Glifo

During the first phase, we tried to figure out which could have been the best way to accomplish the requirements we set and how to avoid constraints or make them guidelines. Rounded shapes were essential not to cause kids involuntary hurt themselves while using the product. On the second hand the eye contact was a fundamental goal to achieve in order to make the physiotherapy sessions more effective.

All the development process was done by editing the main ideas and comparing them with the requirements. As soon as we progressed we have left behind many designs, and we tested out many others with kids and their therapists. With the passage of time, we assumed that the final design should have looked simple, playful and easy to wear.

As part of the Opendot crew, we had the chance to exhibit Glifo during the 2016 Rome Maker Faire at stand B1 inside the Sanofi Genzyme pavilion. That was an important step for us because we met many interested people, some with disabilities, and talked about the project, getting feedback and suggestions for further improvements.

We also took part in an on open contest, posted on MyMiniFactory platform which required the submission of inclusive tool for disability able to solve a daily problem. We won the first prize and the platform, in collaboration with Barclays Eagle Labs and Ultimaker, sent us as a prize a brand new Ultimaker 2+ 3D printer. With this machine, we began the redesign process and beta testing of the new version of the product.

As soon as we published Glifo online for the first time we had a huge wave of appreciation and interest towards this innovation. Many people started wondering if the product was available but we weren’t ready at that time for a production line. When we launched the second product we immediately reached out all those who were interested in the product and started with them a beta testing process to get as much feedback as we could, sending them the Glifo in preview.

For this purpose we had to imagine a branding identity of the product, a packaging, produce certification and set up a delivery plan to ensure each one (also very far customers) could receive their piece.

After the redesign, Glifo received some important awards. The first one was a national prize called PNA which is awarded once a year to a deserving university.The second prize was awarded by Talent Garden Torino in the Up 4 School contest, which awarded projects that brought innovation to the school environment.

During the Milan Design Week 2018 we also participated together with Opendot at the XXI Triennale, exhibiting the project in the Micro Factory space of the exhibition “999 questions on contemporary living” designed by Stefano Mirti. During this occasion we designed a large coloring book in collaboration with two illustrators, Fonzy Nils and Silvia Mauri, who have created for us special illustrations for this event.

During the Milan Design Week 2018, we also collaborated with the Franco Albini Foundation, the historic Milanese archive and design studio. Together with them we structured and held two creative workshops to make children reflect on the meaning of inclusion and we encouraged them to imagine solutions for children like themselves, who are however marginalized because of religion, nationality or psycho-physical conditions. Glifo, from a rehabilitation tool, has become a case study to explain to the new generation the value of attention for others, beyond any difference.