In STEM II (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), we work on developing an assistive technology in groups of 3 to 4 to improve their life. For this project, I worked with my groupmates Ansh, Daiwik, and Justin to develop our assistive technology to help individuals with Parkinson's better use computer mice.
People with Parkinson's Disease face physical difficulties in using computer mice due to tremors, muscle stiffness, and fatigue.
Create a customized mouse that aids those with Parkinson’s to use computers more easily.
A novel device specific to persons with Parkinson’s able to accommodate basic motions such as precise clicking, scrolling, and dragging.
My group decided to aid individuals with Parkinson's who face physical difficulties in using computer mice due to tremors, muscle stiffness, and fatigue. Persons with Parkinson’s (PWPs) often struggle as the aforementioned muscle stiffness and tremors impede workflow. Our solution was a computer mouse that replaces actions, such as the conventional buttons for right click, left click, dragging, and scrolling, with rotational actions (tilts). These actions replace precise movements, such as clicking a button, with larger and more generalized movements like rotating the whole mouse. While creating our mouse, my group iteratively designed the mouse, adding new features in each new prototype. We named every version after a different bird, with our final prototype being presented at the STEM fair shown in the video below.