My name is Mckella Daly, and I am an Industrial Design Graduate of GMIT. I am a passionate and innovative Industrial Designer who identifies product opportunities and translates my ideas into functioning products through formats such as sketching, prototyping, and modelling on CAD software. Four years ago, I decided to study Industrial Design and throughout the completion my degree, I have developed a strong interest in Universal Design and Human-Centred Design.
The aim of my final year project was to find a new, innovative opportunity to create a product in response to the ongoing crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. With people all around the world being affected physically, emotionally, and mentally the aim was to create a product to allow a specific target market to cope better with the “new normal”. From my research it was clear there are now more than ever challenges within the disability sector. Throughout this project, I aimed to enable those with dexterity issues to express themselves, gain independence, have occupational therapy, take part in activities, and allow them more freedom, by providing them with the opportunity to write, draw, colour or paint.
Saor, which translated from Irish means “free” is an enabling dexterity assistive product which allows people with Cerebral Palsy (CP) to complete the task of writing. Saor was modelled on Autodesk Fusion 360 using parametric modelling techniques. It is designed with symmetry on all planes. 3D-Printing technologies, both Multi Jet Fusion and Selective Laser Sintering, were utilized in order to manufacture the product and dyed using a DM60 system from Dye Mansion, with a silicone padding along the inner edge of the grip to allow for comfort over long periods of time. The unique circular grip allows the user to hold the product in a way that does not affect the natural clenched shape of their hand caused by their CP. The silicone padding allows for comfort during extended periods of use. Saor also has a spring-loaded joint to change the orientation of the pen. Saor allows the user to use a variety of different materials and has a “V” shaped slot which stops the pen slipping out of position.
