Sanus Grip
Sanus - Latin Origin [saː.nus]
Healthy, of sound state
Problem Identified
Limited grip strength and finger dexterity can be because of musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis and with age. These symptoms and conditions are often amplified in the mornings due to the lack of movement and blood flow into the hands overnight. This causes a painful morning experience which comes with joint stiffness, cold hands, and the inability to form a fist or grip things.
Proposed Solution
The Sanus Grip is a hand warmer and exerciser that increases blood flow in the user’s hand and improves finger joint health by increasing mobility.
Research
Prior to the ideation and development of the exercisers, two physios and one specialist in rheumatology were consulted about what type of movements would benefit the users hand health and increase joint dexterity.
An empathy study gave deeper insights to understanding difficulties people with arthritis may face. By taping my fingers for a full day, I was able to identify key pain points of limited hand dexterity.
Concept Generation
Low-fidelity sketch-models were created to generate ideas on how the exerciser may work. It was important that all ideas were validated through experiments.
All forms and exercise concepts were presented to development partners for feedback.
Concept Generation
Quick Prototyping with variety of materials included PLA, TPU, ASA, PETG printing, resin printing, silicone over-moulding and more.
Over-moulding with silicone was done on both stainless steel wire to create rigid bands and for a heating kanthal wire for the grips.
Final Product
The Sanus Grips is a hand exerciser and warmer that is used in the mornings to reduce morning and stiffness through movement and heat therapy.
The Sanus Grip comes with a docking station where the user can heat the grips of the device in less than two minutes.
By designing the device with sensory stimulating mechanisms inspired from fidget toys, the user-experience is more enjoyable and is likely to encourage continuous use.
The design was inspired from fidget cubes, devices that use sensory stimuli to create a satisfying experience.
Magnets on the inside of the device let the user free up a hand during use.
Sanus Grip logo was inspired by the shape your hand makes when using the exerciser.
