We’re thrilled to congratulate Adæpt on winning the Autodesk Fusion Prize at the 2024 Core77 Design Awards. The Autodesk Fusion Prize’s goal is to recognize a project that demonstrates both an inspiring mission and use of Fusion throughout the design process.  

In the U.S. alone, around 764,000 people currently live with cerebral palsy. People who have cerebral palsy face unique daily challenges when using technological devices due to mismatched interactions between their motor skills and traditional computer input devices. Adæpt is a device with the mission to empower individuals with cerebral palsy to navigate the digital world freely and independently. 

Adæpt designer Zexi Ye was inspired to create a device for those with cerebral palsy after recalling the daily challenges his childhood friend who has the condition faced when using many products and devices. Through extensive research and a visit to a local cerebral palsy care facility, Zexi further understood that the majority of his target market’s daily activities revolve around computer usage. The frustration experienced when interacting with devices often stems from needing to ask caregivers for constant help and a lack of independence. 

“Individuals with cerebral palsy live in a world that is not designed for them,” says Zexi. “Even simple tasks, like holding a computer mouse, can be a challenge. It’s the objects we design that create these barriers for them. Adæpt wants to help by designing a computer-accessible tool that enables people with cerebral palsy to freely and independently access the digital world.” 

Adæpt: Empowering individuals with cerebral palsy

Adæpt includes two digital elements: “Adæpt Tools” and “Adæpt Modes.” Adæpt Tools function as shortcut keys, enabling quick access to various software features, while Adæpt Modes adjust how users interact with the system. For example, in Instagram, Adæpt Mode replaces traditional cursor navigation with more efficient hand swipe motions. Through the “Adæpt Store,” users can download add-ons for popular apps like Instagram and Photoshop, each offering tailored functionality, such as easier feed refreshing, searching for friends, or navigating directly to the Explore page.

The physical touchpad input device is designed to accommodate various hand postures, allowing users to interact with computers using the motor movements they feel most comfortable with. Its “Focus Indicator” Replaces the traditional cursor for more precise navigation, helping to reduce frustration and enhancing user experience. The device also offers easy mode switching between work, social, and entertainment modes to meet diverse needs. Additionally, remote assistance enables caregivers to provide support via a phone app, which saves time and allows for additional personal time.. 

Adæpt’s approach to inclusive design

Autodesk Fusion was instrumental in developing the physical touchpad input device. Fusion enabled Zexi to transition seamlessly from physical to digital prototyping and vice versa. This helped ensure that the final design met the ergonomic needs of users with cerebral palsy and could accommodate various hand postures and motor skill abilities. 

The Mesh environment in Fusion was particularly helpful for Zexi during the 3D modeling stage. “The ‘do not capture design history’ and ‘file history’ features allow me to create without fear,” he explains. “When it’s time for a quick visualization, I switch to the rendering panel to see what the product looks like with real materials.” 

“Fusion provides a variety of easy-to-learn tools that allow me to devote more time to thinking about more important issues such as user needs, product positioning, and project value without having to worry about technicalities” 

Zexi also leveraged Fusion and its slicer software to prepare the models for 3D printing, laser cutting and CNC machining. Fusion’s link sharing feature made it easy for Ye to send files to 3D printing workshops and CNC shops in advance. This enabled them to check the model’s feasibility and choose the applicable file format for direct download and use, which saved a lot of unnecessary back-and-forth communication. 

Adæpt’s impact and value

Adæpt enables individuals with cerebral palsy to explore the digital world independently, which fosters an incredible sense of empowerment and dignity. The project’s inclusive design approach ensures that it also benefits others with limited fine motor control, broadening its reach and impact. 

“When I use Fusion for product form exploration, I feel not only the freedom that comes from the rich modeling tools, but also the endless inspiration that comes from using these tools to push the boundaries of modeling and design.”