Danniel Hu

PROGRAM LIAISON, MCMASTER

Ideation Clinic

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Elpis

STUDENT

University of Waterloo

Danniel Hu is a fourth-year mechanical engineering student from University of Waterloo. A student delegates effort in the biomechanics and mechanical design field, having self-designed 2 wearable assistive devices for people living with various disabilities and created own venture in the capacity of CTO and CEO. Daniel’s academic interests focus on human interface engineering, human-centered design, and various biomechatronic assistive devices.

Prior to joining the Ideator in Training program, Daniel joined the Ideation key program where Daniel was the CEO of Elpis, an innovative biotechnology and bioengineering company that designs assistive devices for people living with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).

“Design is not for philosophy. It’s for life.”

ISSEY MIYAKE

What does your role at the Ideation Clinic™ entail?

I work as an Ideator in Training in the partnership unit for Ideation Clinic, which connects and organizes various events with well-known North American universities (so far Canadian most) on the Ideation Clinic platform. As a Uwaterloo student, University of Waterloo is the priority of connections and networking targets.

What drew you to the Ideation Clinic™?

Ideation Clinic is a place of becoming an expert and shaping myself in many different fields. Helping others’ ideas and creating a platform is also helping me looking for various opportunities for my own venture as well. Inside Ideation Clinic, a well-rounded problem research before ideation could be essential to ideation outcomes. During this process, a vague idea could be gradually turned into a specific, novel, tangible solution. It really broadens my horizon from many perspectives and makes me have a deeper understanding in product design and multidisciplinary research.

Who is your favourite Ideator?

Issey Miyake – He is the perfect example that combines technology and aesthetics design on fashion.

What is your Superpower?

I can turn anything into an artistic form! Love to make things look good in any angle.

Two Truths and a Lie:

I am a Messi and Barcelona fan.

I once met Lionel Messi in person.

I know 3 languages.

Who or what inspires creativity in you?

I love all kinds of mechanical passive structure. Learning deeper into mechanical structure, I find out there’s a lot of similarity between machine and human, and that is what I hope to figure out.