When having to rely on a prosthesis, using digital devices is difficult: mouse, keyboard and touchscreens are designed for organic hands only. Yet amputees are often capable of using muscular gestures with their phantom hand, which can be read out. We have created an interface between these signals and the digital world that opens up new possibilities. Shortcut is a digital wristband that translates phantom hand gestures and planar movements into a wireless computer control. It facilitates a quick re-entry into the profession and unrestricted digital interaction.
The design is mainly based on a repertoire of gestures that most amputees can still address neurologically. These were mapped to the most relevant computer in a sensible way. We have developed a catalogue of gestures that includes both basic functions such as cursor movement, left- and right-click and scroll, as well as quick access to functions such as zoom and quit. Thanks to a user-centered design approach the controls can be learned quickly and intuitively.
more information at: digital-prosthesis.de
