Project Name: Enabling
Project Type:
5) industrial/product design
Project Mission/Goal:
1) improve the human spirit
3) respond to our growing need for healthcare
Project Description:
82 percent of new quadriplegics in North America are males between the ages of 18-30 years. When addressing the needs of a quadriplegic or any disabling injury, there is a common goal of independence. This goal takes design in the direction of a "medical device" that serves a function, but rarely is aesthetics a criteria addressed by assistive design. The "enabling" project began as a search for solutions that could assist in the everyday lives of quadriplegics and quickly found that along with functionality, quadriplegics (just like everyone else) want to look good and feel good. Working with a rehabilitation hospital and some inspiring clients this project was able to gain an in-depth understanding of quadriplegia. The research focused on hand mobility, and looked to amplify the intuitive actions of the clients in their daily life. The outcomes were two enabling devices that are understood as jewelry to any laymen, but provide assistance in areas that previously required a series of braces.
Each client during the research was given a series of the 28 prototypes to use and return feedback to assist in the design process. This understanding of use and action enabled the project to find the critical functionality required, to attend to daily tasks. The information gathered focused on the limited dexterity of hand movements and developed rings that assist in functionality and style. The human condition and spirit of feeling good about oneself image is a critical part of rehabilitation and life.
The “enabling” jewelry line consists of two silver rings. The first is a simple loop that was inspired by a string tied onto a forgetful finger to remember something. It acts using simple counter measures of leverage and provides a critical point at which can be used in many actions. Hooking, snagging, and pulling are all actions that are performed in various daily activities and are enabled by this ring. It can be worn with the tips concealed below the fingers, only revealing a simple loop, or it can be turned above the finger line, with either position providing the same action.
The second piece of the line is an offset pair of loops. This ring performs two critical actions simultaneously, which informed its shape. The two loops are connected by a continuous line linking the two to act as one. The ring fits the thumb and index finger of a client, aligning the two for the critical act of a pinch. As quadriplegics tendons stiffen with reduced use, the action of arcing the wrist can perform a simple pinch between the index and thumb, a critical solitary act. If the alignment of these digits is off, as it is for many, there is no pinch. The jewelry also embraces the sweeping action of a client as they use their thumb to move or snag various things in daily life. If there is no bracing on the thumb, traditionally performed by a large wrist brace, critical tendon damage can occur without the client ever knowing.
Project Details:
Location: Vancouver
Concept/Lead Architect(s)/Designer(s): Jonny Hehr
Project Architect(s): Jonny Hehr
Year (s): 2007-2008
Client: Quadriplegics and Individuals with limited hand dexterity
User Client:
Number of beneficiaries/users: 3
Project Phase: Prototype
Major Funding: None
Cost/Cost per unit: $75
Area (if applicable): N/A
Structural Engineers: N/A
Electrical/Mechanical Engineers: N/A
Contractor/Manufacturer: N/A
Additional Consultants: N/A
Other:
Nominated by Jonny Hehr
