Build a device which helps Jonathan to open bus and tram doors independently
Image description: A selfie of a young man with short blondish hair, wearing glasses and a red shirt.
About Jonathan
Jonathan is a cheerful young man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He is currently doing an apprenticeship to become a media technician at the Mathilde-Escher Heim in Zurich. In his free time he enjoys playing wheelchair hockey. He was at the world championships in Sursee - unfortunately only as a spectator (so far! ;-)).
Challenge
The goal of this project is design a tool to help Jonathan press the button to open the door of the train or bus when boarding independently with his electric wheelchair. Maybe as a cherry on top, a second device would also be useful to help him overcoming the gap between the platform and the train independently.
Solution
After a detailed evaluation of the problem and several brainstorming sessions, the hackers got to work and tried to find a solution for Jonathan building upon ideas they had just gained. A tool that enables quick boarding of the train/tram was finally realized on the basis of a white cane. However, this still had to be modified, since it has to be folded up again with less muscle strength. The final step consisted of an additional laser and an end made for Jonathan with a printed hockey ball. From now on, the stick could already be used.
