Accessibility Design Challenge –

Group: Scarlett, Catherine, Ella, Onikka, Riley, and Gabby.

Empathy and Define 

For this project, our goal was to make an everyday task more manageable for Molly. After meeting her and asking her questions we decided that an issue that impedes her daily life is the difficulties she faces with her cane. Her cane resides on the floor, thus causing an issue when she needs to find it. Our goal was to provide a solution that would allow her easy access to her cane.

Our official problem statement: How might we create a device to provide a solution involving the daily struggles and maneuverability that occur from the usage of a cane.

Ideate 

Initially, we came up with the idea of a clamp that could be squeezed to fit the table and the cane could be pushed into it. However, upon thought, we realized that it may be difficult to squeeze with Molly’s dexterity.

Secondly, we thought of a C clip that would allow her to simply push the device onto the table and push her cane into it. This was a better idea until we learned the specifics involving how her cane folds.

Finally, we needed an idea that would allow better support for her cane, which lead us to the idea of attaching a bag to our C clip device.

Prototype and Test

Our initial Prototype:

The prototype we created was simple. A 3D printed C clip with a taped-on metal piece that allows for it to connect to the surface or table where it was inserted.

Pros –

– The idea of the shape primarily worked. It fit on surfaces and would be able to support the weight of the cane.

– The general shape was almost perfect and could be replicated in a larger form.

– The metal piece will work as a solution to the clamping on the table.

Cons –

– The piece slides around the table.

– Because it’s a squared C shape the tension point all rests in a corner, causing breakage and eventually it will snap.

– The metal piece gets bent after repeated use because the device is too small overall to support to metal’s long-lasting capabilities.

Feedback –

– Molly will need to be able to transport it easily.

– Bag needs to be easily held open as searching for an opening is difficult.

– Device needs to have something that takes the tension off the corner to be more stable.

Final Project 

Overall we came up with solutions to our technical issues and feedback.

1. To fix the sliding we added grips to certain parts of the device using hot glue. Our goal was to create a gripping system like you would see on the bottom of a sock.
2. We changed the corner to be rounded with a ball instead of an L corner to create a tensionless section where pressure could snap it.
3. We made the C longer, wider, and taller to allow the metal piece to have more room, which will decrease its bending and damage.
4. We added a hook to the bag. That was when molly needs to transport the device she can pull the C off the table, place it in the bag, and use the hook on the bag to attach it to the backpack she wears every day,
5. And, finally, to solve the dexterity issue, Ella crocheted the bag. This will help it be more supported and hold its shape, making it easy to find the large opening.

Reflection

My role in this project:

My main role in this project was working with the manufacturing of the project. After the group created an idea, I helped to research pre-existing clips/clamps for an architectural base. After researching I got to work on creating the metal piece of the clip. To create the clip I first went to the tech-ed/art wing for metal materials, and upon getting the materials I measured the dimensions of the metal piece and cut out the shape we needed. I as well worked to sand down the metal piece for safe use, and shaped the piece so it would hold the clip to the table. As a continuation of this role I as well, trial and errored to fix any problems the prototype displayed. This includes making the new piece stronger by fixing the dimensions. With as well sanding and shaping the metal piece, for it to be ready to be attached to the 3D piece of the clip.

Aside from the metal piece role. I helped to create questions for Molly and the teachers who came in on the first day of this project. I helped to create questions that would better our groups understanding of Molly’s disabilities and what we could do to help her.

My responsibilities:

• I was responsible for researching and finding an architectural construction that would work with our groups ideas
• I was responsible for creating/manufacturing the metal piece for the clamp
• I was responsible for fixing any errors and cons the metal piece displayed
• I was responsible for creating questions to ask Molly and the assistant teachers/experts with her

Contributions:

I am mainly proud of how the final metal piece product turned out. I don’t usually work with metal and wood in the tech ed hall so this was a challenge that I’m proud I was able to do effectively and well.

Improvement:

I will improve my collaboration skills by organizing in person check in’s. In the future if I were to be a part of a collaborative project that is not strictly class time only. It would be effective to have regular meets where everyone can share their new ideas and their progress on their tasks.

What I learned:

I learned that through a design process, one is able to make tiny suggestions into a final working product. To create our clip, we used the design process, which had us research, draft ideas, draft sketches, create a prototype, and finally fix any flaws to make a final product. I learned that taking time to use a design process will help to bring all thoughts into one, and will help give a effective order and timeline to complete a project.

Working with Molly, I learned that there are many thing people don’t take into account when it comes to people with disabilities. I learned of all the different strategies she uses just to get around, which many people would overlook. Molly has to constantly use her sense of touch and hearing to get around. Putting myself into her shoes, when she was telling her story, it  gave me a glimpse of how busy her mind must be, and how overwhelming the loudness of the school hallways must be. I learned that the blind community relies can use more than one type of braille, and that she uses cues with both her hearing and touch. The biggest thing I learned was that the simplest acts of saying hello to Molly in the halls, has such a big impact on her.

What I liked:

My favourite part of this whole project would be when the class had a conversation with Molly and she got to tell her story. I learned so much about the blind community and learned the unique ways Molly has adapted. I liked how our whole class got the chance to put our efforts together to help Molly around the school using science. It gives a sense that science does not only need to be used in a laboratory but can be used to help others around us as well.

In the future:

From this project I will know in the future how important it is to be aware of the struggles a person might have due to their disabilities. Many people forget that people with disabilities are human beings too, it is important for us to recognize them and say hello rather than passing bye as if they weren’t there. In the future I will always remember to say hi to Molly whenever I see her in the halls, and same goes for any other RSS student with disabilities. I will remember that they value connections too.