Design and development of an interface between the user and the tendo device

Abstract: When a↵ected by a high spinal cord injury the first wish is to regain the ability to walk. However, in a short matter of time, the wish to use the hands increases and is considered the most desired ability to recover. The injured nerves cannot be healed, but with the use of AI technology and sensors, small preserved muscle activities can be detected. The company Tendo AB has developed a gripping aid, the tendo device, helping to strengthen the tenodesis grip with the use of this previously mentioned technology. This device allows the user to perform a grip with the thumb and thereby gain more independence in their everyday life. This masters thesis has developed one of the parts, consisting of several individual components, of the existing tendo device with focus on function and aesthetics. To deliver a user-friendly solution, the Human Centred Design principles were adapted and insights obtained from observations formed a specific definition of the commonly used expression user-friendly. For this thesis it is defined as an aesthetically appealing, truly wearable product that increases the independence in the user’s everyday life. By being truly wearable the prototype should be minimized in size, lightweight, hygienic, reliable, comfortable and allow body movement. The result is presented as a high-quality 3D printed prototype that enables a more independent handling of tendo, due to a developed mechanism designed to be mounted into the device. The solution has a new aesthetic appearance that has been developed with focus on an increased holistic design that follows the idiom of the company and is possible to connect with the rest of the tendo device.