STEM II: Assistive Technology Project
Adaptive Makeup Brush for Individuals with Arthritis or Visual Impairments
Team: Synergy | Instructor: Dr. Kevin Crowthers
Problem Statement
Individuals with arthritis or visual impairments face challenges when using traditional makeup tools due to joint pain, grip limitations, and difficulty identifying brushes. Our team set out to create an accessible makeup brush that alleviates these barriers by improving grip comfort and usability without relying on vision or fine motor precision.
Design Approach
We redesigned the brush handle using an hourglass shape recommended by the Arthritis Foundation and added braille indicators for tool identification. The brush was modeled in Onshape and 3D printed using PLA for the rigid outer pieces and TPU for the flexible midsection. A magnet system allows easy attachment of brush heads, reducing the need for fine motor movement.
Prototype and Testing
Our prototype includes a modular handle with braille labeling and magnetic brush heads. We conducted three design studies: grip angle measurement (ours was ~25.3°, within the arthritis-approved range), a roll test (rolled <4 in except at 30 inches), and a detachment test (head stayed on in all drops under 20 inches). The findings validate our design for accessibility and safety.
Presentation
We presented our design during the Mass Academy 2025 stem fair. Bellow is our poster from the fair.