Abstract:
Communities with arthritis or joint pain are often faced with great difficulty when using a computer mouse because performing any task on a computer requires a large amount of finger movement. This project aims to redesign the computer mouse to better suit these communities. To accomplish this, we draw from traditional computer mice and features of established arthritis-friendly tools and combine them with new innovations to create an especially user-friendly design, aimed at aiding those who are so often left on the margins of the technological community.
Project Description:
This mouse is designed to be lower than most to allow the user to keep his or her wrist straight by resting it on the mouse mat. A thumb rest is provided on the left (or right, depending on preference), as well a trackball that can allow the user to move the cursor without moving the mouse. The left and right bottom edges of the mouse are sloped to allow the user to easily tilt the mouse left or right, which will cause internet tabs to switch left or right. The scroll wheel will also be replaced with a rocker, where the user can push the rocker up or down to have the computer continuously scroll in the same direction, until the rocker is reset. Holding down right click and moving the cursor will activate a scroll lock, at which point the page will scroll in the direction of your cursor until you let go of right click. There is also an activatable feature that will automatically click for you after you have hovered over a clickable object (such as a hyperlink) after a customizable number of seconds. However, arthritis can mean a multitude of different issues, and knowing that there is no “one size fits all” solution, all features the mouse provides can be easily deactivated or reprogrammed.
Significance and Distinction:
The originality of this mouse design lies in the fact that it combines many existing ergonomic features (such as the thumb rest, trackball, and sloped shape) with a few new innovations to create an especially user-friendly design. The rocker feature is a completely unique idea which alleviates the long-term strain that scroll wheels put on the joints of users’ fingers (especially with reference to the elderly, for which technology is generally less accessible). Other new features like the lateral tilting mechanism will allow the user to stay more organized by switching tabs with minimal effort. Finally, the automatic clicker and scroll lock functions will streamline the process of navigating the internet and will reduce the frustration that many people experience after spending time at a computer for long periods of time. Ultimately, this new mouse design aims at aiding those on the margins of the technological community (again, often the elderly), by providing a more comfortable and intuitive alternative to everyday mice.
Approach:
As our goal is to create a functional mouse that caters to those afflicted with arthritis so that they may access their electronics as easily as any individual, our first course of action (or at least, one of which) must be to chart out a blueprint of our prototype model. Drawing from traditional computer mice and applying knowledge from pre-existing arthritis-friendly tools, we will devise various models before deciding on a final, prototype design. Which we then bring to life in a 3-D software (like NX or Fusion), examining how each component would function in a three-dimensional space. Materials such as plastic are obviously required, but we will discuss which parts are composed of which specific material. If possible, we would also proceed to print out this model, assemble the pieces, and test its functionality. In addition we would ask others to test out the model as well, especially those diagnosed with arthritis, and ask for their feedback.
Timeline:
We will need about three months for research and an additional three months for prototyping. The time needed for the development of this mouse should be the same as other mice. This is because it will be mass-manufactured in factories just like other mice are. As for the design’s longevity, we want it to last for at least a decade so that customers are not required to constantly purchase replacements.
Audience:
The primary target of this device is people with arthritis. According to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, these people can have trouble using traditional computer interfaces due to limited mobility or pain from repeated movements of the wrist and fingers. Arthritis affects many people; rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age after 16 and many people acquire “wear-and-tear” osteoarthritis as they get older. This population, especially the elderly, is usually not the focus when designing new computers, mice, and keyboards. This doesn’t make sense in a world where computer use is as widespread as it is. Different solutions work for different people so this mouse will have a variety of features (mentioned above) which means that there will always be a useful feature for anyone, no matter the specific joint pain or problem. This product should eventually be available globally since people all over the world suffer from osteoarthritis. In addition, it should be made accessible to anyone who uses computers frequently who would prefer an ergonomic or alternative mouse over a traditional one.
Budget and Sources of Funding:
A prototype will first be created, then further iterations will be produced for larger testing. Finally to do large testing groups, the first complete version that has the ability to be mass manufactured will be produced. A majority of the funding will be required for the later iterations of the mouse, as they would require testing with mass manufacturing machinery. The initial Prototype can be covered by the DCC mini grant of 500 dollars. This grant would cover the ABS plastic for 3D printing the outer shell, the custom PCB that holds all the components, and the components themselves. Assuming our design is successful enough to pursue further, we may be able to establish a startup company and apply for larger grants through programs like Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR). This would allow us to scale up the manufacturing process and potentially globalize our product.
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