Key Takeaways
- The University of Detroit Mercy’s Faces on Design program brings engineering and nursing students together to create real‑world assistive technology for people with disabilities.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration improves device functionality by combining technical design expertise with clinical insight into users’ daily needs.
- Three prototype devices showcased—a wheelchair‑to‑car transfer aid, a vehicle‑to‑porch item mover, and an all‑in‑one grabbing and reaching tool—demonstrate how simple engineering solutions can greatly enhance independence.
- Client Richard Dries, who sustained a cervical spinal‑cord injury in a 2014 fall, received the grabbing device and reported meaningful gains in his ability to perform morning routines and other tasks.
- Student participants described the project as both technically challenging and personally rewarding, highlighting the educational value of hands‑on, community‑focused design.
- Faculty emphasize that successful innovation requires teamwork, acknowledging that no single discipline holds all the answers.
- The initiative strengthens ties between the university and the local community, translating academic learning into tangible improvements in quality of life.
- Feedback from recipients underscores the broader potential of such devices to benefit many individuals facing similar mobility challenges.
- Ongoing support and iteration are planned to refine the prototypes and expand their availability to other users.
Program Overview and Goals
The Faces on Design program at the University of Detroit Mercy pairs engineering students with nursing students to develop assistive technology that addresses specific mobility barriers faced by community members. Over several months, the teams work closely with clients to identify everyday challenges, brainstorm solutions, and prototype devices that are both functional and user‑friendly. The program’s dual aim is to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities while providing students with an immersive, interdisciplinary learning experience that mirrors real‑world product development.
Showcased Assistive Devices
At a recent demonstration, three prototype devices were presented: a mechanism that helps wheelchair users transfer into automobiles, a system designed to move household items from a vehicle onto a porch safely, and an all‑in‑one grabbing and reaching tool intended to extend the user’s grasp for objects at various heights. Each device was built with lightweight materials, adjustable components, and intuitive controls to accommodate a range of physical abilities. The focus on practicality ensured that the inventions could be integrated into daily routines without extensive training.
Client Story: Richard Dries’ Injury and Recovery
Richard Dries, a Rochester Hills resident, suffered a life‑changing accident in 2014 while working on a roof, resulting in a cervical spinal‑cord injury that initially left him paralyzed from the neck down. Through intensive rehabilitation, he has regained partial mobility and now relies on various assistive aids for tasks such as dressing and grooming. Dries described the moment of his fall vividly: “One minute I’m standing on a building, one second later my face is on cement.” His experience motivated the student team to design a device that would simplify his morning routine and increase his independence.
The All‑In‑One Grabbing and Reaching Device
Marino Bachi, a mechanical engineering student, led the effort to create the grabbing and reaching tool for Dries. Bachi explained that the primary objective was to enhance Dries’s quality of life by addressing the specific difficulties he encountered each day, such as reaching for items on high shelves or picking up objects from the floor. The final design features a telescoping shaft, interchangeable grippers, and a ergonomic handle that allows Dries to operate the device with minimal strain. Bachi emphasized that the team’s goal was to make Dries “as happy as we could” by removing everyday frustrations.
Nursing Perspective on User‑Centric Design
Molly McClelland, professor of nursing, highlighted the importance of involving clinical expertise early in the design process. She noted that nursing students bring a deep understanding of how patients perform activities of daily living, which helps engineers anticipate usability issues that might not be apparent from a purely technical viewpoint. McClelland stressed that “none of us have all of the knowledge,” and that collaboration with experts in different fields leads to a superior final product.
Student Reflections: Mariana Mati’s Experience
Mariana Mati, a nursing student who participated in the project, described the work as profoundly rewarding. She expressed pride in knowing that her contributions would directly improve someone’s life, particularly her client’s ability to perform routine tasks with greater ease. Mati reflected on the emotional impact of seeing a tangible device emerge from concepts sketched on a blank sheet of paper, underscoring the program’s ability to merge academic theory with meaningful community service.
Client Feedback and Anticipated Impact
Richard Dries responded enthusiastically to the new grabbing device, stating, “‘This is going to help so many people.’ I totally agree with that.” He anticipates that the tool will reduce his reliance on caregivers for simple tasks, thereby fostering a greater sense of autonomy. Dries’s optimism reflects the broader vision of the Faces on Design program: to create scalable solutions that can benefit not only the initial recipients but also others facing similar mobility challenges.
Broader Implications for Assistive Technology Development
The project exemplifies how academic institutions can act as incubators for assistive technology that addresses real‑world needs. By intertwining engineering rigor with nursing insight, the program produces devices that are both technically sound and attuned to the lived experiences of users. The success of these prototypes suggests that similar interdisciplinary models could be adopted elsewhere to accelerate innovation in the accessibility sector, ultimately lowering barriers and promoting independence for people with disabilities.
Future Directions and Sustainability
Looking ahead, the Faces on Design team plans to refine the prototypes based on user feedback, conduct durability testing, and explore pathways for broader distribution—potentially through partnerships with local nonprofits or assistive‑technology vendors. Continued iteration will ensure that the devices remain adaptable to evolving user needs while maintaining affordability. The program also aims to document its methodology so that other universities can replicate the model, amplifying the impact of student‑driven, community‑focused innovation across the region.