In the ever-evolving world of design and innovation, student projects are often the clearest reflection of how creativity meets purpose. One such example is Echo Bridge, a communication device developed by Meera Murshed Alshehhi, a graduating student of the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI). The project represents not only a technological achievement but also a heartfelt approach to inclusivity, accessibility, and design-driven problem-solving.
A sustainable product design with social impact
At its core, Echo Bridge began with a simple yet powerful idea: how can design give a voice to those who cannot speak? The device allows non-verbal children to communicate by placing colorful magnetic keys into a handheld cylinder. Each key triggers an RFID/NFC reader connected to an Arduino Uno, which then activates a small speaker to play pre-recorded audio messages.
Wrapped in recycled rPET fabric and protected by a PETG shell, the project highlights sustainable product design while ensuring durability against everyday wear and tear. By prioritizing both usability and resilience, Alshehhi demonstrated how sustainability and functionality can coexist in an object that carries deep emotional weight for its users.
A student’s approach to meaningful design
What sets Echo Bridge apart is its attention to detail in terms of both user experience and accessibility. A hidden magnetic mat helps guide fingers with limited dexterity, ensuring the keys snap easily into place. This thoughtful design process reflects the student’s focus on empathy-driven innovation—an approach encouraged and nurtured within DIDI’s interdisciplinary curriculum.
The role of design and innovation at DIDI
The Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation has established itself as a hub for creative education in the region. Through its Bachelor of Design program, students combine disciplines such as Product Design, Multimedia Design, Fashion Design, and Strategic Design Management. This interdisciplinary approach equips them to create projects like Echo Bridge—solutions that are not only aesthetically strong but also socially impactful.
DIDI’s 2025 graduation showcase reaffirmed the school’s mission: to produce forward-thinking designers ready to solve real-world problems through imagination and innovation. As the UAE continues to invest in its creative economy, projects such as Echo Bridge stand as proof of how design can build bridges between technology, sustainability, and human connection.