Design and build Assistive Technology with Dr. Amy Hurst

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:20:12 -0400
assitive, is, research, technology

Assistive technology is expensive, hard to get, and often doesn’t meet user needs. This project explores how we can empower people to build, customize, and modify their own assistive technology.

Students working on this project will design, build and/or evaluate new Assistive Technologies. Depending on student interest, they may write software, build hardware, or use other prototyping methods. Interested students may learn User-Centered Design methods by working with people who rely on Assistive Technology to identify problems and design appropriate solutions.

Undergraduate students can do this research for credit as IS400 or 469; Masters students can register for IS/HCC 700; and PhD students can register for IS/HCC 801.

Skills: No required skills, but experience or interest in Arduino, 3D modeling, User-Centered Design and crafting a plus. Depending on the project, students will have access to 3D printers, Laser Cutters, and other rapid prototyping tools.

Deliverables: Students will be required to post their progress on this project to a blog, write a 4-page paper at the end of the semester, and make all of their designs open-source.

Time Commitment: Students interested in working on this project should be willing to commit 10 hours a week. Work time will be flexible, but the student will be expected to attend group meetings and meet with the advisor once a week.

Expected Duration: This project will take place during the Fall 2011 semester, and may continue into the Spring semester. IF interested, contact Dr. Hurst at once: amyhurst@umbc.edu