A remarkable breakthrough in assistive technology has emerged, bringing joy and independence to those living with Parkinson’s disease. The innovative smart keyboard, named “OnCue,” has been celebrated as the Global Winner of the esteemed 2025 James Dyson Award.
This exceptional creation was brought to life by Italian product designer Alessandra Galli during her studies at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. OnCue stands out as the first keyboard specifically designed to integrate helpful cues that address the challenges of motor symptoms such as tremors, slowed movements, and episodes of freezing.
James Dyson, the visionary behind the award, praised OnCue as “a clever and empowering solution, allowing people with Parkinson’s and other motor conditions to stay connected and communicate independently.” His dedication to innovation is well-known, as he famously developed 5,126 prototypes before perfecting the first bagless vacuum cleaner.
Galli’s motivation for developing OnCue came from insightful focus group discussions that highlighted the typing difficulties faced by individuals with Parkinson’s, which often affected their confidence and sense of independence. The keyboard’s thoughtfully designed features work harmoniously to foster a smoother typing experience:
- Haptic Feedback: Gentle vibrations are emitted through the keys and optional wristbands, guiding users in maintaining a consistent typing rhythm while compensating for decreased tactile sensitivity.
- AI Lighting System: This intelligent feature anticipates the next letter a user is likely to type and illuminates the corresponding key with a green light, reducing hesitation and minimizing errors—common challenges for those with the condition.
- Ergonomic Design: Drawing inspiration from gaming keyboards, OnCue boasts a compact, split layout that alleviates strain on the hands and arms. The keycaps are designed with raised edges to aid finger placement and prevent accidental presses.
OnCue also embraces customization, allowing users to modify the intensity of haptic and visual cues through both software and physical sliders, ensuring it adapts to the daily variations in Parkinson’s symptoms.
Thanks to the generous $40,000 award from Dyson, Galli is excited to bring her invention to market, enhancing the electronics and collaborating with occupational therapists and Parkinson’s organizations for further usability testing.
For those eager to learn more about this wonderful innovation and keep up with its development, visit the project’s website at OnCueDesign.net.
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