Background and Problem description

Patients with stroke-related hand impairments often struggle with involuntary hand movements and spasticity, posing significant challenges for obtaining precise 3D scans. Accurate and comfortable orthotic devices are critical for these patients, but current 3D scanning technologies are inadequate due to the difficulties in maintaining stable hand positions. 

Aim

This thesis aimed to develop a 3D hand scanning tool to improve scan accuracy for patients with CVA-related hand impairments.

Method

The study involved several key phases: discovery, definition, development, and delivery, structured around the Double Diamond Method (DDM). This human-centered design approach facilitated a comprehensive exploration of user needs, stakeholder requirements, and iterative refinement of the concept. Initial phases included stakeholder analysis, desk research, speculative design, and contextual interviewing with orthopedic technicians. 

Results and Conclusion

The final tool design remains a conceptual model, not yet ready for practical implementation. The high costs associated with 3D scanning equipment and the need for specialized training present barriers to widespread adoption, though the author has committed to providing initial free training to mitigate this issue. Future work should focus on further refining the tool through direct user feedback, testing its applicability across various conditions beyond stroke-related hand impairments, such as Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis, and exploring advanced materials to enhance durability and comfort. In conclusion, this project successfully identified the key needs and requirements for a 3D hand scanning tool developed to patients with CVA-related hand impairments and developed a foundational concept that addresses most of these requirements. While significant work remains to bring the tool to practical use, this thesis lays the groundwork for future developments aimed at improving orthopedic care for patients with complex hand conditions.