The client is a bright 14-year-old boy with a passion for playing the piano, basketball, and tennis. He loves spending leisure time with his elder sisters. Despite facing challenges, this clever young boy with high spirits dreams of becoming a pilot one day.
Physical Characteristics
The following features are exhibited in his right side upper limb:
Average shoulder and elbow active movements.
Limited forearm active movements.
Wrist in flexed position and limited active movements in the wrist and fingers.
Spasticity +
Able to raise hand up to the mouth and forehead level.
Procedure of Decision Making
This starts with history taking and ICF mapping to understand the user's context and needs. It progresses through sketching, making, and refining the design based on feedback from the need-knower. The process ultimately ensures it meets the identified requirements effectively.
Subject/Needs
Our client, with limited forearm, wrist and finger movements, faces challenges to grasp objects for eating, learning, and leisure activities. He enjoys playing the piano, drawing, and mobile games and seeks ways to regain his bimanual hand functions to explore the world again.
Needs Assessment
We followed the ICF framework by WHO to view this young boy holistically. The identified needs were addressed under the Activitiesof Daily Living. This includes eating and drinking (self-care), education (productivity), and playing the piano and mobile games (leisure).
Ideation
Objectives: Our need knower to become independant during his,
meal times
Writing/drawing activities
Leisure activities
by using his preferred dominant hand facilitated through 3D printed tools.
Our first design
Initially we designed a wearable device with forearm support, serving as a universal tool for multiple tasks.
Drawbacks
Discomfort for the user
Excessive dependency on others
User negative feedback
These challenges led us to refine our design for better functionality and independence.
Final sketch
We designed a universal gadget for
1. Easy spoon and fork attachment,for eating and drinking
2. A rubber press for piano and typing
3. A grip for rulers, pens, and pencils
4. A phone holder
and an individualized toolbox for easy tool storage and transport.
Factors Considered
We followed a client-centered approach by customizing using his favorite colour,favorite game character. We considered
Accuracy of the measurements of contours/curvatures
Accurate measurements achieving both comfortability and stability
How we overcame the challenges
Used a wire and clays for accuracy in capturing contours
Used a ruler to ensure precise dimensions
User feedback during the process
The prototype 01
The universal grabber is a versatile tool designed with interchangeable features. It can function as a smartphone holder, spoon holder, key/piano pressing device, and ruler-holding tool. This adaptive aid aims to help the client perform tasks independently.
This prototype did not fit the client's hand well, causing discomfort. Wearing it was a bit painful, as it did not provide the necessary support or comfort.
The Pen holder is designed to securely hold a pen or pencil, making drawings easier. With practice over time, he will create drawings that provide entertainment and keep his right hand active. Through this phototype, we are not focusing on his writing with his right hand.
This prototype failed due to incorrect bends and incomplete, improper fillings. These design flaws led to functionality issues and an inadequate fit. We recognized these shortcomings and were working to refine the design with accurate measurements and proper fillings.
The prototype 03
The phone holder helps him to use his mobile phone more easily. He loves to play Minecraft game in online and he plays it by using his left hand. With this holder, he can enhance his education and entertainment while making daily interactions more accessible.
This 3D design failed because the phone couldn’t be placed on it properly. The curved part caused the phone to be slippery, making it unstable. We were addressing this issue to provide better grip and ensure the phone stays securely in place for improved functionality. Failed phone holder
The prototype 04
We are designing The UniGrio Toolkit to safely store and organize tools. This compact, durable toolkit ensures secure storage and easy access, making it convenient to transport tools to any location.
In the toolbox, we have allocated specific spaces for each tool to ensure safe storage. To further protect the tools, we have added sponge padding, preventing damage and ensuring they remain securely in place.
The prototype 05
The rubber presser helps securely hold a ruler or other objects, preventing slipping. Its design ensures a stable grip, making tasks like measuring or drawing easier and more precise. This tool enhances control and independence, improving the overall user experience.
Our commitement
Team members
Leader :Mr. Suchira Hathurusinghe
Sub-leader : Mr. Chandima Lakshan
Prototype leader : Mr. Ruwan Bandara
Testing leader : Mr. Chithsara Basitha
Documentation leader : Miss Vihanga Lihini
Presentation leader : Miss Thanya priyadarshana
Special Thanks for..
Special thanks for Mr. Supun Waduge (Occupational Therapist), Mrs. Gayanthi Kodituwakku (Lecturer/SLT) , Miss Lakna Pussella (UG|Bsc. SLT), Miss Aushika Dillrangi (UG|Bsc. OT)