What it does
The Grip Assistive Mouse was designed to support users with limited mobility, paralysis, or tremors. It comes in three custom-made models - two for different clawed-hand conditions and one for severe tremors, each shaped to fit specific physical needs.
Your inspiration
I worked for two years as an assistant teacher at a special care school, helping students with physical disabilities - many with paralysis that made using their hands difficult. I supported them with classwork, computer use, daily activities, and emotional support. While keyboards could be used slowly with guidance, mice required precise control they couldn’t manage. One day, a student asked to try my computer. I encouraged him, but his half-paralyzed hand couldn’t click properly. He ended up randomly clicking and gave up. Watching him return to his seat, disappointed, I thought: As a designer, isn’t there something I can do to change this?
How it works
Each model addresses a unique use case: the two claw-hand versions, the 'Verti Grip' and the 'Claw Grip', are ergonomically adapted to accommodate the distinct postures and limitations caused by specific neuromuscular conditions. The third model, 'Flexi Grip', was specifically designed for users with no wrist movement (a medical condition called ' Severe Progressive Axonal Polyneuropathy'), whose wrists tend to flop or shift involuntarily depending on arm position, requiring a stable, supportive form that minimizes unintended input. All models feature enlarged buttons to enable intuitive, low-effort clicking, and a hand rest carefully shaped for maximum comfort based on hand condition. The left and right click buttons, along with the scrolling wheel, are strategically relocated to positions that align naturally with the resting posture of a paralyzed hand, allowing easier access and reducing unnecessary strain.
Design process
At the start of the project, I first needed to study paralysis. I learned how symptoms vary greatly between individuals, listened to what made existing mice uncomfortable, and explored what shapes offered them comfort and assurance. I brought clay and visited people with relevant conditions, such as clawed hands, where fingers curl inward, and Severe Progressive Axonal Polyneuropathy, where the hand flops uncontrollably. I asked them to press into the clay and share which forms felt most natural around their fingers, palms, and wrists. Designs had to differ depending on whether the hand was stiff from muscle paralysis or lacked control entirely. After testing dozens of forms, I narrowed it down to three models with the best feedback. With shapes defined, I began 3D scanning and CAD modeling. I created several prototypes and worked on engineering the repositioning of the buttons. I also experimented with different scroll wheel placements and mechanisms, including traditional rotation and pressure-sensitive options. Because it was a custom design informed by rich, user-based insights, I had to build and test multiple prototypes. Each time, I returned to the original interviewees to ask whether the mouse felt comfortable and if it showed real potential as an assistive tool.
How it is different
There are already various “ergonomic mice” available on the market. Many are shaped to fit the general curvature of the hand, with button placements that vary. Some assistive devices for people with disabilities also exist, often operated by rolling and pressing a large ball. However, most of these are either designed for wrist health in non-disabled users or are so bulky that they’re difficult to carry around. What I created was based on directly asking people with rare forms of paralysis what kind of mouse they actually want to use. They didn’t want something as large as a bowling ball - they wanted something more like a regular mouse: compact, portable, and only slightly customized to fit their hand. I believe this resulted in a unique mouse design that breaks away from existing norms and is grounded in real, firsthand experiences.
Future plans
I focused on the most common conditions I had access to and designed the mouse based on interviews. I hope to study more symptoms and develop new models for different needs. Since each one is custom-made, production is a challenge. I'm currently using 3D printing, which is slow and costly. I plan to standardize certain models for injection molding to lower costs and improve accessibility. This project has been shown at several exhibitions, including Dutch Design Week, where assistive tech companies and engineering firms showed strong interest. Building partnerships with them is a key goal moving forward.
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