ZOLO
Fall 2025 | Length: 5 weeks
Project Focus: 3D Printing, Coding, Curcuitry, Research
The Rehabilitation Smart Hand tool to improve grip strength at home with an interactive light and the ability to track the user’s progress. An organic shape that fits perfectly in the user’s hand. Helps users who experienced a heart stroke or are recovering after surgery.
Effectiveness of interventions to improve hand motor function in individuals with moderate to severe stroke: a systematic review protocol. BMJ open, 9(9), e032413. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-032413
Existing Products Pain Points:
NO engaging design
NO process tracking
hard to be consistent on your own
hard to remember repeated labs
limited options on the market
NO sensor to understand your own grip or compare hands
INSPIRATION BOARD
COLOR STUDY
Neon green was chosen as the primary accent color to reinforce Zolo’s connection to health, recovery, and balance. It clearly highlights the interactive grip area, intuitively guiding users to where they should apply pressure while creating a calming, medical-appropriate aesthetic.
Fun fact: Green is the easiest color for the human eye to perceive, which is why it’s commonly used in healthcare environments.
INITIAL THUMBNAIL SKETCHES
In my early ideation phase, I focused on creating a form that fits well in the user’s hand. I explored organic form and fast lines. Additionally, I played with making a two-hand model and placement of interactive lights.
REFINED CONCEPT SKETCHES
Further explored and defined the final shape of ZOLO. Afterwards, sketched the placement of internal components with integration of the HX711 pressure sensor.
STORY BOARD
01 | Grab the tool
02 | Apply grip
03 | Hold grip
04 | Relax grip [repeat laps]
05 | Put away when finished
PROTOTYPING & WIRING
I started with a block of clay and crafted my first prototype to fit comfortably in my hand. I then analyzed it and refined the final form to model in Fusion 360. Afterwards, I 3D printed multiple prototypes and spring variations that felt the most organic in the hand.
I closely examined the relationship between user cognition, physical actions, and the device's operations to fully understand which interactive feature would bring the most value.
EXPLODED VIEW
The design includes a plastic outer body, an HX711 pressure sensor, an Arduino Nano, and an LED strip for dynamic lighting that turns on as the pressure is applied.
WORKING PROTOTYPE
In developing the hand therapy tool prototype, I used my Arduino and coding knowledge alongside a C++ code made with ChatGPT. This combination allowed me to write efficient, responsive code that lights up LEDs as more pressure is applied. Further, I would love to add a screen that shows the number of laps and add a battery component to my design.
