Bruno Oro's "Happy Paws": Empowering Children with Cerebral Palsy Research Project

Bruno Oro, assistant professor of industrial design at Iowa State University’s College of Design, is working on an inspiring research project, "Happy Paws," aimed at transforming the experience of children with cerebral palsy who require orthotics.
Partnering with Limb Lab and ChildServe, Bruno introduces children to a special teddy bear. This bear undergoes the same orthotic fitting process as the child, complete with 3D modeling, printing, and custom shoe design. The idea is simple yet powerful: by creating orthotics for the teddy bear alongside those for the child, Bruno helps children understand and accept their own assistive devices more readily.
Through "Happy Paws," Bruno Oro not only innovates in pediatric orthotics but also fosters empathy and inclusivity in industrial design education. His vision extends beyond prototypes; it aims to empower children and enhance their quality of life through thoughtful design and creative engagement.
Special thanks to Eric Paskach for designing the adorable shoes for children’s bears; to Brooke Wreay, Kaitlyn Gehrels, and Tyler Young for their heartfelt illustrations; and to Alireza Bahari for his dedicated research, recording, editing, and documentation efforts.