RIT Livability Lab Collaborations
BZDesign has had the privilege of collaborating with the RIT Livability Lab, partnering with student interns to support the development of several assistive technology projects. Our work has focused on combining creativity with practical problem-solving, helping to bring meaningful innovations to life.
OBJECTIVES
Our primary objective was to work alongside the RIT Livability Lab and student interns to design and develop assistive technology solutions that are functional, user-friendly, and improve the lives of users. Each project was focused on addressing real-world challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, with an emphasis on user experience and practicality.
OUTCOMES
Through this collaboration, we successfully developed multiple projects, including the Tappo feeding assistant, Roam mobility walker, and a pediatric stander. Each project represents a meaningful contribution to the assistive technology field, providing practical solutions that empower users and improve their daily lives. Our collaboration with students also helped develop their skills, giving them hands-on experience in product design and development.
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.
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.
Reflecting on Our Partnership with the RIT Livability Lab
Working with the RIT Livability Lab, its partners, and student interns has been an incredibly rewarding experience for BZDesign. These projects reflect our commitment to creating meaningful, user-centered solutions that improve lives. We’re proud to have played a role in helping RIT and its students bring these innovations to life and look forward to continuing our collaboration on future projects that make a positive impact in the world of assistive technology.
