Gripsy
Creating adaptive climbing equipment for people with limb differences.
Design Engineer
Concept Design, Ethnographic Research, Prototyping, User Testing
Year: 2017
Inclusive Design
The ethos of this projects is to create a sports product that supports climbers with limb differences to be successful.
This project was completed with Brooklyn Boulders Adaptive Climbing Team and specifically with one athlete. This athlete experienced difficulty and pain when griping climbing holds with their shorter arm, which they wrapped with tape every day before climbing. Through working in collaboration, a solution to assist their athletic pursuits was developed
Areas of Exploration
Friction Mapping
Protect the user and identifies areas used for gripping the wall.
Through tracking areas of high contact between the user and the wall a map of these friction points can be created. Using this map intuitive patterns for best user grip and decrease wear on the skin are developed.
Material Exploration
Investigate other materials for climbing grip and comfort that provide lasting grip and comfort.
The materials investigation began by looking at what to use to enhance grip and to use for the sleeve.
The materials would need to be breathable, strong, flexible and adhere to the skin to prevent rotation while in use.
Pain Prevention
Attention to form and padding to prevent pain to user.
Prevention of skin abrasion was a main concern of the design, followed closely by protecting the sensitive end of the arm.
Making and Learning
Starting with friction mapping and material testing. Zones were padding for pain prevention or materials that could help with grip were identified.
The form of the arm sleeve was constructed through user feedback and prototyping.
Final Concept
A textured pattern alights within high friction zones and actively improves grip. An elastic sports material layer between durable breathable netting protects the skin. Climbing rubber provide a grippy surface in the areas that need increased friction. Padding at the end of the sleeve prevents pain. The sleeve is made to fit over and vacuum adhere to a custom made molded silicon sleeve. This prevents the climbing sleeve from rotating around the arm when weighted.
Special Thanks to Brooklyn Boulders Adaptive Climbing Team