Hello Everyone!
My name is Zachary Samalonis and I am an industrial design student at Jefferson University in Philadelphia. As a senior, we are tasked with a "capstone" project, which is an 8-month deep dive in an area of our choice. I have always had an interest in medical design and the idea of using design to help others. I have been a cross country and track runner for ten years now, so I started to think about how I could merge my love for sports and my drive to help others. One sport I am researching at the moment is adaptive surfing. I have been amazed at the stories I have read about individuals and how they have learned to adapt.

As designers, we often times research various areas in the market and look for both gaps and pain points with current equipment. For example, during my research, I have seen many solutions and hacks for lower limb amputees, but far less for upper limb amputees.

My goal moving forward would be to work with an individual or group of individuals (with similar struggles) that would be willing to test prototypes, deliver feedback and hopefully, in the end, see their performance improve (and if we are lucky to find solutions for others too!).

I look forward to hearing your stories!

Zach Samalonis
zachsamdesigns@gmail.com