Core77

Over the next few weeks we will be highlighting award-winning projects and ideas from this year's Core77 Design Awards 2012! For full details on the project, jury commenting and more information about the awards program, go to Core77DesignAwards.com

• R-Mano glove
• Designer: Hugo Messier
• Location: University of Montreal
• Category: Soft Goods
• Award: Student Notable

R-Mano is an orthopaedic glove that allows the user to secure an object to his hand, maintaining prehension during an activity. Specially designed for people with hand disabilities, the glove's grip is ensured by a strap system that ties to the back of the hand. The system adjusts to different objects' sizes, providing the user with an adaptable and very accurate fit.

How did you learn that you had been recognized by the jury?
I was waiting for the results with a lot of enthusiasm so I was watching the live broadcast of the jury .

What's the latest news or development with your project?
The R-Mano glove is currently on its way to be produced and commercialized. We recently received the second batch of samples and are mesuring their potential. By the end of this summer we will have gathered all the information required for production and will start distribution to selected dealers.

What is one quick anecdote about your project?
Even though I knew the project and its aim would teach me a lot of great lessons, I had forgotten it would also teach me some basic knowledge...At the beginning of this project, I didn't know how to sew! After many hours of struggling hard with the machine, I finally won the battle. I can now proudly say I don't need my grandmother to hem my pants anymore!

What was an "a-ha" moment from this project?
Once the first prototype was finished I tested it successfully with a 10 pounds weight. It is then that I truly realized the potential of the glove that I was developing. This was definitely the greatest day of my semester.