Nico is a 15-year old who loves to play basketball. However, as he is in a wheelchair, he is not able to reach the hoop when shooting the ball. Aveen and I are working on a system to help him shoot the ball into the hoop.

We are looking at this problem in two different ways. The first way is a system that would add momentum to his shooting motion and arm. The second way is a system that would make it harder for him to shoot and work on his shooting muscles so that when he removes the system it is easier for him to shoot the ball higher and further.

For the first idea, we have different methods of resolving the problems. We thought of a sort of spring attached to Nico's body or his chair that would spring up when he shot the ball and add momentum to his shot. We also thought of a brace that would go around his elbow and that would also have a spring, therefore helping the shot too.

For the second idea, we thought of something similar to the elbow brace but instead of having a spring that would help his shot, we would have a different mechanism where he would have to work harder to extend his elbow, therefore working on his shooting muscles. We also thought of the possibility to build a mini-hoop, much lower than the average hoop, to help him practice while having fun. 

Next week, we will start designing the last idea's prototype and finish the other prototypes. We will decide which idea we want to pursue and hopefully meet or skype with Nico in order to discuss the idea and get his feedback and maybe some demands or suggestions. Then we will start designing a more complex prototype.