Thomas Edmonds
My name is Thomas Edmonds, I am 23 years old from Tillsonburg Ontario. I am passionate about providing positive changes for others through my design process from creation, sketching, rapid prototyping etc. I am able to find common problems within society and develop modern solutions. This is my fifth year studying design and I have learned so much throughout the years from the faculty and my peers. I can not wait to continue my design journey.
The Four Essential Pillars for Design Excellence
The four essential pillars encompass human-centric design approach and the understanding of full-bodied, three dimensional physical interaction of user, product and environment. The projects generate innovative solutions using research-driven, evidence-based designs which focus on the user experience.
Enhancement of Human Lifestyle
Float braces were designed to improve the user’s daily lifestyle through the use of cutting-edge technology to enhance the rehabilitation process of arthritis suffers.
By using skin-friendly materials the user is able to feel more comfort and support while completing daily activities that cause strain. Along with the materials, the structure of the design allows for a more weightless feel to release pressure from the joints.
Human-Interaction & User-Centric Design
The product is used to allow patients with osteoarthritis to use a new and improved brace design that is accompanied by an application that creates further interaction and benefits to support each user.
The added smart application is able to track and display user’s joint movements in real-time, to provide positive feedback and possible adjustments to improve performance.
Ergonomics & Human Factors Design
Female users suffering from osteoarthritis have different body sizes and shapes which require features that are adjustable and flexible to fit all body types.
This is done through stretchy materials and silicone which wraps to fit the form of each user. As well as the space-knitted cotton for breathability and silicone for flexibility, the knee brace contains carbon fiber for extra support which is lightweight and comfortable creating a better experience.
Sustainability & Social Responsibility
Many people are suffering from osteoarthritis on a regular basis which requires the need for a new design that is sustainable and creates a positive effect on each individual.
Typical materials used on braces, such as neoprene may be toxic and harmful to the environment which created the need for new materials that benefit the user as well as the earth. The design is developed for longevity and sustainability, using materials that are better for the environment and osteoarthritis patients as a whole.
Float - Arthritic Braces for Rehabilitation
Project Summary
One of the main health concerns faced by people above the age of forty is arthritis, which can be very painful and difficult to treat. Arthritis is the swelling of one or more joints in the body, most common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid. Osteoarthritis affects millions of people worldwide, this form of arthritis occurs by the deterioration of the protective cartilage at the end of bones, over time. In most cases, Osteoarthritis affects joints in the hands, hips, spine, and knees. People suffering from moderate to major damage to these joints, tend to have mobility issues that can cause significant strain on people’s everyday lives. Elderly people often struggle with impairing joint pain, which can lead to them needing more support from others to complete everyday tasks.
Thesis Visual Presentation
Click the image to enlarge.
Thesis Summary Motion Presentation
Float - product system overview.
EXPLORE OTHER THESIS PROJECTS
Cameron Barber
Forge - Debris Recycling Station
Commercial, Industrial & Professional
Henry Boy
Vagaboard - Enhancing Micromobility
Mobility & Transportation
Kristie Bulbrook
F(lower) - Improving Gardening Experience for Arthritis
Recreation & Sports
Stephen Bykowy
HORIZON - Enhanced Sleeper Semi-Truck
Mobility & Transportation
Megan Cheung
PENTA - Inclusive Active Play
Recreation & Sports
Benjamin Chew
Salus - Physical & Mental Health Enhancing Smart Chair
Medical, Health & Safety
Logan Dohar
NURISH - Modular Foodbank Supply Vehicle
Mobility & Transportation
Luca Domenis
LIFELINE - Earthquake Search & Rescue Solution
Commercial, Industrial & Professional
Thomas Edmonds
Float - Arthritic Braces for Rehabilitation
Medical, Health & Safety
Timothy Entin
MONTARO - MSD Solution for Construction Equipment
Commercial, Industrial & Professional
Emilie Fung
MERA - Mobile Health Care Facilities for Post Flood Disasters
Medical, Health & Safety
Moriah Gonidis
pakk - Evolving the Camping Experience
Recreation & Sports
Casey Ho
Asa - Prosthetic Accessibility for Vietnam
Medical, Health & Safety
Incia Khalid
Cocoon - Adaptive and Sensory Friendly Clothing For Children With ASD
Medical, Health & Safety
Cristian Loria
ArootZ - Sustainable Tree Planting System
Commercial, Industrial & Professional
Juan Carlos Manago
DELFIN - Underwater Scooter for the Physically Challenged
Recreation & Sports
Mackenzie O'Mahony
Raptor - Enhancing Rural Winter Transportation
Mobility & Transportation
Philip Orellana
I.C.A. - Intelligent Compression Apparatus
Medical, Health & Safety
Robert Joshua (RJ) Piccioni
SERAPHYM - Sustainable EMS Vehicle for Harsh Winter Environments
Mobility & Transportation
Sinead Summerfield
Kensho - Alternative Life Departure
Medical, Health & Safety
Adriane Spence
Wāv - Modular Tank System for Water Scarcity
Commercial, Industrial & Professional
Bradley Staite
Neo Ink - Re-imagining the Tattoo Workstation
Commercial, Industrial & Professional