Abstract
The aim of this project was to develop a low cost orthesis in order to aid children and teenagers with multiple sensory disabilities perform painting activities. The equipment helps the users to paint and/or participate in any other activities that involve a brush. It supports the hands and, therefore, improves coordination and engagement in such activities. The main challenges when developing the product were the lack of a dimensional and functional pattern based on age (as established in the classic literature for ergonomics) as well as the difficulty to obtain the correct dimensioning and functionality for the product. Another pivotal aspect was the use of low cost materials and production processes that allowed distribution under a creative commons license as well as easy replicability. In order to achieve that, regular visits to the partner institution were made as a way of monitoring the activities. The visits were filmed and photographed and, later, the footage was analysed. Interviews were conducted with teachers and the institution’s pedagogical coordinator monitored the process. Prototypes were developed and tested by the teachers. In order to validate the proposal, there was an assessment of student engagement in activities with the use of the orthesis. After the tests, a final prototype and two manuals were elaborated, which are under creative commons license. The co-design process involved all stakeholders and proved to be indispensable for this project, which despite having low production complexity, has high complexity from an ergonomic, functional, usability and acceptance point of view.
Presenters
Denise DantasAssistant Professor, Design, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
ORTHESIS, CO-DESIGN, INCLUSIVE DESIGN, USER-CENTERED DESIGN, MULTIPLE SENSORY DISABILITIES
