BMET5953 – Group Project
AIM
Design and prototype an assistive technology, and present your findings in a report and
presentation.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT)
Choose one of the following 5 AT or propose a novel AT to unit coordinators.
AT 1: Auto-stabiliser for torso
AT 2: Hands-free walker frame
AT 3: Upper leg orthosis, allowing for natural hip movement
AT 4: Non-manual interface for toilet transfer aid
AT 5: Non-manual interface for bedroom transfer aid
How to engineer a solution from a researched problem

Figure 1 – (A) Design Thinking 101 Flowchart. (B) International Classification of Functioning
MILESTONES
1. Choose an AT from the above topics (or agreed proposition to unit coordinators)
2. Familiarise yourself with the Design Thinking 101 and International Classification of
Functioning flowcharts.
3. Plan your project, using Gantt charts. Assign tasks to each member of the group,
remembering to collaborate on each of those assigned tasks.
4. Understand
a. Empathise with the problem, by conducting analytical and empirical research
b. Define the needs of the AT, backed up by your research.

BMET5953 – Group Project
5. Explore
a. Ideate weird and wonderful ideas, by making a brainstorm map. Tabulate/list
advantages & limitations of each idea.
b. Choose/combine the best ideas into one idea. Start the iterative design process.
Prototype your design, and use engineering drawings (hand-drawn or CAD) to show
the initial prototype. Think which engineering standards you may want to include
(which ones to choose? ISO9001, ISO13485, ISO9999, ISO7176, etc?)
(This means a physical prototype, not theoretical. Don’t make it expensive – think
3D-printing, Arduino, hardware stores, etc. A model is sufficient if it is representative
of the actual materials/design).
Tabulate the cost of your prototype.
6. Materialise
a. Test your prototype. Conduct this in a validation/verification way, splitting into
methods and results. Apply your group/user’s feedback into an updated prototype.
Update your cost table, including each iterative prototype you have made. Also
tabulate the expected cost of your prototype if it is to be made from different
materials (i.e. if you are using a model).
b. Implement your final prototype, including final CAD-generated engineering
drawings. Conduct validation & verification tests. Finalise your report &
presentation.
7. Finish up
a. Discussion and future considerations
b. Conclusion

ASSESSMENT
Draft Report 1
• Weighting: 5%
• Due on Canvas: Week 4, Friday 18th March (23:59)
• “Rough draft” – mostly to check you have started and are on the right track.
• AT chosen. Project planned. “Understand” section compiled into report, including brief
literature review.
Draft Report 2
• Weighting: 5%
• Due on Canvas: Week 8, Thursday 18th March (23:59). (Friday is a public holiday)
• “Report coming together” – check that you are progressing, have extended your literature
review and have some design elements on paper.
• AT chosen. Project planned. “Understand” section compiled into report, including detailed
literature review. “Explore” section compiled into report, including rough sketches and
comments. “Materialise” section started, including prototype 1 design.
Presentation
• Weighting: 15%
• Due on Canvas: Week 12, Monday 16th May (09:00)
• Presentation: Week 12 and Week 13, in tutorial time. I.e. Monday 16th and 23rd May (12:00
– 14:00)
BMET5953 – Group Project
• Use digital aids (e.g. PowerPoint and embedded videos – current state of AT, interviews,
prototype videos, etc.) and your final physical prototype, to describe your AT Project. You
should order it as per the Design Thinking 101 Flowchart – i.e. Understand, Explore,
Materialise. Also include advantages & limitations, future considerations & conclusion. A
video / live demonstration of the prototype in its intended function should be implemented
into your presentation. If a video was chosen, you should still use live manipulation of your
prototype to increase engagement.
Final Report
• Weighting: 10%
• Due: Week 12, Friday 20th May (23:59)
• AT chosen. Project planned. “Understand” section compiled into report, including detailed
literature review. “Explore” section compiled into report, including rough sketches and
comments, which are clearly labelled and discussed. “Materialise” section compiled into
report, including iterative prototyping and testing. CAD-generated engineering drawings
should be included for final prototype. Tests should be tabulated clearly, into methods and
results. Final prototype discussed, including advantages & limitations, as well as future
considerations. Conclusion concise and insightful.