The problem that we have chosen to solve relates to John Lehman’s right shoulder surgery, which he had on March 26th. We have created three innovative proposals that will aid in his recovery and allow him to maintain efficiency in his day-to-day affairs while having access to only one arm.
- Button-free, Velcro Clothing:
- It’s difficult to use buttons with one arm. We propose putting Velcro down the front and side of button down shirts, as well as in the sleeve of the injured arm. The Velcro will be necessary in the injured arm as he will not be able to get the injured arm through a sleeve. Instead the sleeve Velcros around the arm.
- Steering Wheel Ball
- It is difficult to drive, particularly make turns, with one arm. This idea involves attaching a ball roughly the size of a billiard ball to the steering wheel. The ball will enable John to get a better grip of the steering wheel.
- Workspace and Desktop Redesign
- John will have limited range of motion with one arm. This concept could potentially involve building some new features, such as rotating desktop or sliding trays that can hold various objects. Beyond engineering changes we could also assist him with some basic process improvement ideas concerning placement of critical and non-critical items.
great ideas. #2 (the steering knob) exists although it is illegal i think in most states. Link to steering knob on ebay.
ReplyDeleteHi there -
ReplyDeleteI like the button free clothing. Specifically I would focus on making sure the fasten (velcro) works in the right direction for his "good" arm. Also, could it be modified if the solution were to be used for someone who has hurt the opposite arm.
The shirt idea is great, but what good is it if he cant button his pants?
ReplyDeleteWould velcro be used on his pants as well? Im not sure that would work. What if you tied a small, but strong, string to the button of his pants, and ran that through the button hole, so that hed be able to close his pants enough to velcro them?
Hi-
ReplyDeleteI like the comment about #3, when someone is injured you don't realize what functions you are limited too. I think reorganizing his desk would be beneficial so he can use more of his left hand until his right arm is fully functional again.
As someone who has also had surgery and been without the use of her dominant arm for several weeks, I completely understand how difficult it can be to get dressed so I think the button free clothing is great. My concern would be that you don't want it to look like it was supposed to be buttoned. I think the design of the shirts would be just as important as the ease of use.
ReplyDeleteRather than permanently altering his clothes (which could get expensive if he likes nice shirts) what about having one of the therapists at the Sports Medicine Clinic or someone with only one arm teach him how to put on his shirts and use buttons? You may even be able to find some helpful hints on the internet.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if you can cope with implementing solution #3 on such a short time but I really like the shirt idea.
ReplyDeleteWow these are fab. I particularly like the velcro idea...I mean, who doesn't like velcro!? But the driving solution is also spot on. Way to go guys! I bet Jon is stoked.
ReplyDeleteI have used the steering wheel ball and it is absolutely awesome. But as Bob said, I think it might be illegal in many states. Are you thinking about building your own contraption or getting one off the shelf?
ReplyDeleteI think the workspace redesign is a great idea, but I wonder what actually needs to be redesigned. Jon spends most of his time on the laptop, reading, or taking some notes. Maybe a dictopohone would help instead of taking notes? Maybe he can flag emails that automatically go to Kristin Keiper for a response?
I like the ideas - I am curious about the implementation part of it (especially the velcros) and how you plan to move forward. Good Luck!
#3 is the one that you can implement.
ReplyDeletefor 1 and 2, you can't redo all his shirts, and the steering wheel is illegal.
#3 is the model of innovation. simple and effective.
Since I just recovered from a neck injury and was unable to turn my head to drive, I think the driving issue is something you should tackle. Maybe it isn't so much that he can't grip the steering wheel, but that he is uncomfortable in the driver's seat. Something removable is key because post recovery he won't want it!
ReplyDelete#1 Is interesting, but infringes upon some serious "style" rules for a man at his age and in business School. I think learning to use the buttons is easier, cheaper and better for his image than velcro clothing.
ReplyDelete#2 Is a bit unnecessary if his car has power steering. I don't think a ball would add that much difference in the ease of use. You can pretty much steer with one finger if he has a good power steering anyways.
#3 Great Solution
Like a few people, I like idea #3 as well. Here is an interesting article called "Workspace Innovations for the Disabled." Another advantage might be that John finds that the changes make him more efficient even after he has recovered!
ReplyDelete