Dextra

Overview:

I worked in a twenty-person team to identify, evaluate, then solve a problem we observed in the world around us. After considering, concept-generating, and prototyping several ideas in different contexts, we eventually landed on creating Dextra.

Dextra is a prosthesis accessory that consists of a central hub fastened onto the end of a prosthesis and an array of tools that snap into the hub to perform various tasks. The lightweight hub fastens between the hook and prosthetic's body, so as to not affect the hook's functionality.

Our team developed, tested, and presented a working prototype of Dextra at the end of the semester. I was involved in selecting and designing the tools, interacting directly with our device testers, and was elected as one of the team "yodas." 

My contribution:

• Served as a team yoda, where I was responsible for promoting productive engagement within the team, supporting each member to actualize their potential and desire for the product development process, and generally elevating team and interpersonal dynamics. As the yoda, I conducted individual check-ins with my teammates to learn about their personal and academic backgrounds and interests, motivations for the class, and desired learning opportunities.

• Designed in SolidWorks and 3D-printed prototyped iterations of various tools and tool-casting molds.

• Worked with the tool design sub-team and device testers to characterize biomechanics and kinematics of tools

• Designed product brochure using Adobe Illustrator

You can view our final presentation below and our product brochure here.