Credit score: James Dyson Awards
An modern sensible keyboard designed to considerably enhance typing skill for folks dwelling with Parkinson’s illness has been named a World Winner of the celebrated 2025 James Dyson Award.
The groundbreaking invention, referred to as “OnCue”, was created by Italian product designer Alessandra Galli as a college thesis mission at Delft College of Expertise within the Netherlands.
It’s the primary assistive keyboard that integrates cues to assist handle motor signs like tremors, slowed motion (bradykinesia), and ‘freezing’.
“OnCue is a clever and empowering solution, allowing people with Parkinson’s and other motor conditions to stay connected and communicate independently,” stated the award’s founder James Dyson, a visionary inventor identified for his persistence in growing groundbreaking merchandise (just like the 5,126 prototypes he constructed over 4 years earlier than perfecting the primary bagless vacuum cleaner).
Galli developed OnCue after focus teams revealed how typing obstacles challenged the independence and confidence of Parkinson’s sufferers.
The gadget’s core options work in live performance to assist a gentle typing movement:
Haptic Suggestions: Refined vibrations are transmitted by the keys and non-compulsory matching wristbands to assist information customers’ typing rhythm and compensate for decreased tactile sensitivity.
AI Lighting System: A synthetic intelligence element predicts the almost definitely subsequent letter the consumer will press and illuminates the corresponding key with a inexperienced gentle. This visible cue helps to cut back hesitation and errors, a standard situation with the situation.
Ergonomic Design: Impressed by gaming keyboards, OnCue has a compact, cut up structure to cut back pressure on the arms and arms. The keycaps additionally characteristic raised edges to information finger placement and forestall unintended presses.
As well as, OnCue is designed with customization in thoughts, permitting customers to regulate haptic and visible cue depth by software program or bodily sliders, accommodating the day by day fluctuations in Parkinson’s signs.
Credit score: James Dyson Awards
Galli says the $40,000 award from Dyson will assist deliver her invention to market for individuals who want it. She plans to boost the electronics and conduct additional usability testing with occupational therapists and Parkinson’s organizations.
CHECK OUT: Earlier Dyson Award Profitable Innovations
Be taught extra and keep up-to-date on the keyboard’s growth by visiting the mission’s web site, OnCueDesign.internet.
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