Bespoke Assistive Technology Device

Personal project on assistive technology, 2018.

What

A Tailored Assistive Solution for Wisdom

At the heart of a personal project, I embarked on the journey to create an assistive technology device for a 10-year-old named Wisdom. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP), Wisdom's daily engagement with an iPad, especially with GarageBand, was about to encounter a geographical and technological shift. As he prepared to return to Kenya, his access to digital technologies would be limited.

The mission was clear—design a non-digital "Garage Band" that transcends the boundaries of technology, a gift that would resonate with Wisdom's musical spirit.

Why

For preaching user-centered design

Infused with the core tenets of user-centered design, this project pulsated with purpose. Wisdom's journey became my design inspiration—a driving force that went beyond aesthetics and ventured into the realm of human connection. With the canvas of innovation before me, I aimed to transform Wisdom's interaction with music into a tactile experience that danced with his abilities.

The motivation was twofold: to encapsulate the essence of empowerment through design and to conquer the challenge of crafting an elegant solution within the confines of a limited budget

Process

User Research Symphony

The first note was meeting Wisdom—a profound introduction to his world and needs. With attentive ears, I immersed myself in understanding his preferences, observing his motor movements, and noting his physical limitations. This symphony of observation and interaction allowed me to grasp the nuances of his musical inclinations and his physical capabilities.

Design Crescendo

Translating insights into design, I embarked on ideation. The canvas was Wisdom's tray, a space for musical dreams to come alive. The concept—replicate the tray's surface, adorned with velcro straps. This way, instruments could attach and detach seamlessly, giving rise to a tactile symphony. Each design choice was a harmonious dance between user needs and the constraints of material and budget.

Creative Overture

With materials at hand—wood, hypo-allergenic paint, PVC pipes, velcro straps, and more—I delved into crafting Wisdom's personal "musical instruments." From lightweight drumsticks to chimes, each element bore the essence of accessibility and ease. The crescendo of creativity echoed in the sketching, the tinkering, and the orchestration of the materials.

A Challenging Bridge

The project held a challenging bridge—Wisdom's lack of grip strength. This meant transforming a lightweight drumstick into an extension of his movement. Enter the occupational therapy hand bra—a vital component. Yet, his lack of wrist measurements introduced an element of uncertainty. A fine balance was struck, ensuring adaptability without compromising safety.

Harmony of Triumph: The Final Note

The crescendo reached its zenith—an array of tactile instruments, carefully designed for Wisdom's interaction. A xylophone-inspired creation and a mini chime, all unified by a lightweight drumstick tethered through the hand bra. As the final notes resonated, Wisdom's delight painted a vivid picture—a symphony of interaction realized.

Takeaway

The harmonious journey of crafting Wisdom's personal non-digital "Garage Band" resonated with powerful takeaways. It was a lesson in user-centered design's quintessence—empathy and iteration. Reflecting on this project, the significance of user testing and iteration emerged as a guiding light. The design's impact lay not just in the end result, but in the transformative journey that unfolded, infused with humanity, innovation, and a touch of design magic.