Adapdom is a future business arm of herARTS in Action! Hi, my name is Sarah Drake. I’m the founder of herARTS in Action (nonprofit) and Adapdom (business). The website is under development as we establish the business and product. Read what we are planning, and reach out if you'd like to learn more or help.
Brief Description
It’s hand support for the affected by the affected.
Elevator Pitch
For myself and others with pain and mobility issues in their fingers, hands, and wrists who are dissatisfied with using different devices for each problem we face, our product is an all-in-one support that provides a solution to needing multiple, expensive devices that also flare up pain to put on. Unlike 3M and Ace supports that need to be replaced frequently, and are uncomfortable and unsightly, we have quality, whole-hand support that is professional, fashionable, and instills confidence in the wearer.
Deep Insight
Globally, 350 million people have arthritis and 400 million have fibromyalgia. In the US it’s the number one cause of disability, and 88% say it affects quality of life. Studies say arthritis pain is one of the hardest to describe because it’s felt so intensely. Women are affected by both more than men. Did you know red heads just feel more pain in general?
This is me! Almost a year ago to date, I was crying from pain but also figuring out what to do because I was supposed to be dressing up for a gala and debating, do I wear this hideous brace that looks ridiculous with my outfit and it doesn’t even fully give me the support that I need but at least it’s something, or do I go without any support at all so I look better but risk more pain? The artist in me thought, I can design something better.
Problem
If you’re like me and you have fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other issues in your fingers, hands, and wrists, you need a different device for each issue you have and you can’t wear all of the devices at the same time. They are expensive to buy and need to be replaced frequently (monthly in my case). If you need them for both hands like me, it gets really expensive. Material wears out and causes pain to use, plus they look unprofessional. Current products decrease confidence and a sense of belonging for the wearer, so some even choose not to wear them.
Your Vision
Just because I have pain and mobility issues, it doesn’t mean I have to feel or look like I do. With proper support, wearers will experience more normalization, which removes embarrassment and leads to social inclusion, be able to work and make money, and participate in hobbies and activities with decreased or no pain. They will participate in life and enjoy it!
Why it Matters
Globally arthritis affects 210 million women. And fibromyalgia affects 320 million women. By 2050, 1 billion people will have arthritis, and just over 1 billion will have fibromyalgia. This is important to me because I’m an artist and humanitarian with these issues, and I need my hands to change the world.
Customer
I am my first customer. My early adopters are women, ages 30 to 60 years old with pains and weaknesses in their fingers, hands and wrists who want to remain active, look good, and feel confident, whether making art with kids or going to a gala fundraiser for access to water and education in Africa. They’re still working and most likely live or worked in rural areas. It’s been suggested that future ideations be for gamers.
Customer Need
Based on my experience and two dozen interviews, us customers need support from our finger tips through our hands pass our wrists. The support will aid in:
Solution
I'm creating a compression support glove with coverage from the fingertips through the hand and past the wrist that is easy to take on and off. Gloves have everyday, heavy-duty, evening and sleep styles, plus accessories.
Traction
My medical team is behind me. They’ve let me bounce design ideas, and offered to refer their patients to test and purchase. Every single interviewee has encouraged me and said they will buy the glove. One person even said they will pay to test the glove, which is currently in prototype and being adjusted as I speak.
What is Next
I need help with the steps that come after fabric selection and sewing the MVP. Referrals and funds for a lawyer for patent, copyright, FDA, and IP paperwork and for an engineer to bring my MVP forward are needed. Then funds are needed for product development.
Help me get these hands going and doing more good in the world. Thank you!
Brief Description
It’s hand support for the affected by the affected.
Elevator Pitch
For myself and others with pain and mobility issues in their fingers, hands, and wrists who are dissatisfied with using different devices for each problem we face, our product is an all-in-one support that provides a solution to needing multiple, expensive devices that also flare up pain to put on. Unlike 3M and Ace supports that need to be replaced frequently, and are uncomfortable and unsightly, we have quality, whole-hand support that is professional, fashionable, and instills confidence in the wearer.
Deep Insight
Globally, 350 million people have arthritis and 400 million have fibromyalgia. In the US it’s the number one cause of disability, and 88% say it affects quality of life. Studies say arthritis pain is one of the hardest to describe because it’s felt so intensely. Women are affected by both more than men. Did you know red heads just feel more pain in general?
This is me! Almost a year ago to date, I was crying from pain but also figuring out what to do because I was supposed to be dressing up for a gala and debating, do I wear this hideous brace that looks ridiculous with my outfit and it doesn’t even fully give me the support that I need but at least it’s something, or do I go without any support at all so I look better but risk more pain? The artist in me thought, I can design something better.
Problem
If you’re like me and you have fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other issues in your fingers, hands, and wrists, you need a different device for each issue you have and you can’t wear all of the devices at the same time. They are expensive to buy and need to be replaced frequently (monthly in my case). If you need them for both hands like me, it gets really expensive. Material wears out and causes pain to use, plus they look unprofessional. Current products decrease confidence and a sense of belonging for the wearer, so some even choose not to wear them.
Your Vision
Just because I have pain and mobility issues, it doesn’t mean I have to feel or look like I do. With proper support, wearers will experience more normalization, which removes embarrassment and leads to social inclusion, be able to work and make money, and participate in hobbies and activities with decreased or no pain. They will participate in life and enjoy it!
Why it Matters
Globally arthritis affects 210 million women. And fibromyalgia affects 320 million women. By 2050, 1 billion people will have arthritis, and just over 1 billion will have fibromyalgia. This is important to me because I’m an artist and humanitarian with these issues, and I need my hands to change the world.
Customer
I am my first customer. My early adopters are women, ages 30 to 60 years old with pains and weaknesses in their fingers, hands and wrists who want to remain active, look good, and feel confident, whether making art with kids or going to a gala fundraiser for access to water and education in Africa. They’re still working and most likely live or worked in rural areas. It’s been suggested that future ideations be for gamers.
Customer Need
Based on my experience and two dozen interviews, us customers need support from our finger tips through our hands pass our wrists. The support will aid in:
- Daily activities, work and hobbies while decreasing pain and stiffness
- Dressing up for special occasions with positive self esteem
- And be easy to take on and off
Solution
I'm creating a compression support glove with coverage from the fingertips through the hand and past the wrist that is easy to take on and off. Gloves have everyday, heavy-duty, evening and sleep styles, plus accessories.
Traction
My medical team is behind me. They’ve let me bounce design ideas, and offered to refer their patients to test and purchase. Every single interviewee has encouraged me and said they will buy the glove. One person even said they will pay to test the glove, which is currently in prototype and being adjusted as I speak.
What is Next
I need help with the steps that come after fabric selection and sewing the MVP. Referrals and funds for a lawyer for patent, copyright, FDA, and IP paperwork and for an engineer to bring my MVP forward are needed. Then funds are needed for product development.
Help me get these hands going and doing more good in the world. Thank you!