Student designs prosthetic arm

For his Design and Technology A Level project, one of our students has taken on the challenge of making a prosthetic arm for a woman who has a limb indifference.

Year 13 student Misha Hawksley wanted to do something for his A Level project that would not just comply with the exam requirements but would make a meaningful difference.

Misha said: “I am making a design that is somewhat unusual for a prosthetic, but it is essential that I make it fit around my client’s preferences and needs

“Bionic arms and robotics are things that interest me and I thought this would be good to do. I initially made some designs, which I showed to my teacher who said I could take it further once I had found a client. After some looking, I found a friend of a friend who said she was happy to be part of this project.

“I shared with her my first design which she liked but she said she was not really looking for a hand, so I looked at it again and came up with another design. I am looking at working with things like carbon fibre and 3D printing. Something like this can be sensitive and I want to do it properly, and it is very rewarding to have the chance to make a positive impact on someone’s life.”

Misha’s project is becoming more than just an exam requirement and he hopes to create a design that could become affordable in the marketplace. He added: “I believe lots of prosthetics are unnecessarily expensive so part of this is to show that they can be made in an accessible way.”

Head of Design and Technology, Mr Dan Weaver, said: “Design and Technology is crucial for society, driving innovation and problem-solving. Misha’s effort to create a prosthetic device for his A Level major project highlights the practical impact of this field, aiming to improve someone’s daily life.

“In this process, having a client is vital. The client’s insights offer a clear understanding of their challenges and needs, ensuring the prosthetic is not only technologically advanced but also tailored to their unique circumstances. This collaboration ensures that innovations are not just theoretical ideas but practical solutions, enhancing the quality of life for individuals and benefiting society as a whole.”

Well done to Misha for taking on this challenge.

The additional images show the initial design and an amended design for his client.

Design and Technology is an increasingly popular option at GCSE level and in the Sixth Form at Worth.

For more on Design and Technology at Worth click here.