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Engineering Project (2015)
Product Design | Prototyping
This student design project was done on behalf of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. The design objective was to design a device to allow patients with ataxia (tremors) easier control over digital tablets. The user was looking for a solution to help them when using their tablets speech app as well as a normal QWERTY keyboard.
Concept Generation & Mockups
The initial concepts generated were each adaptations on a common solution to this problem, the keyguard. A keyguard is a, usually clear, plastic cover that isolates certain buttons so that it is harder to accidentally slide over to the wrong button or click two buttons at once.
The first concept was a sliding guide with two sets of openings that matched the two keyboard layouts. The user could switch between layouts by sliding the guard to each side. This mockup was made from laser cut foam core.
The second concept evaluated was a single keyguard with cutout that corresponded with both keyboard layouts. Designing the guide so no opening had access to more than on key behind it allowed for support for both keyboard layouts without the added complexity of a slide mechanism or the effort of selecting the right configuration. This mockup was made with laser cut plywood.
Concept 1: Sliding keyguard
Concept 2: Universal keyguard
Final Prototype
Based on user feedback and mockup testing I manufactured a prototype of the universal keyguard. This solution best met the user needs as a one part, durable guide compatible with both keyboard layouts.
The prototype was manufactured out of polycarbonate with the key openings waterjet cut and milled features around the border to interface with the existing tablet case.
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