Inclusive Design Challenge Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How can I get involved in the Challenge?
Answer: Stage I is now closed and we are no longer accepting proposals. In total, there were 47 eligible submissions, with 10 being selected as semifinalists. To stay updated on Stage II activities, please visit “How to get involved” or subscribe to our email list.

Question: Who reviewed the proposals?
Answer: Stage I submissions were evaluated by a panel of DOT subject matter experts who made recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation. The Secretary selected Stage I semifinalists in January 2021.

Question: How were the proposals judged in Stage I?
Answer: 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

Question: What deliverables will Stage II projects produce?
Answer: Teams selected to advance to Stage II will develop 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: How will the prototype demonstration be judged in Stage II?
Answer:  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: Is collaboration with disability communities encouraged or required?
Answer: While not required, teams are 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.

Question: Will there be a prize awarded for each phase?
Answer: Yes, in Stage I ten semifinalists were selected to each receive a cash prize of $300,000, which may be used to support the development of their prototypes in Stage II. At the conclusion of Stage II, three finalists will receive 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: How long will semifinalists have to work on prototype demonstrations after Stage I awards are announced?
Answer: Stage II remains open for approximately 16 months following the announcement of Stage I awards; semifinalists may submit materials for consideration for a Stage II prize by May 1, 2022.

Question: When will the winners of Stage II be announced?
Answer: At the end of Stage II in the summer of 2022, teams will be invited to Washington, D.C. to demonstrate their prototypes, after which the final prize selections will be announced.

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

Question: Are there any restrictions to spending the cash prize awarded to finalists at the end of Stage II?
Answer: No

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 should focus 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: Now that Stage I is complete, how can I learn more about what’s going on in Stage II?
Answer: The Inclusive Design Challenge website has been updated with new information under the “Stage II Activities” tab in the navigation menu. Visit that section to meet the semifinalists and learn more about their projects, review the instructions for Stage II, and learn how to get involved with Stage II of the Challenge. 

Question: How can I learn more about the needs, challenges, and opportunities that AVs 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: Will partnering workshops be available for other companies to work with researchers?
Answer: Stage II activities will provide opportunities to learn about the semifinalists and provide feedback on solutions.

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.