During my junior year of high school, I attended NuVu, an innovative educational program that is based on the design studio model. There I was challenged to think creatively to solve real world problems.
Uplift – Mobility Device
We were faced with the task to create a mobility device that would assist the caretaker to maneuver their child around the house. A problem that occurs with many older, heavier children with cerebral palsy is that their caretaker may not be able to pick them up to take them to the bathroom, shower, table, etc. As a result, the person may need to spend the whole day lying in bed even if they need to go to the bathroom. Our device seeks to make it easier for a caretaker to lift, rotate, and position their child with cerebral palsy in different locations within the home, especially in the bathroom. Additionally, our device was tailored to the requirements of Monterrey, Mexico, which demand low cost and high flexibility.
NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER ANIMATION
We created an animation discussing Narcissistic Personality Disorder. NPD is a psychological condition in which a person has an excessive sense of self-importance, an extreme preoccupation with themselves, and lack of empathy for others. This disorder can be taken lightly, so we are trying to bring forth the truth about NPD. We hoped to educate people on the actuality of the disorder and provide original facts while weaving in humor through out the entire video. Captivating the audience with humor makes learning about the psychological condition more "fun". We chose this disorder because it has a message that hits home to everyone; everyone is a little bit narcissistic. We chose to completely animate our infographic because we envisioned a disproportional body. This body had a larger head to make "fun" of the "big-headedness" and self-obsessed characteristics associated with NPD.
FIREFIGHTERS LIFE SAFETY DEVICE
We wanted to help firefighters before, during, and after a fire by evaluating and helping their breathing rate. We chose to help firefighters’ breathing rate due to their strenuous conditions that are typically overlooked by the general public. Numerous firefighters have said that their heart rate can go from complete rest to dangerous levels in a matter of seconds. We decided to create a neck piece with a stethoscope on one side (to measure the heart rate) with a vibration notification when the pulse is too high (over 120). This vibration acts as a warning to the firefighter to start breathing exercises and to be aware that their pulse has been elevated for too long. In medical emergencies, if the heart rate stays at an elevated level doctors can perform carotid artery massage. In addition, we also created a carbon monoxide sensor that will the read carbon monoxide in the air and will warn the person through a buzzer when the carbon monoxide in the air is beginning to become too dangerous.
THERAPEUTIC TOYS
The main idea of our product is to allow kids with and without cerebral palsy to be able to engage with blocks in an educational and enjoyable way. Having magnetic blocks makes the structures more stable which gives them a greater sense of comfort and ability. In addition, the magnet tray permits the kids to play with the blocks in their laps or at a table which is useful for kids in and out of wheelchairs.
