Lego —
Time
2013
Client
︎︎︎ Lego
Responsibilities
- Design Ideation and Prototyping
- Co-creation workshops
In 2013, I collaborated with LEGO on a project (under NDA) to define the future of play.
Process
Using human-centered research methods, we uncovered challenges around the play and learning experience for children between the ages of 4 to 10 years. With rigorous prototyping and testing, we explored various options that investigated embedded computing and sensors to provide a seamless and interactive experience that engages children and helps them develop critical skills in a fun and interactive way, skills that will prepare them for success in a rapidly changing world.
Nest:Griphint —
Time
2013
Startup
Responsibilities
- Design Ideation and Prototyping
- Co-creation workshops
- Research and Business Strategy
Griphint was a research project that became a startup, aiming at building assistive writing tools for children with learning disabilities. This project was funded by CIID in collaboration with Accelerace, Intel and the Danish Ministry of Business and Growth.
︎ IXDA 2014 Finalist, Creative Business Cup 2014 Finalist
Concept
Many students in the classroom may struggle with learning disabilities, affecting their writing abilities. These students may struggle with low confidence and need constant guidance, making it difficult for both the students and teachers. In particular, children with poor motor skills may grip pens too tightly or too loosely, leading to muscle injuries and poor literacy. Understanding the right amount of pressure to apply while writing can be challenging, as pressure is an abstract concept.
GripHint is a revolutionary writing tool designed to help people with learning disabilities, dysgraphia, and sensory integration issues. The tool features embedded sensors that provide haptic feedback, guiding the user in gripping the pen correctly. The haptic feedback enables teachers to easily guide the child and for the child to understand the correct writing technique. The sensors measure the applied pressure and provide immediate, visual and tactile feedback, helping the child develop a nuanced understanding of writing. This leads to improved confidence and faster writing skills.
This project is a collaboration and an investigation of the initial project done by Shu-Yang Lin, Co-Founder of GripHint, at the CIID Nest, a start-up incubator at the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design. As a co-founder, I was responsible for Product Design, Concept Development, Strategy and Branding, User Testing, Simple Electronics Arduino and Circuits for prototyping, 3d printing, and Web Design.
Process
This product was an exploration into soft circuits, e-textiles, and Arduino. It was prototyped using conductive materials, fabrics, and flexible 3d printing materials. An ATTiny micro controller was embedded into the shell to detect pressure. The higher pressure you applied to the pen the stronger the visual and haptic feedback.
Nest Incubator Programme
During the project, I also took part in setting up the CIIDNest programme, a start-up incubator for new people-centred design ideas hosted by the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design. GripHint was chosen for the pilot phase hence allowing us to mould the programme for future designers interested in learning about start-up cultures, business and product development. This incubator was held in Copenhagen with support from Accelerace, a Denmark-based, internationally focused business development organization. Our role was to take part in the programme, guide and build the programme for future start-ups.
“The Nest is a design driven entrepreneurship platform. It has enabled us as designers to learn and use existing business models to then innovate around current existing systems by always putting the people first.”
- CIID Nest Participant