Paul and I spent two months studying kids who use wheelchairs. A month of interviews with wheelchair users, orthopedic surgeons, occupational therapists, caregivers, and patients with limited mobility led us to an insight: for kids with limited mobility, the feeling of independence is essential.
In moments of stress (which can result from pent-up frustration & delays while attempting to navigate daily routines), kids are willing to sacrifice independence for safety or reassurance. So in moments of stress, a little boost of confidence can be really valuable, and is sometimes all it takes to maintain a feeling of independence.
We invented Puff (U.S. patent pending), a plush toy that uses a combination of hidden air pumps and solenoids to remotely inflate, or as we like to say, "fill with love." The remote signal functions over IR or WiFi, allowing Puff to be activated over any distance by a parent or friend.
We presented Puff at Maker Faire in SF and are interested in distributing Puffs to families who would like them!
If you or your child would like to have a pet Puff, let me know & we'll get you one! :)
