Assistive Device Design
Today, you will become product designers and engineers. Your team will receive a real-world challenge and design an assistive device that helps someone complete a task more easily, safely, or independently. You will not be given a solution—you will need to understand your user's problem, invent your own idea, build a prototype, test it, and improve it based on feedback.
Elementary
Design thinking, empathy
Project Details
Theme
December | Product Design
Messy Level
1
Suggested Location
Classroom
Prep & Classroom Structure
Volunteer Prep:
• Print and cut one challenge card per team.
• Prepare identical material kits in bags or trays so groups begin with the same basic resources.
• Place extra cardboard, tape, string, and testing objects at a shared supply station. • Select safe containers and classroom objects for testing.
• Pre-cut cardboard for younger groups if needed.
• Set up separate testing areas for challenges requiring movement or distance.
• Do not show students example assistive devices before the activity; this helps preserve creative problem-solving.
Suggested 45–60 Minute Class Flow:
• 5 min: Introduction and real-world connection
• 5 min: Assign challenge cards and identify user needs
• 5–7 min: Brainstorm and sketch
• 15–20 min: Build prototype
• 8–10 min: Test and gather feedback
• 5–8 min: Improve and retest
• 5 min: Team share-out and reflection
Team Roles:
Product Designer
Builder
Materials Manager
Tester/User Researcher
Presenter
Roles can be combined for smaller groups.
Materials
Per team of 4–5 students:
• 2–3 pieces cardboard
• 4 craft sticks
• 2–3 straws
• 2 index cards
• 1 paper cup
• 2 rubber bands
• 2–3 paper clips
• 18–24 in. string/yarn
• Approx. 24 in. masking tape
• 1 pair scissors
• 1 sheet aluminum foil
• Small classroom objects for testing, such as pencils, pom poms, blocks, erasers, or cups
Shared:
• Assistive Device Challenge Cards
• Rulers/measuring tape
• Pencils
• Scrap paper for sketches
Project Instructions
1. Introduce the Problem: Explain that engineers and product designers create tools that help people complete everyday tasks more safely, comfortably, or independently.
2. Form Teams: Divide students into groups of 4–5.
3. Choose a Challenge: Give each group one Assistive Device Challenge Card. Groups may receive different challenges.
4. Identify the User Need: Students read the problem and discuss: Who are we designing for? What task is difficult? What should our device help them do?
5. Brainstorm: Teams generate at least 2–3 possible ideas before selecting one.
6. Sketch: Draw the proposed device and label important features and materials.
7. Build: Create a working prototype using only the provided materials.
8. Test: Follow the testing requirement on the challenge card. Whenever possible, have a student who did not build the device test it.
9. Gather Feedback: Ask the tester: What worked? What was difficult? What would make this easier to use?
10. Improve: Teams make at least one change based on testing or feedback.
11. Retest: Test the improved design and compare the results.
12. Share: Each group briefly explains the problem, its solution, and one improvement it made.
Print these out and create 4 sets of 6. Then cut them into task cards and randomize per group.
Class Video
Please share with teacher ahead of session.