|Buenos Aires, Argentina|
Our research project explores the connections between morphology, design and digital fabrication. One of our lines of inquiry aims to design customized technical aids for patients with a rare disease, in order to help them to gain independence. The use of CAM is crucial because there is an important need for adaptation to users, to produce in a low scale affordably, and also to access different locations. Standard supporting products reproduce the image of orthopedic appliances, pointing out the patient’s obstacles. Our projects use the language of household products to integrate them to other everyday elements.
In the last 12 years, different aids were designed using laser cutting, routing, 3D printing, and casting, with diverse materials such as MDF, high-impact polystyrene sheets, synthetic leather, and casting resin. These products were answers to diverse mobility restrictions and included distance reachers, palm handlers, tableware and dressing support products.
Two products are shown in detail. The drink server is created through laser cutting, with no external fasteners. All snap joints are integrated and it is easy to assemble. It can be manufactured in MDF or high-impact polystyrene with a vinyl covering. A formal alternative can be constructed in MDF veneer sheets.
The shoe and stocking aid is manufactured in routed MDF without external fasteners. All joints are produced with the components. Its height can be adjusted to use in a sitting or standing position and the angle can be changed as well. To provide a better grip, a standard rubber tube used in bicycles covers the handling area.
Beyond the solution of each object in itself, these products were designed considering the need to change their measures and angles according to the user requirements, with a minimum variation in their configuration. Taking into account the affordability issues, digital and analog fabrication processes were combined.