Wanna show off your design skills? How about helping those in need? You can do both with the Within Reach Summer Design Challenge.

The MatterHackers Within Reach Design Challenge is a worldwide contest to develop functional, 3D printed tools for individuals with limited use of their hands.

The brief is simple; to design a tool that would make life easier or more convenient for someone with limited use of their hands or fingers. Entries are split into two categories: youth under 18, and adults 18 and over.

Each category will have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners with prizes sponsored by Ultimaker, MatterHackers, and eNABLE.

Pinshape is hosting the challenge submissions, with judging handled by professional designers and members of the eNABLE community.

The Within Reach Design Challenge starts Monday 11 July and ends Tuesday 6 September. Check out the video below for more details.

Lofty Goals Within Reach

Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide have to live without the full use of their hands, including stroke victims, military veterans, arthritis sufferers, children affected by severe epilepsy, and others with debilitating conditions.

Last year, MatterHackers designed a few simple tools to help Brandy Leigh Scott, whose hands have been closing into fists since she was diagnosed with a rare condition called Dupuytrens Contracture when she was seven years old.

When Jen Owen of enablingthefuture.org saw the Brandy Story video MatterHackers had created, showing how impactful these tools have been to Brandy’s life, she was inspired to create the Within Reach Challenge.

Helpful advice from those behind the challenge: “You can design something for Brandy, a friend, a Grandparent, your local barista, anyone who inspires you to help. Try wrapping your own hands in tape or socks for a day and see what tasks you find difficult. How can you make it better?”

Designers are also encouraged to participate in the online conversation and build momentum for their designs throughout the summer by posting photos and video with hashtag #WithinReach3DP. You can also tag @Pinshape @MatterHackers @EnableTheFuture or @Ultimaker on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

For more information on the Within Reach Design Challenge, visit the MatterHackers pages and the Enabling the Future page too.