SLIP N’ GRIP

Inclusive design is quickly becoming a movement within the sports industry. Big sports brands are becoming more aware and more concerned about providing everyone with equal opportunity to participate in sporting activities. As an advocate of this inclusivity movement, I was eager to address this campaign head on. Through thoughtful and empathetic design, I have been able to produce a considerate, user orientated product solution.

The SLIP N’ GRIP is a 3D printed prosthetic terminal device that enables children with right transradial amputation to participate in hockey at school. The central ball joint mechanism mimics the natural rotation of the human wrist, offering the user full range of motion and hence allowing easy manipulation of the hockey stick during play. An adjustable elastic band system enables the user to alter the resistance of the ball joint, allowing them to tailor the device to suit their own mode of play.

Two of the key issues associated with current sports prosthetics are cost and accessibility. SLIP N’ GRIP aims to tackle these issues by offering a quick, cheap and easily accessible alternative that can be assembled at home.

It was extremely important to me that this project not only solves a problem and makes a genuine difference to people’s lives, but also enables me to explore the field of sports design and engineering. This is an area I have developed a passion for during my time studying at Glasgow and is one in which I hope to pursue a career. Being able to combine my passion for sports with my design and engineering skills has become the ultimate goal.