University of Limerick graduate wins National James Dyson Award
University of Limerick graduate Joel Olympio has won the Irish leg of the James Dyson Award worth €5,700 in prize money for a device that aims to help people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by reducing the number of distractions around them.
The device, Oasis, resembles a pair of glasses and works by dimming users’ mid-to-far peripheral vision – improving concentration by reducing distractions in open environments. The device comes in two sizes to accommodate different head shapes.
Olympio designed Oasis for individuals diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. According to ADHD Ireland, it is estimated that this disorder impacts approximately 5% of the population.
The runners up included Zostera for its mapping device for detecting seagrass meadows under the seabed, and ErgoTech for its laparoscopic tool designed to reduce repetitive strain injury in healthcare professionals.
Olympio said: “I am thrilled to be named this year’s national winner of the James Dyson Award in Ireland. With Oasis, my aim was to design a tool rather than a mere disability aid. I hope that users will perceive this product as a superpower, a portable sanctuary they can carry with them anytime, anywhere.”
Barry Sheehan, head of design at TU Dublin School of Art & Design, said: “The entry was beautifully presented, professionally accomplished and a standout of this year’s design competition. Oasis is truly a product for anyone, not just ADHD sufferers.”
Olympio will go forward to an international level competition where a shortlist of 20 projects will be selected by Dyson engineers. The successful entries will be adjudicated by Sir James Dyson, who will select an overall winner.
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