Occupational Therapy Adaptive Design Challenge

Exhibit Overview: The OT Adaptive Design Challenge invites visitors to step into the role of an occupational therapist by brainstorming, sketching, or prototyping an assistive device that enhances daily function for individuals with various challenges. This hands-on, problem-solving activity highlights how occupational therapy (OT) is an innovation-driven profession that blends creativity, engineering, and human-centered design. What Visitors Will Experience: 1. Pick a Challenge Upon arrival, visitors will select a challenge card describing a real-life scenario where a person faces difficulty completing an everyday task. Examples include: A person with arthritis struggles to grip a spoon A child with cerebral palsy needs help holding a crayon A person with one hand wants to cut vegetables safely A person recovering from a stroke needs an easy way to put on socks 2. Sketch an Idea Visitors will brainstorm and sketch an assistive device solution on a design sheet, considering function, ease of use, and materials. They will be encouraged to think about practicality, user experience, and innovative problem-solving that reflects real-world design considerations. 3. Prototype (If Possible) Visitors can bring their ideas to life using prototyping materials like foam, Velcro, wire, modeling clay, and other provided material components. This step encourages tangible problem-solving while reinforcing the maker-oriented and interdisciplinary spirit at RIT. 4. Display & Share Innovations Participants can post their sketches or prototypes on a "Wall of Innovation" to showcase their designs. +++ Goals of this exhibit: Engaging & Interactive: Visitors actively create and problem-solve, rather than passively observing. Reflects RIT's Tech & Innovation Focus: This challenge bridges OT with engineering, design thinking, and human-centered problem-solving. Showcases OT's Role in Innovation: Many people associate OT only with rehabilitation, but this activity highlights OT's impact on technology, accessibility, and product design. Through this challenge, visitors will walk away with a deeper appreciation for occupational therapy as a profession that blends healthcare, engineering, and innovation to enhance daily living.