Industrial - Bachelors
Supportics is a portable hand-held device designed to help with the scanning and prescription process of foot orthotic devices for patients in remote areas of Australia. The device provides a stable and accurate solution for taking pictures specific to 3D image modelling software.
In more isolated areas of Australia, podiatry and orthodontist practices have limited patient treatment resources (Ridgewell et al., 2021). Thus, for this final capstone project, improving the accessibility and functionality of foot orthotic devices in remote areas of Australia was explored. Professor Marinella Chamorro-Koc introduced the project. The project brief aims at improving the performance and accuracy of scanning feet using the emerging 3D modelling software Photogrammetry. The idea was to implement a hand-held device that would help take quality and accurate pictures of the patient’s feet for the photogrammetry software. These 3D models would then be sent to a third party to manufacture orthotic devices (insoles) for needy patients. Photogrammetry is an affordable and accessible popular software that helps make 3D models of people’s feet.
Primary and secondary research was conducted to explore foot orthotics and the application of photogrammetry to the people.
There is limited access to podiatry and foot care in remote places. However, telehealth proves successful in consulting and treating patients through digital care.
Existing scanners, such as plaster casting, are expensive and time-consuming. However, recent non-contact methods with mobile phone light scanners are popular and more efficient.
There is a lack of literature on using support devices for photogrammetry software within the context of foot orthoses. Thus, further primary research is needed to understand how it can be applied to photogrammetry.
The findings in the analysis suggest that many factors affect the digital models of orthotic devices.
The main challenges mentioned by participants when scanning individuals for orthotic devices were:
• Movement in patients whilst in position
• Busy and uncontrollable environments for scanning
• The patient’s Inability to maintain a still position
• Poor camera operation and quality.
• Required experience and education in scanning.
It found that non-technical people might fail in their scanning process if they were not familiar with orthotic literacy or Photogrammetry. Ensuring accuracy and successful digital models in scanning might be hard for patients or unskilled health practitioners.
Participants outlined the importance of treating people in remote areas. Travelling and remote appointments/care is expensive and exhausting.
The process of scanning feet for photogrammetry software was quicker compared to the standard technology. The photogrammetry process was over a minute faster and a less exhausting experience.
Human error, such as shaking and camera movement, affects the quality of the images. The quality of the camera limits Photogrammetry and designing for the stability and easy usability of the concepts will benefit users in remote areas.
A system that allows the patient to track and monitor the surface condition of their feet could also benefit outside practitioners or health careers for treatment.
It was proposed that people in remote areas would have the design concept delivered to them and operated by them or third-party supporters who could assist with scanning photogrammetry software. Thus, the design must be easy to assemble and transport.
Supportics is a solution to improving access and quality of foot orthotic wear in remote areas of Australia by providing an accessible and efficient experience for patients and carers.
Specialised care in podiatry and orthotics is understood to be limited in areas with less population and resources (such as facilities and podiatrists). Supportics improves this problem by streamlining and implementing a system that encourages, includes and educates individuals on foot health care by reducing patient travel time and the pressure of finding comfortable footwear to treat their ailments. Supportics relieves the pressure, cost and injury by having their appointment come to them.
Supportics provides a quicker and easier solution to developing orthotic devices in remote areas regardless of the health practitioner’s expertise. By incorporating Bluetooth connection with the phone and an app interface, the user better understands their patient and requirements for taking quality pictures for 3D image modelling.
The primary user of this product would be any layperson. They would not need to be experts in podiatry or orthotics, just the nearest health practitioners who most likely would have an existing relationship with the clients in those remote areas.
Light and fun colours were used to brighten the aesthetics of the design and make it more user-friendly and inviting for patients and users. The design is simple, round-edged, and curved for easy holding and transport. It is also designed to be compact and not require any additional assembly.
Designed to eliminate human error, such as blurriness and inconsistent photos. The device is equipped with a laser distance sensor and
a retractable handle that adjusts to various sizes of smartphones to keep the phone stable.
Supportics has an additional app interface that helps create quality pictures for the photogrammetry software. The app is equipped with a tutorial to teach end users how to scan the feet for the patient. The app connects to the device through Bluetooth. It demonstrates, in real-time, the distance and number of pictures from different angles that need to be taken. The app also stores the photos and client information. Information such as location, scale of foot and comments/feedback from the clients is recorded in the device for improvement.
There is an idealised system and implementation of the Supportics device to improve health care for people in remote areas needing foot orthotic devices.
A layperson takes the scan at home with the Supportics device.
The pictures and relevant information from the app are sent to the clinic or the nearest institution that can process and 3D model the images using photogrammetry software.
The design is 3D printed through a third-party manufacturing company (such as i. Orthotics).
The orthotic footwear (insoles) are transported to the patient’s residence.
Below are the initial concepts from my opportunities and research. Sketches of initial concepts were developed from the opportunities identified above. The device was introduced at the start of the project, and most of the concepts incorporate some similarities. Most of the designs address portability as a hand-held device. Additional screens, buttons and voice interfaces were introduced to store data from the scans or help with picture-taking (instructions). The grasp concept design was my the design chosen to further explore.
Find more information and thinking process in my DDR!
Hello, I'm an industrial design student at QUT, minoring in Visual Communication. My skills in collaboration and curiosity have allowed me to pursue multiple design disciplines. Designing encourages me to be passionate about my life and family. I intend to make inclusive and diverse designs that contribute positively to communities.