Introduction
3D printing excels in creating highly customized tools, making it a valuable resource in occupational therapy. Its applications are expanding across various domains, including splint fabrication, assistive device development, and learning tools for individuals with developmental disabilities. Recognizing its potential, we have developed COCRE HUB, an online platform that enables occupational therapists worldwide to create and share 3D-printed assistive tools. This study analyzes 222 models available on the platform to examine how occupational therapy assessment influences the design of assistive tools.
Objectives
To categorize and analyze 222 3D models shared on the COCRE HUB platform and explore how occupational therapy principles are embedded in their design.
Methods
All models were tagged with relevant keywords and classified into categories based on their function and intended use. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify common design patterns and their relevance to occupational therapy interventions.
Results
The analysis revealed that the models could be classified into 15 distinct categories. These categories reflect key areas of occupational therapy practice, demonstrating a systematic approach to assistive tool design.
Significance to the Occupational Therapy Profession
The findings suggest that occupational therapists can use these categorized design patterns as a pattern language when creating customized tools for interventions. Moreover, this classification promotes occupational therapists' perspectives and expertise to professional designers, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Moving forward, we aim to publish this classification as a resource to contribute to professional development and broader societal impact by enhancing knowledge sharing and innovation in assistive technology.