Sculling Prosthetic Design

Design for a wearable hand prosthetic, aimed at supporting an athlete, handicapped by oligodactyly. It enables comfortable and secure handling and maneuvering of oars during the sport of sculling.

The design project involved students who are in direct contact with a specific female sculling athlete with a case of oligodactyly -- the state of having less than 5 fingers from birth. The group needed an industrial designer to help with the product design process, while they focus on other aspects of their research work. 

To aid design development, photos of the subject's hands were provided, together with a 3D scan of the hand. The 3D model allowed for a virtual study and eventual fitting of the design in 3D space, since direct contact and communication with the human subject was not possible for me at the time. 

The design process started with a comprehensive research on the sport of sculling, including the different phases of rowing, forms, standards and safety procedures in gripping oars. 

Additional research on biocompatible materials and existing prosthetic designs for inspiration, paved the way for  the study and production of design concepts. 

The chosen design was finalized and a 3D model was built and fitted into the 3D scan of the subject's hand. The model was sent out for 3D printing, fitting and prototype testing with the subject. results of the product design project remained with the students.