Designing a Remote Framework to Create Custom Assistive Technologies

Abstract

3D printing technologies can help individuals get customized assistive technologies that increase independence. However, designing these technologies is complicated and many users must rely on fabricators to translate their ideas and transform them into customized tools. We have developed a design framework, inspired by IDEO's Human-Centered Design principles [6], to help organize end-user's ideas, spark creativity, and engage end-users in a collaborative design process. It consists of digital artifacts divided into three main categories: explore, ideate, and create. We conducted virtual interviews with four occupational therapists and two people with motor disabilities to understand how end-users describe their abilities and needs in order to facilitate ideation and collaboration with fabricators.