Superhero Boost — Giving Kids The Tools To Bring Their Ideas To Life
Earlier this year, kids with upper limb differences between the ages of 11–17 headed to San Francisco for Superhero Boost, a week-long program at Autodesk’s Pier 9 shops. Over the course of the week, participants worked together with professional designers and engineers “to envision and prototype their own personal wearable devices.”
Superhero Boost Founder Kate Ganim has a personal connection to these kids.
“My sister was born with an upper limb difference, so I had a personal interest in working with this community,” said Kate.
Kate is also the Co-Director of KIDmob, a non-profit, “mobile, kid-integrated design firm.” It was during work with KIDmob that the idea for Superhero Boost came about.
“Kids were excited to get these 3D printed “cyborg-looking” hands — which begged the question for us: why stop at a hand when it could be literally anything? If not a hand, what could it be?” she explained.
With the help of partners Autodesk, Google, and Born Just Right, Superhero Boost gives young people the opportunity to conceive of, design, and build special prosthetics that do everything from light up to squirt glitter.
Participants used technology which included Tinkercad, robotics, 3D printing, and Google’s AIY kits to create their projects. 16-year-old Kenzie made a sculptural form that has a glowing gemstone. She worked with professionals to bring her idea to life.
“It was great to work with professional designers and it taught me quite a bit about the design process and the communication aspect of having a team work on one thing you’re in control of — to make all the parts work together cohesively,” she told Smart Girls.
In addition to the numerous opportunities for participants — like meeting other kids with upper limb differences, increasing technical skills (like 3D modeling + 3D printing, robotics, prototyping), gaining confidence, fostering relationships with design and engineering professionals, Superhero Boost is also making strides when it comes to the stigma surrounding disabilities.
“Disabilities are often problematized — people always want to help and to “fix” it,” said Kate. “Most of the kids we have worked with were born with their physical difference, so they don’t identify as ‘missing’ a limb. They are as strong and capable as any other kid their age, and maybe more so.”
“We want to create a space for kids to celebrate the bodies that they’re in, and to challenge others to see their physical differences in a new light.” — Kate Ganim, KIDmob & Superhero Boost
Superhero Boost participants aren’t the only ones who benefit. Mentors from Autodesk work with the kids to help them bring their projects to life.
“The DNA of our company is creativity, design and making, and so when you’re used to working with professional customers and you get to work with kids to make their designs come to life, and you see that moment, that a-ha moment, where their idea has actually come into the tangible world. It’s pretty amazing,” said Autodesk’s Sarah O’Rourke.
At the latest Superhero Boost, 15-year-old Sydney added lights to her existing BMX prosthetic, which she can use while racing against competitors.
“I feel that all amputee or limb different children should be able to experience this camp,” she said. “The mentors are truly inspiring and help you get your dreams and make them a reality.”
Both Kenzie and Sydney are continuing to work on further developing their prosthetics with designers and mentors.
To find out more about Superhero Boost and how to support their work, visit superheroboost.org
All images courtesy of Superhero Boost.
