The KiS (Keep it Simple) Tablet – designed by Team TiC (Technology in Caithness) for the ICT Youth Challenge – has garnered praise from the high-profile figures after the team wrote to them, along with many others, for advice ahead of the challenge's Hot House final next week.

The team, made up of 13-year-olds Tomi Baikie, John Coghill, Declan Mackay and Donnchadh Pellow, have received around 300 responses to their product idea from schools, the NHS and an online survey as well as from prominent Caithness figures.

The product – a touchscreen tablet – is a computer with a simple user interface designed primarily to help elderly people in their daily lives.

Features of the computer include medication reminders, an alarm for the emergency services and internet access for communicating with friends and family.

Joan Bakewell, a government-appointed "voice for older people", said that the computer would be "a major breakthrough" and could transform the lives of the elderly.

The broadcaster added: "This would help older people, who so often resist using IT, to try the KiS concept and find it easy to work with. I urge [the team] to press ahead with this bold idea."

Mr Clarke, the shadow secretary for business and enterprise, said: "The KiS tablet looks like a professional and interesting idea, especially for older people who find it difficult to use modern technology."

The MP was also impressed with the level of market research the group had done, and that they were "learning how business works".

Duane Carey, a former NASA astronaut who has visited Caithness, said: "I must say that I am excited about the KiS tablet concept. I believe it is a stellar example of how we can employ cutting-edge communications technology to revolutionise the quality of life of the senior sector of our society."

There was also input from Mr Carey's wife, who is a specialist home health care nurse.

She said: "I visit elderly people on a regular basis so I know quite a bit of what they are up against and where they need help. Helping the elderly take their medication on time and accurately would be beneficial for the patient, family and doctor."

MP John Thurso was also impressed. He said: "This product looks very good. Practical use of innovative technology is the future for UK plc. This is a perfect example."

He added: "The KiS concept will make it attractive to those elderly who have difficulty with technology. The ability to link, call for help and communicate should make independent living easier and tremendously reduce the cost of care."

The school pupils have already presented the tablet to local venues, including the Laurandy Centre in Wick.

The centre's clients were enthusiastic about the design and some even had a go at using the prototype.

One client remarked: "I used to use computers the whole time, but arthritis has stopped that completely. The KiS Tablet would give me the freedom to use a computer again."

The manager of the centre, Margaret Allan, said: "The KiS Tablet touchscreen fills a gap in the market. The Government wants to see fewer people in full-time care and, to a certain extent, the KiS Tablet would give elderly people their independence again."

The boys have taken the time to survey the general public at the Co-op store in Wick and to send questionnaires out to the town's four primary schools – Pulteneytown Academy, Hillhead, Wick North and Wick South.

The pupils have also presented the tablet to Dr Derek Kelly, of Wick's Riverview Practice, and plan to show it to all the medical centre after the summer.

David Manion, chief executive of Age Concern and Help the Aged in Scotland, has invited the team to do a presentation at the charity's regional assembly meeting. He also offered to look out for funding opportunities, and to provide coverage in Age Concern and Help the Aged in Scotland's Advantage magazine.

Team TiC's mentor, Professor Iain Baikie, is impressed with how well the pupils have been doing.

He told the John O'Groat Journal yesterday: "I'm extremely proud. They've put a great deal of effort into it, doing lots of presentations and meetings. They have very good presentation skills and are quick learners."

Prof Baikie, whose own firm KP Technology is helping the team, explained that they were looking to develop the product and take it further when the ICT Challenge is over.

"We're looking to take it forward and develop it – it won't end after the finals next week," he said.

"We're looking at applying to the Prince's Trust for a grant, and also a SMART:SCOTLAND grant, which I've received before."

Prof Baikie also noted that the computer could be used across various markets, including schools.

"The product has great potential. It's the start of something bigger," he added.

The computer has received interest from 20-year-old Fraser Docherty, the CEO of SuperJam, who also runs the SuperJam Tea Parties, a charity which organises events for elderly people.

He said: "Our charity works with thousands of lonely elderly people and I know that technology like the KiS Tablet has the potential to help limit the loneliness and boredom that many elderly people face."

Fraser, who was a winner at the John Logie Baird awards last year, along with KP Technology, will see the prototype of the KiS Tablet during a visit to Wick in September.

In the meantime, Team TiC will be competing in the ICT Youth Challenge final from June 29 to July 3, along with teams from Ullapool, Keith, Dornoch, Sanday and Plockton.

First prize in the contest is an all-expenses-paid trip to Boston, USA, to visit the MIT Media Lab.

A trip to the Microsoft campus in Seattle and a visit to BT's European research and development headquarters in East Anglia are also up for grabs.

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