Those who with disabilities that don't have use of their hands or arms are traditionally unable to partake in the use of computers, so this sandal mouse design is aimed at enabling the functionality. Designed by Sergey Halyavin, the mouse is designed into the base of a sandal that can be worn and used to operate a computer without the need for one's hands.
The sandal mouse works by enabling users to make use of their toes for scrolling and clicking. An LED ribbon is implemented onto the side of the sandal design in order to make it easily visible for those who might have vision problems that stop them from finding the equipment easily in the dark. The mouse controller, as such, can also double as a nightlight because of these LEDs.
Hands-Free Mouse Controllers
This Sandal Mouse Allows the Disabled to Use a Computer
Trend Themes
1. Assistive Technology Footwear - Opportunities for developing innovative footwear designs such as this sandal mouse can help disabled individuals gain greater capacity to work autonomously.
2. Human-computer Interaction - Designers and engineers can collaborate to create new interfaces to make computing more inclusive and accessible to a broader range of users such as those with physical disabilities.
3. Wearable Computing - Further developments in wearable computing will focus on the use of new materials and sensor technology, with an emphasis on comfort and a natural fit, for individuals with disabilities.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - With assistive technology growing rapidly, healthcare providers can leverage new devices and tools like the sandal mouse to increase patients' quality of life and autonomy.
2. Technology - Technology companies can explore the market for assistive technology like the sandal mouse and design innovative products that cater to the disabled population.
3. Footwear - The footwear industry can help develop smart wearable shoes for people with disabilities, designed with sensors and technology that can be used with a variety of devices including the sandal mouse for computing needs.