Today our project changed in the way of creating and prosecuting new ideas. We came up with another idea in which there would be straps around the upper and lower arm with something robotic connecting that would allow Tanis to move his arm up more once he applied a little bit of pressure. We also created something similar to the wearable wings with the four different sides that move in opposite direction once pulled. We are still not entirely sure which direction we will go in, however, if we choose the prototype we created on Friday then we would like to expand so that Tanis can raise his hand up all the way instead of just a little. I'm excited about creating new ideas and solving this issue. I'm also excited about getting to use my hands and create an object that someone could really enjoy and find helpful. On Wednesday Jackson and I  would like to get an opinion from Tanis to make sure he enjoys what we are creating for him. We would also like to ask and understand about his disorder so we know what he can and cannot do. Finally, we will also be taking measurements to make sure our product fits him properly and comfortable. 

Our project was converged down to one idea today. Going forward, we're going to continue with the idea of working with a pulley system in order to raise Tanis' hand. We also are going to try to focus on making his hand raising a little bit higher than we were thinking before, in order to challenge ourselves and challenge Tanis. We also sent Waypoint/Cotting an email today asking followup questions, so it'll be good to get those answers.
Unknowns:
- Tanis' exact condition of muscular dystrophy
- Any other challenges that he faces?
- What would he like to see from us?
Tomorrow, I'm hoping that we can construct and refine a solid prototype tomorrow, so we can show Tanis on Wednesday, and get some good feedback.

Jackson and I are working on solving a problem for Tanis. Tanis has muscular dystrophy and therefore, struggles with the ability to move his arms and other body parts. Tanis has a hard time raising his hand, especially in class when he has a question so our goal is to create a device to help him raise his hand. We have come up with an idea that is similar to a pulley system. Tanis places his arm through a velcro strap attached to his wheeled chair which is also attached to a board above the arm of his wheeled chair. He then uses a rope with his other hand that is attached to the board on the arm of his wheeled chair which then raises his arm. by doing this, Tanis is still putting work to raise his arm and using his muscles. Another idea we had was to create something electronically so that when he raises his arm a little then he also gets the help that pushes his arm up all the way. Once again this allows Tanis to still use his arms and do strength, just adds a little bit of help. Furthermore, we are hoping to email Tanis to figure out what his exact range of motions are and what he can/can not do.  Jackson and I will continue to create our prototype of the first idea and hopefully, when we see Tanis again we can take exact measurements to make to device comfortable and hear his opinion. 

This past week the 13 or 14 of us went to The Cotting School in Lexington (The first school in the nation for children with disabilities), and got to meet a couple students / participants of a non-profit called Waypoint Adventure (an adventure/growth/learning program for people with disabilities). It was great meeting everyone and getting to know them, and towards the end of the week we began  working on projects for assisting our interviewees, whether it be day to day struggles, or simply helping out with something that they've always wanted to do. Izzy and I are starting to work on a project for a boy named Tanis, who has muscular dystrophy, a condition that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. While at the Cotting School, his teacher told us that he had trouble raising his hand in class, and through some divergent/convergent thinking, Izzy and I are now working on a project to help raise his hand in class. Tanis sits in a wheelchair, so we are pretty sure that our final product will feature some sort of attachment to his wheelchair. So far, our prototype has featured a pulley system that he can use to help raise his hand, and another idea was to create an electric powered device that responds to him giving a little bit of energy with his arm. One of our main focuses is to make sure that Tanis can retain a sense of independence with this action, so we do not want the device to do everything for him.
Next week, I think we should be able to begin on our final project, and have a good understanding on what we want to achieve. I also think we should begin engineering the final product in order to ensure progress.  We'll have the opportunity to visit Tanis again, and ask him any questions about what he'd like to see out of our process and final product. Very excited for what's to come.