Objective

Deliver a fully functional prototype to facilitate and strengthen arm and trunk movement for home and office pediatric physical therapy.

Design Statement

Spinner reimagines physical therapy and shifts the stigma of therapy devices by creating a fun and engaging activity for children of various ages and abilities. The universal design lowers the cost and allows therapists to quickly create a variable trainer for office and home use.

My Role

I acted as the lead designer with a team of engineers. I coordinated my team using the design process to facilitate user research and complete a final prototype.

Timeline

May 2017 - July 2017

Team Members

Industrial Designer + Mechanical Engineer + Biomedical Engineer

Sponsor

Georgia Tech Rehabilitation Engineering and Applied Research Lab

Radio Flyer Cyclone $55

• Little to no back support and lacks area to attach straps

• One size and resistance with low traction wheels is hard for weak children

• Fun and engaging motion that activates core and arm muscles

Patient

• Wants a fun and easy to use toy

• Needs a safe and secure environment

Parents

• Wants an easy to clean and low cost device

• Needs a wide age range and durability

Therapists

• Wants a modular and engaging device

• Needs a range of difficulty and simple interface

Design Specifications

Spinner’s modular system allows therapists to use their common therapy tools with the trike. Its aluminum frame is lightweight, compact, and easy to transport. Durable wheels means the trike can be used outdoors for recreation, and the parent pole lets parents or therapists aid in the child’s use of Spinner. Therabands can be attached to the front or rear of the trike to assist or resist the child’s extension or retraction of their arms. The gait belts are adjustable to meet the child’s needs, and the large footplate ensures the child’s legs and feet stay in the frame. The added acrylic shields add protection to the child’s hands from the wheels.

We tested the final trike ourselves and with local kids ages 11-14. The dual wheels facilitated spinning motions and quick acceleration. Our intended user, Olivia, was excited to use Spinner and still uses at home today as her personal indoor and outdoor trike.