Call
for Application
for Application
Title :
Design-a-thon for Climate Information Application Development using the
Internet of Things
Design-a-thon for Climate Information Application Development using the
Internet of Things
Deadline
of submission :
18th February 2018
of submission :
18th February 2018
Submission
to :
offers.rw@undp.org
to :
offers.rw@undp.org
Kick
off Workshop : 20th-22nd February 2018
off Workshop : 20th-22nd February 2018
Final
Presentation : 20th March 2018
Presentation : 20th March 2018
@Kigali
(Venue TBD)
(Venue TBD)
1
Project Background
Project Background
Rwanda
is a country highly prone to disaster, including landslides, flash floods,
droughts, windstorm, lightning and earthquakes. Over 157,000 people are
vulnerable to drought, 7,431 are vulnerable to land slide and over 5,000 houses
are vulnerable to windstorm, while forest and landscape degradation and climate
change increase the risk and severity of disaster affecting most the vulnerable
population such as female-headed households and rain dependent farmers with
less access to education in rural areas. Climate data is critical for disaster
risk management, early warning and for fast response to disaster, however micro
level data is very difficult to collect with traditional meteorological
stations. Presently, climate related data is collected and analyzed by Rwanda
Meteorology Agency (Meteo) under the Ministry of Environment. A large part of
data collection is done manually, involving volunteer observers, with data
being sent monthly by phone and paper forms. This can delay the early warning
mechanism and in the face of large scale disaster, inefficient to provide
first-hand scoping information and moreover lead to loss of data.
is a country highly prone to disaster, including landslides, flash floods,
droughts, windstorm, lightning and earthquakes. Over 157,000 people are
vulnerable to drought, 7,431 are vulnerable to land slide and over 5,000 houses
are vulnerable to windstorm, while forest and landscape degradation and climate
change increase the risk and severity of disaster affecting most the vulnerable
population such as female-headed households and rain dependent farmers with
less access to education in rural areas. Climate data is critical for disaster
risk management, early warning and for fast response to disaster, however micro
level data is very difficult to collect with traditional meteorological
stations. Presently, climate related data is collected and analyzed by Rwanda
Meteorology Agency (Meteo) under the Ministry of Environment. A large part of
data collection is done manually, involving volunteer observers, with data
being sent monthly by phone and paper forms. This can delay the early warning
mechanism and in the face of large scale disaster, inefficient to provide
first-hand scoping information and moreover lead to loss of data.
Kayonza
is one of the districts identified as most vulnerable to drought in the
National Risk Atlas (MIDIMAR), with 26% of the district land exposed to severe
drought and agriculture at high risk. Part of Akagera National Park lies in the
district, and it is within the so-called “Cattle Corridor”, an extremely dry
area stretching from south to north of the eastern side of the Province. Major
challenges related to climate issues identified in the District Plan (2013-2017)
are; agriculture based on weather, large number of vulnerable groups (41634
people / 11196 households); limited access to socio-economic infrastructure
(eg. Electricity) and environment issues such as drought and soil erosion. In
order to pilot new and innovative methods to effectively collect and
disseminate micro-climate data that matches the needs of the people, Meteo,
with the support of UNDP has been implementing the pilot project ‘Internet of
Things (IoT) for Water Management and Climate Change’. The project has been
testing an open source Internet of Things (IoT) technology since August 2017.
The project has identified sites and set up 12 sensors (temperature and soil
moisture) through multiple workshops and consultation with the local
stakeholders in 3 sectors; Murundi, Ndego and Rwinkwavu, which are especially
drought prone areas within the district. The sensors are now collecting data
every 15 minutes.
is one of the districts identified as most vulnerable to drought in the
National Risk Atlas (MIDIMAR), with 26% of the district land exposed to severe
drought and agriculture at high risk. Part of Akagera National Park lies in the
district, and it is within the so-called “Cattle Corridor”, an extremely dry
area stretching from south to north of the eastern side of the Province. Major
challenges related to climate issues identified in the District Plan (2013-2017)
are; agriculture based on weather, large number of vulnerable groups (41634
people / 11196 households); limited access to socio-economic infrastructure
(eg. Electricity) and environment issues such as drought and soil erosion. In
order to pilot new and innovative methods to effectively collect and
disseminate micro-climate data that matches the needs of the people, Meteo,
with the support of UNDP has been implementing the pilot project ‘Internet of
Things (IoT) for Water Management and Climate Change’. The project has been
testing an open source Internet of Things (IoT) technology since August 2017.
The project has identified sites and set up 12 sensors (temperature and soil
moisture) through multiple workshops and consultation with the local
stakeholders in 3 sectors; Murundi, Ndego and Rwinkwavu, which are especially
drought prone areas within the district. The sensors are now collecting data
every 15 minutes.
As
the final stage, UNDP with Rwanda Meteorology Agency and the University of
Tokyo will conduct a Design-a-thon that aims to convert this real time data into
usable and accessible information through a collective designing
process, bringing together national and local stakeholders with young
programmers and technology experts. The Design-a-thon will be in three steps;
1) 3 days workshop, including one day optional field visit 2) 20 days of app
development 3) Final presentation and award ceremony.
the final stage, UNDP with Rwanda Meteorology Agency and the University of
Tokyo will conduct a Design-a-thon that aims to convert this real time data into
usable and accessible information through a collective designing
process, bringing together national and local stakeholders with young
programmers and technology experts. The Design-a-thon will be in three steps;
1) 3 days workshop, including one day optional field visit 2) 20 days of app
development 3) Final presentation and award ceremony.
2
About the Design-a-Thon
About the Design-a-Thon
2.1
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
- Final
deliverables (Prototypes) are expected to provide solution to the problem:
“How can we build a system to deliver timely climate related information
and predictions to address pressing needs of farmers and vulnerable
populations in climate disaster prone areas?”
3.1
Design-a-thon structure:
Design-a-thon structure:
1.
Design-a-thon kickoff workshop (3 days) – participants are introduced to the
design challenges, formed into teams, and make an initial pitch of the type of
app they want to develop. Up to six winning teams of the pitch competition will
receive transport fees worth 200,000 Frw. The intention is that this money will
help cover transport and small costs for the team to continue to meet and
seriously develop the app over the next month.
Design-a-thon kickoff workshop (3 days) – participants are introduced to the
design challenges, formed into teams, and make an initial pitch of the type of
app they want to develop. Up to six winning teams of the pitch competition will
receive transport fees worth 200,000 Frw. The intention is that this money will
help cover transport and small costs for the team to continue to meet and
seriously develop the app over the next month.
2.
App Development (20 days) – All shortlisted teams have 20 days to flesh out a
functional app that addresses the challenges proposed by the stakeholders.
During this time, the Application Development Manager at IHK will be checking
in with teams at regular intervals to see their progress and make sure they are
on track with what the stakeholders need. Applicants are also invited to work
together at IHK co-working space for free.
App Development (20 days) – All shortlisted teams have 20 days to flesh out a
functional app that addresses the challenges proposed by the stakeholders.
During this time, the Application Development Manager at IHK will be checking
in with teams at regular intervals to see their progress and make sure they are
on track with what the stakeholders need. Applicants are also invited to work
together at IHK co-working space for free.
3.
Final App Selection and Awards – The final apps will be presented at the
partnership workshop with stakeholders on 20th March. Apps will be judged by how
well they meet the stakeholder needs and the quality of the code and software
architecture and winners will be awarded prizes.
Final App Selection and Awards – The final apps will be presented at the
partnership workshop with stakeholders on 20th March. Apps will be judged by how
well they meet the stakeholder needs and the quality of the code and software
architecture and winners will be awarded prizes.
3.2
Prizes
Prizes
First
Prize- $5,000 (one team)
Prize- $5,000 (one team)
Second
Prize- $1,000 (one team)
Prize- $1,000 (one team)
Inspiration
Prizes – $500 (up to four teams)
Prizes – $500 (up to four teams)
The
award is provided in exchange to the deliverable, which is the prototype of the
defined climate information system. There are no limitation to the usage and
its distribution among team members. The intellectual property of the winning
prototypes will stay with the project.
award is provided in exchange to the deliverable, which is the prototype of the
defined climate information system. There are no limitation to the usage and
its distribution among team members. The intellectual property of the winning
prototypes will stay with the project.
3.3
Who can Apply
Who can Apply
Application
is open to individuals, companies, academia, initiative groups and NGOs.
Individuals are eligible to apply, although team applications are encouraged.
All Applicants must be able to physically attend Day1 and afternoon of Day 3 of
the workshop and the final Presentation.
is open to individuals, companies, academia, initiative groups and NGOs.
Individuals are eligible to apply, although team applications are encouraged.
All Applicants must be able to physically attend Day1 and afternoon of Day 3 of
the workshop and the final Presentation.
3.4
Application
Application
Apply
by registering with email to offers.rw@undp.org no later than Sunday 18th
February 11:59PM. Applicants must submit a simple resume or CV (maximum 2
pages) upon application.
by registering with email to offers.rw@undp.org no later than Sunday 18th
February 11:59PM. Applicants must submit a simple resume or CV (maximum 2
pages) upon application.
Note
that by applying to the Design-a-thon, the applicant will accept the conditions
written in the concept note. Maximum 50 candidate will be invited to the Kick
off Workshop, selected based on the following criteria. Teams are encouraged to
apply together, particularly if they include both coding and climate
science/smallholder farmer experience. If a team wishes to apply together, such
that no one on the team is excluded from selection, the CVs of all team members
must be attached to the same email.
that by applying to the Design-a-thon, the applicant will accept the conditions
written in the concept note. Maximum 50 candidate will be invited to the Kick
off Workshop, selected based on the following criteria. Teams are encouraged to
apply together, particularly if they include both coding and climate
science/smallholder farmer experience. If a team wishes to apply together, such
that no one on the team is excluded from selection, the CVs of all team members
must be attached to the same email.
However,
individuals may also apply, they will be mixed into teams during the
Design-a-thon kickoff workshop.
individuals may also apply, they will be mixed into teams during the
Design-a-thon kickoff workshop.
Academic
–
At least a secondary school degree or TVET certificate related to engineering,
ICT, environment, climate change or other related areas.
–
At least a secondary school degree or TVET certificate related to engineering,
ICT, environment, climate change or other related areas.
Experience– Knowledge in
programming (mobile apps, systems, data management tools and others),
climate science, disaster risk management, or practical hands-on experience
working with smallholder farmers
programming (mobile apps, systems, data management tools and others),
climate science, disaster risk management, or practical hands-on experience
working with smallholder farmers
Knowledge– Knowledge in IoT
and/or development issues such as environmental issues, climate change and
disaster risk management will be an advantage.
and/or development issues such as environmental issues, climate change and
disaster risk management will be an advantage.
Language– English
4
Design-a-thon 3 Days kickoff Workshop
Design-a-thon 3 Days kickoff Workshop
4.1
Outline
Outline
TIME :
20-22
February 2018
20-22
February 2018
VENUE : TBD, Kigali
PARTICIPANTS : Up to 50 persons
STAFF :
Impact Hub Kigali, Technical advisors from Meteo, RAB, RWFA, MIDIMAR, UNDP, UoT
will accompany the participants to guide the designing process and facilitate
Impact Hub Kigali, Technical advisors from Meteo, RAB, RWFA, MIDIMAR, UNDP, UoT
will accompany the participants to guide the designing process and facilitate
Day
1: Design challenges presentation, team formation, design thinking training,
teams work to flesh out concepts for their apps
1: Design challenges presentation, team formation, design thinking training,
teams work to flesh out concepts for their apps
Day
2 (Optional): Field visit to Kayonza to see IoT sensors installed in the field,
and talk to end users. Teams may also choose to use the time to prepare their
final presentation.
2 (Optional): Field visit to Kayonza to see IoT sensors installed in the field,
and talk to end users. Teams may also choose to use the time to prepare their
final presentation.
Day
3: Final presentations and first round of design-a-thon winners selected.
3: Final presentations and first round of design-a-thon winners selected.
4.2
Schedule
Schedule
|
Day
1 – Design Thinking |
|
|
8:00
|
Registration,
meet and greet |
|
9:00
|
Kick-off
ice breaker activities |
|
9:30
|
Design
challenges presentations |
|
10:30
|
Tea
break |
|
11:00
|
Interactive
team formation |
|
11:30
|
First
round of Design Thinking activities with teams (understanding the challenge) |
|
12:00
|
Lunch
|
|
13:00
|
Continuation
of Design Thinking workshop (teams guided through each stage of design thinking, complete activities for their chosen challenge) |
|
16:30
|
Wrap
up and reflection, reserve spots for field visit |
|
17:00
|
End
of Day 1 |
|
Day
2 – Field visit (optional for participants) |
|
|
8:00
|
Participants
meet in Kigali to join transport organized by UNDP |
|
8:30
|
Departure
to Kayonza (Proposed site Rwinkwavu due to road condition, TBD) |
|
11:00
|
Arrival
at IoT sensor station |
|
12:30
|
Lunch
|
|
13:30
|
Participant
conversations with farmers and other end users |
|
15:30
|
Participants
depart Kayonza |
|
17:00
|
Arrival
in Kigali |
|
Day
3 – Final presentations |
|
|
8:00
|
Registration
and mingling |
|
|
Finalize
presentation |
|
12:00
|
Lunch
|
|
13:00
|
Keynote
speech (speaker TBA) |
|
13:30
|
Participant
presentations |
|
15:30
|
Jury
deliberation (Applicants fill in survey, IHK explain next steps) |
|
16:00
|
Announcement
of winners |
|
16:45
|
Closing
remarks (speaker TBA) |
|
|
End
of workshop |
4.3
Final results of Kick-off Workshop
Final results of Kick-off Workshop
By
Day 3, we expect teams to make a 10 minute pitch of the app they intend to
build. The presentation must include the following:
Day 3, we expect teams to make a 10 minute pitch of the app they intend to
build. The presentation must include the following:
1.
Clear problem statement and end-user understanding
Clear problem statement and end-user understanding
2.
Proposed solution
Proposed solution
3.
Wireframes or screenshots of the intended app
Wireframes or screenshots of the intended app
4.
Detailed software architecture – what software components will be used to build
the app?
Detailed software architecture – what software components will be used to build
the app?
5.
Technical demos are optional
Technical demos are optional
5
Final Presentation
Final Presentation
The
Final Presentation will take place on the afternoon of 20th March 2018. All
teams will submit their final prototype by 15th March. The venue and time of
presentation will be communicated.
Final Presentation will take place on the afternoon of 20th March 2018. All
teams will submit their final prototype by 15th March. The venue and time of
presentation will be communicated.
6
Juries / Selection Criteria
Juries / Selection Criteria
6.1
Board of Evaluators
Board of Evaluators
The
Board of Evaluators for each stage will be consisted of 6 members in total,
including 3 UNDP staff, Meteo Rwanda, the University of Tokyo and subject
matter experts. The subject matter experts will provide technical advice to
UNDP staff. Following the Innovation Challenge rules, the final decision in
choosing the winning entry will rest and remain only with UNDP and made by UNDP
staff.
Board of Evaluators for each stage will be consisted of 6 members in total,
including 3 UNDP staff, Meteo Rwanda, the University of Tokyo and subject
matter experts. The subject matter experts will provide technical advice to
UNDP staff. Following the Innovation Challenge rules, the final decision in
choosing the winning entry will rest and remain only with UNDP and made by UNDP
staff.
6.2
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation Criteria
6.2.1
First round selection
First round selection
The
first pitch will be evaluated based on the following criteria.
first pitch will be evaluated based on the following criteria.
- Relevance
and focus on the farmer (45 points) – The proposed solution
demonstrates that it understands the problem from the farmer’s point of
view, and it directly addresses the needs of farmers in a realistic and
helpful way. The solution also directly addresses the complexity of
working with different stakeholders to get actionable information to
farmers. - Technology
& Innovation (20 points) – The proposed solution utilizes
well established technologies in a novel way. Winning teams will
incorporate secure, scalable technologies into their design, and offer to
create a manageable project that fits within the timeframe. - Skills
and Qualifications (20 points) – The team possesses a diverse
skill set that will help them achieve the solution. Team members have
successfully utilized the proposed technologies in the past. While it is
not necessary to have worked on the exact problem in question, successful
team will have demonstrated a firm understanding of various
technologies/strategies and how they fit together. - Growth
Potential (15 points) – This project demonstrates large potential to scale
by providing a clear strategy for reaching new users and keeping them. It
addresses technical scalability issues as well as any technology related
limitations that might be encountered by end users.
6.2.2
Second round selection
Second round selection
The
final winners will be graded along the following categories:
final winners will be graded along the following categories:
- Implementation
(35 points)
– The product addresses the problem and implements the proposed features. - Ease
of use (30 points) – The product is intuitive and
easy to use. Farmers should like using the solution and new users should
be able to learn most functionality within a few minutes. - Quality
(25 points)
– The final app has been tested for technical bugs and performance issues.
It performs as expected on a number of devices and in varying connectivity
environments. It has appropriate software architecture. - Scalability
(10 points)
– The product is scalable from a technical and logistical perspective.
Additional users and data can easily be accommodated.
7
Logistics
Logistics
UNDP
will provide venue, lunch, coffee break for Day 1 & 3 and organize the
field visit on Day 2. Participants are to prepare their own accomodation and
transportation to and from the workshop facility in Kigali.
will provide venue, lunch, coffee break for Day 1 & 3 and organize the
field visit on Day 2. Participants are to prepare their own accomodation and
transportation to and from the workshop facility in Kigali.
