HunterWiSE students take innovative idea to supermarket giant

A team of students from Hunter School of the Performing Arts (HSPA) have received further recognition for their project, "Accessible Self-Checkouts". The students’ innovative design initially caught the attention of Woolworths, and more recently, the interest of the ABC Newcastle team.

In 2023, students Taya, Laura, Samia, Tilly, Emma, and Alice, received the Outstanding Poster Award for their project at the HunterWiSE Presentation Night. Voted by representatives from STEM industries in our region, the win underscored the broad appeal of their idea.

The team, supported by their teacher Mr. Ben Moore, entered their project into the Hunter Young Business Minds Awards (YBMA), taking out the Social Enterprise category for their design aimed at improving accessibility in supermarket self-checkout systems.

In July, the Woolworths360 team invited the students to their Kellyville office to learn more about the accessible checkouts currently being trialed, along with the design processes involved. The students’ YBMA prize enabled them to fund the excursion, with additional support from HunterWiSE.

Teacher Ben Moore has supported the participation of more than 50 HSPA students in the HunterWiSE program: “The students' journey underscores the value of human-centered design in STEM education, demonstrating how their project addresses real-world issues. This experience was a chance to see inclusive design in action and receive valuable feedback from industry representatives.”

Recently, students Taya and Laura, now in Year 9, appeared on the ABC Radio Newcastle breakfast show to discuss their project. Taya, a wheelchair user, shared how their design addresses accessibility challenges with features like a hollowed-out interior and adjustable screens. Laura highlighted the project's impact, citing a survey where 84% of respondents expressed support for the design. The interview can be heard here [https://www.facebook.com/share/p/ep2VWuREdxy6uCx8/].

HunterWiSE co-founder Professor Elena Prieto said, "HunterWiSE Outreach empowers students to use their STEM skills to address pressing community issues, demonstrating that STEM is both rewarding and relevant. The HSPA students highlighted an important accessibility issue that will have positive community impact. We are delighted to see these students pursue their project with the support of their teachers".

Photos from the students’ visit can be viewed here. For more information about the HunterWiSE Schools Outreach Program, visit our website for details.