Writing Aid

Overview

This project will challenge you to design and prototype a writing aid for a user with a physical, sensory or cognitive accessibility need. A writing aid is any tool or device that helps a person write more easily, comfortably, or independently. 

Materials Needed

• The writing utensil (pen, marker, pencil, crayon, etc.)
• Modeling materials 
  • Foam, cardboard, clay, etc. 
  • Filament (if 3D printing)
  • Scissors, ruler, tape
  • Something to brainstorm drawings on (paper, whiteboard, etc.)

Learning Objective Phases

1. 1. Identify writing-related challenges – grip, control, fatigue, stability
   2. Generate multiple design ideas for a writing aid that addresses these writing challenges
   3. Select materials and shapes/forms that improve comfort, control and promote usability of the aid
   4. Design and build a functional writing aid prototype that enables a user to write more efficiently with comfort
   5. Test the writing aid by observing how it performs while writing
   6. Refine the design by making changes that improve the experience

Phase 1: Understanding the Writing Challenge

Students recognize common writing challenges and define a focused design problem.

• Discuss what makes writing difficult for some people
• Create a problem statement with goals of what you what difficulties you plan to design a solution for

Phase 2: Ideation and Concept Development

Students will generate and explore multiple writing aid designs.

• Sketch out several ideas of what you think will help solve writing difficulties you previously discussed
• Identify features of these concepts that are worth implementing in the final design

Phase 3: Materials and Design Decisions

Students will make intentional design choices based on writing needs.

• You will select materials that you think will help you prototype your ideas so they can be tested
• Create a final sketch of the design that you plan to fabricate
• Establish a plan on how that design will be physically created

Phase 4: Prototyping the Writing Aid

Students will build a functional protype of their writing aid.

• Start fabricating the design by following the plan you created to make your product
• You can always start with a simpler prototype to test functionality of your design then go back and fabricate a more finalized version
• Make sure the prototype functions and addresses your initial problem statement

Phase 5: Testing Your Design

Students will test their writing aid and evaluate its effectiveness.

• Develop a test plan of how you will test your prototype
• Observe the writing aid being used to write
• Collect feedback on what worked and what needs improvement

Phase 6: Iteration and Redesign

Students will improve their design based on testing and feedback

• Identify changes to improve the design based on feedback from testing
• Modify the prototype to reflect the changes you identified
• Retest the modified prototype to see if it reflects the changes, you identified
• Reflect on the overall process, what did you learn?