The Make:able Design Challenge is a competition that encourages students to create innovative assistive devices using 3D printing technology. This challenge is aimed at young designers, engineers, and makers who are passionate about improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Students are tasked with designing and fabricating devices that can aid in daily activities, enhance mobility, or provide other forms of support to those in need. The challenge not only highlights the potential of 3D printing in creating custom, functional solutions but also fosters creativity and community engagement among the next generation of problem-solvers.

Check out the video below for a quick look at some of the amazing projects:

Winners of ‘Best Showcase of Empathy’ (Under 14 Age Group)

The winners of the ‘Best Showcase of Empathy’ for the under 14 age group are Parson Hills Elementary from Springdale Public Schools in the USA. They will receive a Creality3D CR-M4 3D printer, courtesy of MatterHackers. Team members Marjorie and Alondra designed a solution for their friend Malachi, who was diagnosed with a hand tremor and relies on expensive store-bought pencil weights to aid his handwriting. Using Tinkercad and 3D printing, the team created inexpensive hollow pencil weights, which were then filled with ball bearings to provide Malachi with the precise support he needs.

View their submission video here: 

Winners of ‘Best Showcase of Empathy’ (14-18 Age Group)

The winners of the ‘Best Showcase of Empathy’ for the 14-18 age group are TechnoGeex MC2 from RoboGeex Academy in Lebanon. They will receive a Creality3D CR-M4 3D printer, courtesy of MatterHackers. Team members Imad, Ghaith, Mossab, Jad, and Hanin designed a customized assembly kit for individuals with cerebral hypoxia. This kit features color-coded, magnetically connected, 3D-printed pieces that can be formed into various shapes and models. The solution, aimed at enhancing fine motor skills, has demonstrated significant potential for both educational and recreational use, tailored to accommodate the user’s abilities.

View their submission video here: 

Winners of ‘Best Creative Idea’ (Under 14 Age Group)

The winners of the ‘Best Creative Idea’ for the under 14 age group are ATIC from RoboGeex Academy in Lebanon. They will receive an MH Build “The Works!” Filament Bundle Pack, courtesy of MatterHackers. Their innovative project, the “Necklace of Hope,” supports communication between deaf mothers and their children under the age of three. The necklace produces voice phrases by replicating the tone of the mother’s voice and detects loud sounds, including the crying of the child.

View their submission video here: 

Winners of ‘Best Creative Idea’ (14-18 Age Group)

The winners of the ‘Best Creative Idea’ for the 14-18 age group are TechnoGeex MC1 from RoboGeex Academy in Lebanon. They will receive an MH Build “The Works!” Filament Bundle Pack, courtesy of MatterHackers. Team members Ahmad, Nabil, Osama, and Maysoon designed a pill dispenser for the elderly to help them take their medication on time. Users can set the device to dispense pills at specific times, and it will remind them with an alarm.

View their submission video here: 

You can learn more about the Make:able Design Challenge here - be sure to sign up to get started for the 2025 challenge!

A HUGE THANKS to our partner, PrintLab for creating and executing the Make:able Design Challenge. 

PrintLab Classroom is an online platform that offers a comprehensive 3D printing curriculum designed for educators and students. It provides a range of resources and lesson plans aimed at integrating 3D printing into the classroom environment. Here are some key features and aspects of PrintLab Classroom.