CONTEXT
This project stems from personal experience in the field of physiotherapy, where many patients with wrist spasticity abandoned the use of orthoses due to factors such as discomfort, aesthetics, or difficulty maintaining hygiene. The overall experience, both for the patient and their surroundings, was negative. Faced with this reality, we decided to combine physiotherapy with industrial design to create a solution that not only corrects posture but also improves the comfort, appearance, and functionality of the device, transforming it into a more human and desirable object.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The system begins with the placement of a flexible glove over the patient’s hand, anatomically designed to provide comfort and initial stabilization without restricting finger movement. Next, the orthosis is positioned and intuitively clipped into place using a positive-negative lip-type interlock, engineered to ensure secure attachment without the need for tools or additional fasteners. Once clipped, the orthosis is pressed against the forearm, gradually aligning the wrist to its natural functional position without causing discomfort. The innovation of the system lies in the orthosis itself acting as its own locking mechanism: during adjustment, it elastically deforms to conform to the arm’s morphology. Once the pressure is released, it returns to its original shape and remains firmly anchored, eliminating the need for straps, Velcro, or external elements.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The constant evolution in both fields—medicine and additive manufacturing—allows for the anticipation of improvements in functionality and efficiency. Medical advances reveal new clinical needs, while the development of new polymers and printing technologies enables more precise, lightweight, and customized designs. This synergy drives progressive growth toward a functional minimalism that harmonizes with the body and the user’s needs.
WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT?
Our project stands apart because it does not seek a one-size-fits-all solution; instead, it offers a unique product for each patient. It is 100% individual and customizable, designed from the user’s 3D scan and tailored to their specific anatomical and functional needs. Unlike traditional orthoses, which are often uncomfortable, unhygienic, or visually intrusive, our approach integrates core values such as comfort, hygiene, personalization, and aesthetic design. It listens to the real needs of its users and responds with a solution that adapts precisely and respectfully to the body. Not only does it effectively align the wrist, but it also enhances the user’s emotional experience—eliminating the feeling of wearing a clinical device and transforming it into a dignified, functional, and pleasant accessory for everyday use.
