Inclusive Design Challenge Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How can I get involved in the Challenge?
Answer: The Challenge has ended. In Stage I there were 47 eligible submissions, with ten being selected as semifinalists. Those semifinalists participated in Stage II, with three finalists winning $1,000,000 for first place, $700,000 for second place, and $300,000 for third place.

Question: Who reviewed the proposals?
Answer:  Submissions in both stages were evaluated by a panel of DOT subject matter experts who made recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation for final selection.

Question: How was Stage I & Stage II judged?
Answer: In Stage I the evaluation panel considered each submission’s alignment with each of the following criteria and made recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation. (The Challenge Statement provides detailed descriptions of each of these criteria.)

• Technical Merit
• Production Feasibility
• Impact/Benefit

Stage II submissions (including a written summary, video, and virtual demonstration) were considered using the same criteria. Detailed submission requirements and criteria for Stage II were provided to the semifinalists upon advancing to the next stage and were also included on the Challenge Statement page found at Challenge.gov.

Question: What deliverables did Stage II projects produce?
Answer: Teams selected to advance to Stage II developed their concepts into functional prototypes of an inclusive design solution, which could include one or more of the following:

• Full-sized physical prototype
• Software prototype
• Scale physical prototype
• Virtual prototype

Question: Was collaboration with disability communities encouraged or required?
Answer: Teams were strongly encouraged to identify representatives from both industry and the disability community to serve as advisors and/or team members and help inform the direction of their idea based on their knowledge and expertise. Expert consultation and user-centered design were key factors considered in the Stage II judging process.

Question: Was there  a prize awarded for each phase?
Answer: Yes, in Stage I ten semifinalists were selected to each receive a cash prize of $300,000. At the conclusion of Stage II, three finalists received a portion of the remaining prize purse, as outlined in the Challenge Statement.

Question: When were Stage I semifinalists announced?
Answer: Stage I semifinalists were announced in January 2021. Visit the “Meet the Semifinalists” webpage to learn about the teams and their projects

Question: Are there any restrictions on spending the Stage I & Stage II awards?
Answer: No; however, semifinalists were encouraged to use their Stage I award to support the development of their functional prototype to be delivered in Stage II.

Question: What user needs did teams address in their submissions?
Answer: Participants’ inclusive design solutions addressed one or more of the following tasks that an ADS-DV user with a disability will need to complete: 

• Locating an ADS-DV
• Entering an ADS-DV
• Securing passengers and mobility equipment
• Inputting information
• Interacting with the ADS in routine and emergency situations
• Exiting an ADS-DV.

Question: Were there any restrictions on the type of vehicles that a team could use as a reference platform?
Answer: Participants had flexibility in choosing a vehicle to use as a reference or base platform, keeping in mind the focus of the Challenge is developing inclusive solutions for ADS-DVs that could either function as personal vehicles or as part of a shared private fleet. Participants should have considered features intended to be incorporated into passenger vehicles that can serve a wide range of communities and are capable of operating at highway speeds.

Question: Who is the target audience of the Challenge’s design solutions? 
Answer: Participants focused their efforts by designing solutions for use by one or more of the following audiences:

• People with physical disabilities
• People with sensory disabilities
• People with cognitive disabilities
• People with multiple types of disabilities

Question: How can I learn more about the needs, challenges, and opportunities that ADS-DVs introduce for people with disabilities?
Answer: DOT has compiled a list of resources that may be of interest, which can be found here . You can also reach out to potential advisors in your community. For example: 

• Does your organization have existing relationships with the automotive or mobility industry, for example through a mechanical engineering department? An occupational therapy or assistive technology department is likely to have relationships with the disability community.
• Does your organization have assistive technology or artificial intelligence departments that have connections to these communities or industries?
• Is there a local chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers?
• Is there a community program, such as a Council on Aging or paratransit service, which can put you in touch with the local disability community?

Question: I have a question that was not answered in the FAQ. Who can I contact?
Answer: For more information, visit www.transportation.gov/accessibility/InclusiveDesign or email inclusivedesign@dot.gov.