Or let’s say someone selects our adapted cup but decides that the handle is not ideal due to his/her personal circumstances. This person takes the SD memory card to the computer and we modify the handle based on the respective wishes. The person can then initiate the printing process by themselves.
Sometimes we also have people who have a product in mind that is not yet available as such in our files. That’s when we check with international databases like thingiverse, for example, to see whether somebody has already implemented this idea and whether thingiverse has an available data file. If that’s the case, we transfer it to our SD memory card and are able to subsequently print the product.
Here is yet another option: if a person has an entirely new idea and fairly good computer skills, we teach him/her to use the program and provide assistance with the digital product design process if needed. Once the product has been created on the computer, it can be printed.
It is important to us that all steps are taken independently whenever possible –depending on the person’s skills, they can do this alone or with some assistance.
What kinds of assistive devices and tools have already been created as part of the SELFMADE project?
Bosse: Our products primarily focus on facilitating participation in working and everyday life and leisure time, though we are always open to great ideas. At this point, there are 20 products that have been tried and tested in everyday use. They include extenders for faucets for instance (perfect for wheelchair users when sinks are not wheelchair accessible), a cell phone holder for wheelchairs, can openers or our popular drinking cup with handles for vending machines. We also have a small ball that can be placed on a power wheelchair joystick to facilitate better handling and control.
We also printed a thickened case to adapt a young gamer’s game controller. What’s more, we are currently designing a guitar neck for a young man, so he can play guitar with a guitar pick in the future. He and his parents have co-designed some of the construction steps on their own on the computer. However, since this is quite an intricate design, we will soon meet with the family and a mechanical engineer to come up with the ideal solution.
You and SELFMADE also took part in the HelpCamps BarCamp last December. To what extent are these types of events important for this project?
Bosse: The maker scene primarily promotes communication, openness, candor and technical expertise. This is what makes these types of events so exciting. It is a pool of ideas. There is an abundance of ideas if you try things out together or compare notes and see what might be possible. Last year’s REHACARE was a testament to the openness of the maker scene when it comes to collaborations, teamwork, and networking. Various products were showcased in one joint booth. At the end of the day, everybody is excited to spur success and share their ideas with others.