Competition Training: Product Innovation
Innovate to Elevate: Essential Guide to Product Innovation

Competition Training is an event organized by SBE UISC’s Training and Competition Division, which brought the tagline Innovate to Elevate. “Training Competition is an initial guide to product innovation, aiming to provide participant knowledge and insights into the manufacture of chemical products related to science, in application of bioprocess technology.” according to Reqhia, staff of Training and Competition SBE UISC. “And of course, from this training we could get tips and tricks of product innovation from experts." continued by Chris, staff of Training and Competition SBE UISC.

This event was held on Sunday, 9th of April 2023 via zoom platform from 13.00—15.00 WIB. The speakers for this event is a well-experienced product innovation competition team called the fusion team, which is the champion of CPDC PGD UI 2023. This team consists of 5 members, namely Rayhan Kamal Yassir, Risa Eridani Br Pardede, Acyuta Hafizh, Kairfirza Swandi, and Irfan Muhammad. The training was divided into three sessions, consisting about preparation, economic analysis, and tips and tricks for an interesting presentation. After the presentation session ended, there was a Q&A session for participants who had a further question to ask.

The first session generally explained the preparation stages for entering a product design competition. The preparation steps are reading the guidebook, forming a team, registering, brainstorming and building concept ideas, and also looking for experienced mentors. In order to make the brainstorming step effective, we have to set the goals, take notes, and limit the time to about 30-60 minutes. They also shared more details about the visual design aspect to make the looks pleasing to the eye, but the information is still delivered clearly.

The next session was about economic analysis to determine whether the ideas can be feasible to be realized in real life or not. The most common problems that appear in economic analysis are a low demand of products, no added value (involved ideas are the same as the existing stuff), too expensive prices needed, and consideration for business profitability. There are 2 methods of approaching an idea, first is to begin on what the community currently needs, and second is to begin with our innovation even though the demand isn't there yet.

Moved to the third session, it explained tips and tricks to master the presentation. The speakers shared a quote by Walt Disney about how to master presentation, that is “Open with a bang, close with a flourish, and leave them wanting more.” A good presentation starts with a good opening, that can be done with storytelling, asking a question, and using quotes. We also have to maintain eye contact with the judges, pay attention to intonation and hand gestures, and also do extra things like bringing prototypes or sharing brochures so the participants will feel entertained.

In the Q&A session, there were several questions submitted by the event participants.“When is the time when you feel your product idea has enough specifications? Is there any minimum sufficient number?” asked Shahnaz to the speakers. Rayhan answered “Actually there is no sufficient number, it is enough when we solve the problem at the beginning and also fulfill the AHP criterias that we already set.” Another question asked by Yoga Nafi, “Can you please tell me about the thought process for product innovation ideas? Even though we rarely meet as a student who takes care of pampers.” The speakers replied “Firstly we don’t immediately determine pampers, it starts with wet wipes but there is a disadvantage that we found, so we looked for similar types of products. The tip is to look for something related to daily life.”

From this event, we hope that chemical engineering students will gain more insight into design products that are useful for college life, as well as motivation to explore it deeply and take part in competitions.