The White Space Product Development Challenge is a midwest inter-university competition created to strengthen students’ knowledge of design methodologies in product development and provide opportunities to interact with companies and industry professionals
The White Space Challenge uses the following criteria to evaluate submissions. Phase I & II use nearly identical criteria but weight them differently based on importance at the time of submission.
0 = missing
1 = could be much better
4 = could be better
7 = good
10 = exceptional
A PROBLEM AREA is clearly identified.
The problem's MULTIPLE STAKEHOLDERS are identified.
Unmet/ unarticulated/ under-articulated NEEDS of each stakeholder are identified.
Key COMPETITORS, their sales, market share, etc. are identified.
PRIOR ART (technology/ competitors' patents) is identified.
The target USER PERSONA is described in detail.
The PRODUCT EXPERIENCE/ CONSUMPTION CHAIN is mapped.
The ROOT CAUSE of the problem is well defined.
The WHITE SPACE, i.e. opportunities to add new value across the consumption chain, is defined.
Intellectual Property OPPORTUNITY SPACES/ GAPS are defined.
The product’s FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS are clearly defined and measurable. e.g. weighs < 5 Kg
The design challenge statement (KEY PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED) is succinctly and explicitly defined.
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN "sketches" (brainstorming, sketching, CAD, mockups & prototypes) are included.
A FUNCTIONAL DESIGN solution to the problem is described.
An EXPERIENCE DESIGN that complements the functional design is described.
A differentiated/ advantaged/ sustainable BUSINESS PROPOSITION is described.
USER-CENTERED DESIGN METHODS (testing protocols, data collection, analysis) are included.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (competitive advantage, provisional patent?) is included.
RESULTS OF CONCEPT TESTING (the new product/service) are included.
WRITTEN CONTENT (conciseness, grammar, spelling) of the report/ posters.
GRAPHIC DESIGN of the deliverables (easy to follow, visual appeal). Fidelity of the mockups/ prototypes or other product design artifacts.
PII only: Fidelity of the mockups/ prototypes or other product design artifacts.
PII only: Verbal presentation (eye contact with audience, audio clarity and volume, questions answered explicitly and concisely).
PII only: Attire and other appearance of the team.
Below is an image of the evaluation rubric that judges used for phase II last year.
