Puffin
We're making assistive technology that fits itself to the user, instead of the other way around.
Project Description
Birth of the Puffin
Why we need your help!
In addition to supporting the sustainability of our project, a crowdfunding campaign would supplement related costs that the grant does not allow such as legal services and a robust branding campaign leading to the product launch.
In the United States, over 5 million have a form of paralysis, many of whom are isolated from their community, living in poverty, and unable to find gainful employment.
Such disabilities impede utilization of mobile devices, preventing full and independent participation in society. Most are unable to use integrated services such as transportation apps, mobile banking, e-commerce, home automation, etc., additionally impacting access to education and employment.
The Puffin is a combination of hardware and software that provides access to a variety of devices, i.e. computers and mobile phones. It allows users to increase their employment opportunities and enhance economic potential typically unavailable to this population; empowering them to gain marketable skills, such as coding, CAD development, etc. Moreover, connecting with apps like home automation systems gives users control of their environment with minimal assistance, aiding in independence.
Funds raised will help us accomplish the following:
- $10,000 for patent filing
- $20,000 to market our first 500 sales
- $40,000 to increase production by getting an injection mold
#SelfiesForAll
We also want to share our official hashtag for this campaign, #SelfiesForAll – we believe that everyone has the right to be able to take a
SELFIE! And with our Puffin Device, we will give access to selfie-making magic to a population of incredible people who have been underserved.
Ellen DeGeneres put selfies on the map with her famous, star-studded Oscar night photo – but selfies aren’t just for celebrities!
We were inspired to start this movement when I, Adriana, impressed the judges at the MIT 2015 Assistive Tech Hackathon by taking a selfie with them and my team – this moment helped us WIN that hackathon and propel the mission to where we are today!
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Puffin’s goal is to make technology accessible for all without compromising quality. Assistive technology is a great example of health-related expenses gone awry. When things have the assistive technology label on them, the cost of the product rises exponentially. Many people with significant disabilities live in poverty, so these costs prohibit them from attaining essential technologies - the reason affordability is a factor in our initiative.
To be accessible, this technology needs to be affordable for all users. That philosophy influences our development process and forces us to think outside the box. We have learned that thinking about technology from a user cost perspective adds value to our product because that creativity can lead to novel ideas. By attaining as much non-equity draining investments as possible for manufacturing and distribution of the product will allow us to maintain a level affordability for our target market.
Sending a virtual high five and massive hug - we are eternally grateful for your support and will tweet out our thanks!
Sending a virtual high five and massive hug - PLUS receive an awesome PUFFIN STICKER! Social Media shout out included
Sending a virtual high five and massive hug - PLUS receive an awesome #SELFIESFORALL STICKER! Social Media shoutout included
Sport your Puffin tote bag to carry all of your assistive technology needs! Delivery in time for the holidays!
The Puffin hoodie will keep you cozy this winter - delivery in time for the holidays! Sizes available are S, M, L, XL (men's/women's/children's sizes available)
The perfect holiday gift of all of our best Puffin gear - Tote Bag, Hoodie, both stickers, PLUS a wheelchair headrest cover and seatbelt pad of your choosing!
Your name will live forever on our site as an original Puffin Team Supporter - we will be forever grateful (literally)!
You and Puffin Co-Founders, Adriana Mallozzi & Shana Penna, will have a 1-hour Skype session on universal design
(empty description)
Pre-order The Puffin Device for yourself or as a gift to an individual or organization
Puffin Co-Founders Adriana Mallozzi & Shana Penna will come to your event/school/organization to talk in person about Puffin and their mission to make technology accessible for all! *Available in the Boston-Metro Area ONLY.
Come visit the Puffin HQ in Boston and join the team for a day - includes a Puffin Swag Bag, and of course, an Honorary Team Member Uniform (tee-shirt!). *travel expenses not included
Rewards
Sending a virtual high five and massive hug - we are eternally grateful for your support and will tweet out our thanks!
Sending a virtual high five and massive hug - PLUS receive an awesome PUFFIN STICKER! Social Media shout out included
Sending a virtual high five and massive hug - PLUS receive an awesome #SELFIESFORALL STICKER! Social Media shoutout included
Sport your Puffin tote bag to carry all of your assistive technology needs! Delivery in time for the holidays!
The Puffin hoodie will keep you cozy this winter - delivery in time for the holidays! Sizes available are S, M, L, XL (men's/women's/children's sizes available)
The perfect holiday gift of all of our best Puffin gear - Tote Bag, Hoodie, both stickers, PLUS a wheelchair headrest cover and seatbelt pad of your choosing!
Your name will live forever on our site as an original Puffin Team Supporter - we will be forever grateful (literally)!
You and Puffin Co-Founders, Adriana Mallozzi & Shana Penna, will have a 1-hour Skype session on universal design
(empty description)
Pre-order The Puffin Device for yourself or as a gift to an individual or organization
Puffin Co-Founders Adriana Mallozzi & Shana Penna will come to your event/school/organization to talk in person about Puffin and their mission to make technology accessible for all! *Available in the Boston-Metro Area ONLY.
Come visit the Puffin HQ in Boston and join the team for a day - includes a Puffin Swag Bag, and of course, an Honorary Team Member Uniform (tee-shirt!). *travel expenses not included