ADHD device wins Irish James Dyson Award for Cork inventor

Joel Olympio with his invention 'Oasis', a wearable device, resembling a pair of glasses, with the main goal of reducing visual disturbances and maintaining a clear and focused main field of vision. Pictures: Dyson

A device designed by a Cork inventor that helps those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to concentrate in bustling settings has been named the winner of the Irish James Dyson Award.

‘Oasis’ is a wearable device, resembling a pair of glasses, with the main goal of reducing visual disturbances and maintaining a clear and focused main field of vision for the wearer.

Its creator, Joel Olympio from Togher, a University of Limerick product design graduate, was inspired by his personal connection to ADHD and his own late diagnosis.

Facing challenges in certain environments, he undertook extensive research and interviews to uncover the common experiences faced by people with ADHD.

In Ireland, ADHD impacts about 5% of the population, with diagnosis steadily increasing in recent years. The condition is estimated to impact millions of lives around the globe.

Joel Olympio: 'Oasis is a narrative of how I developed a product to aid individuals in concentrating within bustling settings and how this journey led to a deeper understanding of myself.'

"I learned about my ADHD when I was around 16 years old, which was relatively late," Mr Olympio said.

"Upon receiving my diagnosis, many of the challenges I had faced throughout my whole life, such as learning difficulties and being constantly distracted, suddenly started to make sense. 

"Oasis is a narrative of how I developed a product to aid individuals in concentrating within bustling settings and how this journey led to a deeper understanding of myself.

With Oasis, my aim was to design a tool rather than a mere disability aid. I hope that users will perceive this product as a superpower, a portable sanctuary they can carry with them anytime, anywhere."

Current solutions for managing ADHD in busy environments primarily revolve around behavioural therapy, medication, and support. 

'Oasis' uses electrochromic film technology to dim its users' mid-to-far peripheral vision, effectively reducing distracting visual stimuli in their environment.

Wearers can also easily adjust the dimming level using a dimmer wheel. When they need to reengage with their surroundings, a touch button allows them to turn off the effect.

Barry Sheehan, head of design at TU Dublin School of Art and Design and judge on the panel, described it as a "deceptively simple" design.

"It is when you delve into what it does and why it does it, that you realise that it is solving a complex and little-understood problem in a clever way. It does this whilst at the same time being timely, stylish, and a hugely desirable product. 

"The entry was beautifully presented, professionally accomplished and a standout of this year's design competition. Oasis is truly a product for anyone, not just ADHD sufferers.”

Oasis is now set to progress to the international stage of the James Dyson Award. The international top 20 shortlist will be announced on October 18, and the international winners on November 15.