Project Work Best in Category 3 (Inventions and Engineering Solutions): Project SplashFREE

Written by: Jairus Ong Qi Le, Jovan Yap Zhuo Wen and Jovier Yap Jun Le (2A1, 2026)

We decided to explore Category 3, Inventions and Engineering Solutions, because we already had some experience with similar projects. The next step was deciding on a direction, which turned out to be more challenging than we expected. Our idea had to be innovative, but also realistic enough for us to develop and test.

Our eventual idea came from an everyday problem experienced by one of our team members. His mother was often frustrated that she could not get out of the car on rainy days without getting wet. Taking this as our starting point, we developed our problem statement: How can we develop a cost-effective, easy-to-implement and sustainable system that allows users to board and alight from cars conveniently during rainy weather?

We vividly remember our meetings in the Makerspace, where we discussed possible problems, solutions and the overall direction of the project. With the guidance of our project mentors, Mdm Tham and Mr Yong, we used different thinking frameworks and perspectives to understand the problem more clearly before brainstorming possible solutions.

At the same time, we conducted research and surveys, which confirmed that this was a problem faced by many people.

We eventually came up with three possible solutions, all of which we presented at the proposal stage. Based on the feedback we received, we decided to develop one of them further: a quadrant-shaped foldable shelter.

Before the June holidays, we began building our prototype. Our first few mini-prototypes were made from cardboard. While experimenting with a retraction mechanism from a used projector screen in the Makerspace, one of us thought aloud, “This might be a good material for our final prototype!” That was how we stumbled upon a material that was both strong and waterproof.

Soon, we began cutting and folding the material to create our first full prototype. One of our team members tested it on his father’s car. Although it held up well, the suction cups had not been properly integrated into the design and could not remain firmly attached when the car window was opened. His father suggested that we use materials such as wire to secure them more effectively.

Faced with this setback, we experimented with different ways of attaching the suction cups, including using wire and a hot glue gun. Eventually, we found a method that kept them securely in place.

After further testing, we also applied waterproof spray and added integrated Velcro straps to improve the user experience. In our final tests, setting up the prototype took approximately 10 to 45 seconds, and it was able to keep water out effectively. Seeing the design work as intended was extremely rewarding.

We then began bringing together everything we had done for the written report and final presentation. This stage taught us how important organisation and clear communication were, especially when we had to present both our prototype and the thinking behind it to the judges.

When we were informed that we had received Best in Category, we were genuinely surprised. We had assumed that some of the older students would have much more experience than we did. The recognition gave us a great deal of encouragement and affirmed the effort we had put into the project.

Even after the competition, we decided to continue developing SplashFREE by addressing some of the limitations of our prototype. For example, we are currently exploring ways to improve water drainage and preparing to present the project at the Young Innovators Fair in early November 2026.

Looking back, the project taught us the importance of identifying a meaningful problem with a clear scope, exploring different ways of thinking and carrying out research using both primary and secondary sources, including patents, websites, surveys, interviews and news articles.

More importantly, we learnt through doing. We tested different materials, built prototypes and refined our design through repeated testing, evaluation and improvement. Along the way, we developed patience, problem-solving skills and a greater willingness to experiment with new ideas. We also became better at organising our thoughts and documenting our work through reports and presentations.

We would like to thank our parents, project mentors and expert mentors for their support, guidance and advice throughout the journey. Overall, Project SplashFREE strengthened our teamwork, creativity, responsibility and confidence in developing new ideas, and we hope to continue exploring innovation in the future.