Innovative Collaborations: BZDesign and the RIT LiveABILITY Lab
At BZDesign, we are passionate about driving innovation and transforming ideas into reality. In 2020 our journey was enriched by a close-to-home collaboration with esteemed partners; the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and the LiveABILITY Lab, part of the Al Sigl Community of Agencies. We are excited to share the latest developments of our ongoing collaboration and our contributions to the Rochester design community.
A Decade of LiveABILITY Innovation
Wednesday, August 14th marks a significant milestone for the LiveABILITY Lab and Al Sigl Community, celebrating 10 years of fostering innovation and inclusivity. Over the past decade, the LiveABILITY Lab has been a hub for creative solutions, enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through cutting-edge design and technology. This celebration will also see the unveiling of their new project exhibition space adjacent to the café in the Mary Cariola Golisano Campus at 1000 Elmwood Avenue. The space will host a small collection of rotating exhibit items, showcasing the innovative work being done.
Innovative Collaborations and Projects
Tappo: An Interactive Therapy Device
One of our standout projects is Tappo, a collaborative effort between BZDesign, RIT LiveABILITY Lab, Viggi Kids, D3 Engineering, and the Mary Cariola Center. Tappo is an interactive therapy device designed to collect important measurables, improve motor and cognitive skills, and enhance interaction during play and therapy sessions. For the past two years, we have been dedicated to moving Tappo closer to a production-ready design. This journey has involved experimenting with overmolding and silicone casting, iterating through numerous design versions, and engaging with kids and therapists to refine the device. We are now poised to enter the final engineering rounds, readying the electronics for further development.
ROAM: Enhancing Mobility for the Visually Impaired
Another groundbreaking project is ROAM, a collaborative design initiative with RIT, D3 Engineering, and Goodwill Finger Lakes. Originating from ideas developed by Goodwill and RIT through Studio930 and the LiveABILITY Lab, ROAM aims to assist the visually impaired. BZDesign and D3 Engineering have been instrumental in driving the project towards a production-ready design. Through extensive testing and refinement, ROAM has evolved into a functional device, now in its final stages before production investment. Our contributions have significantly impacted the feature set, overall product functionality, user experience, and prototype assembly for the beta units.
Pediatric Stander (Bi-Mee): Empowering Autonomy in Children
The Pediatric Stander, also known as Bi-Mee, is another collaborative effort involving BZDesign, D3 Engineering, RIT, and the Mary Cariola Center. This device aims to provide children using pediatric standers with greater autonomy through a motorized add-on. Initially developed through the Studio930 and LiveABILITY Lab programs, the project was brought to BZDesign and D3 Engineering for refinement towards a production-ready assembly. The latest iteration of Bi-Mee is designed for easy assembly using mass-production methods and simplified installation as a retrofit on eTac Rabbit style standers. Our design process has also enhanced the look, feel, and overall user experience while adding customization options.
Celebrating and Looking Ahead
The new project exhibition space will showcase some of the groundbreaking work that has emerged from this collaboration. It’s a space where innovation is not just displayed but celebrated, inspiring future projects and collaborations. We are incredibly proud to be a part of this journey and to contribute to the vibrant Rochester design community.
As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward to the future. BZDesign remains committed to pushing the boundaries of industrial design, partnering with educational institutions like RIT and community-focused organizations like Al Sigl. Together, we aim to continue creating designs that are inclusive, innovative, and impactful.
Promoting Industrial Design Excellence
Our work with RIT and the LiveABILITY Lab highlights the importance of industrial design in solving real-world problems. At BZDesign, we believe that great design is at the heart of innovation. Whether it’s through assistive technology, consumer products, or industrial solutions, our goal is to create designs that not only meet the needs of users but also enhance their overall experience.
If your company had a design challenge or an innovative idea, reach out to us at BZDesign. Together, we can bring your vision to life and make a lasting impact.