?

Pretty much. If any maintenance is required, it must be something that itself
does not require a specialized tool or part.

What environmental conditions must the tester meet?

Your design must not be destroyed even with extended exposure to
temperatures down to -10 degrees centigrade and temperatures up to 40
degrees centigrade. It should be useable in environmental temperatures ranging
from 20 degrees centigrade to 40 degrees centigrade.

My design doesn’t meet all the specifications, but it exceeds some.
Should I send it in?

If your design doesn’t meet all the specifications, you are not guaranteed to
receive the $150 for prototyping. However, you may be able to make an argument that the
added performance in one area is worth the missed specification in another.
Make sure to include a cover letter of one page or less which describes your
argument.

How do I know what is locally available for production?

You must contact a clinical engineer and talk with them about this. There is no
substitute for a conversation with the clinical engineer that will use your design. The best way to find out is to participate in the Duke-EWH Summer Institute!

I have just one custom part. Surely that won’t affect your
consideration of my design.

Yes it will! If you have one custom component, and that component cannot be
manufactured in the developing world in single quantities (and those costs are
included in your cost estimates), then your design will be rejected (assuming you were designing for local production, of course).

What if a part is not locally available?

If you really need a component that you can’t find locally (a capacitor or fuse, or
a special plastic), then you should consider making your design a kit. Unless otherwise specified in the project description, kits are great ways to have impact.

What if the component requires programming or burning?

Most PICS and FPLA and such devices require burning or programming. Most
clinical engineers in the developing world do not have access to a computer or a
programmer. Therefore, your project requires a special tool that is not available
in the developing world. It will be rejected or considered for a kit.