Project 4

Our client graciously came forward to the first-year students at McMaster University to help a certain aspect of her life become easier considering the background information she generously gave us during client interviews. She shared a lot of information with us and it was clear that the problems she faces are as of a result of the many conditions she has, including Lymphedema and Rheumatoid Arthritis. She came forward in a hope of a solution being provided to her, to help her with one of the many day-to-day situations she encounters that give her issues and inconveniences. Our group believed that her words and emotions conveyed that painting was most important to her and so we focused a design here. We decided to produce a design that gave our client the ability to regain more control over her arms/hands so that she can accomplish her artistic desires that are currently limited due to her current conditions and the effects on her body due to them. Hence, creating the Painting Assistant; a device that would allow her to paint for longer periods of time, still be accurate and detailed, and the ability for her not have to repeat actions (gripping brushes, etc.) that cause her conditions to flare and cause her discomfort! This device was created through a lot of concepts learned in the first year of engineering, identifying the problem, creating preliminary designs, prototypes, external research, finetuning, and so much more! All of this is documented in one place under “DP-4,” in the “Final Deliverables" subsection. Please feel free to ask any questions!