This SMART 100 profile and the information it contains is a duplication of content submitted by the applicant during the entry process. As a function of entry, applicants were required to declare that all details are factually correct, do not infringe on another’s intellectual property and are not unlawful, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Some profiles have been edited for reasons of space and clarity.
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1. THE BEGINNING
This innovation initially came to life when…
Facett is the world’s first modular hearing aid. It was designed in response to the frustrations of hearing aid users who have difficulty changing fiddly batteries. Facett provides unparalleled ease of use, upgradability options and aesthetic appeal. Magnetic modules click easily into place, simplifying daily maintenance tasks and empowering people who have dexterity and visual impairments with independence.
Extensive consultations were held with hearing aids users and experienced audiologists, and a specialist medical jewellery device designer was embedded in the design process for 37 weeks to ensure the best outcome for the user.
2. WHAT & HOW
The purpose of this innovation is to…
…the Facett core and module devices click easily together, empowering those with dexterity and visual issues to perform basic daily maintenance tasks for the their hearing aids. The innovative jewel-like design moves the object from disability to desirability.
It does this by…
…conventional hearing aids require replacement of batteries via the opening of fiddly compartments – this is virtually impossible for many people with dexterity issues, leaving them reliant on friends or family to help, or be unable to use their hearing aids.
The Facett solves this problem through a magnetised rechargeable battery module, which quickly and easily snaps into place.
3. PURPOSE & BENEFITS
This innovation improves on what came before because…
This is the only solution on the market for those with dexterity issues. It not only solves the problem of fiddy batteries but is a beautiful object, like jewellery. It overcomes the stigma of wearing unattractive medical devices, which prevents many from addressing their hearing problems.
Its various benefits to the customer/end-user include…
- Premium hearing aid with word leading features and technology.
- Only modular aid solving dexterity issues
- Competitively priced – about half that of the nearest competition.
- Beautiful object – designed in response to real life users.
4. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
In the past, this problem was solved by…
Not previously solved – this has been an outstanding problem with hearing aid use since they needed tiny batteries. Facett is ground-breaking in design.
There are none. Facett has solved problems other than hearing aids cannot.
5. TARGET MARKET
It is made for…
Access Economics (2017) estimated there are 3.6 million people in Australia in 2017 (14.5% of the population) with a form of hearing loss, with numbers to double by 2060 and comprise 20% of the population. However 80% of those effected do not wear hearing aids: the market is not only doubling but is significantly under-penetrated. Many with hearing loss have dexterity issues – Facett is the only aid they can use without assistance. The beauty of the Facett crystalline design makes it more attractive, enticing those who might neglect their hearing issues due to stigma of using ugly medical devices.
It is available for sale through…
Facett is available directly from our website, full-service clinics (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane), and Link Clinic service (interstate/regional centres). It will also be available through the Office of Hearing Services program, and we are partnering with independent clinics to supply.
Our marketing strategy is to…
National media launch held garnered coverage on Channel 7 News; radio interviews; articles on RMIT homepage; major newspaper articles (Australian, The Age); magazines (Australian Institute of Company Directors; HCF Permanent display in Melbourne Museum Social media (facebook, twitter) Google ads Radio advertising. Discussions with interested community groups (Arthritis Australia) Winning Australian Good Design Award of the Year.
FINE PRINT: This SMART 100 profile and the information it contains is a duplication of content submitted by the applicant during the entry process. As a function of entry, applicants were required to declare that all details are factually correct, do not infringe on another’s intellectual property and are not unlawful, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Some profiles have been edited for reasons of space and clarity.
Maven Judge Vote: Facett – Smart 100 2018
(Please note – The form below is for judging purposes only and is restricted to the public)
