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"Notaboard" Unitech Aids

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Deelaka Appuhamy

Project Timeline

Apr 2025 - Current

OVERVIEW

- The "Notaboard" is a handcrafted wooden transfer board designed to assist people with limited mobility in safely moving between surfaces such as a wheelchair, bed, or car seat. - Built from premium hardwood and finished with a smooth, sealed surface, it combines mechanical strength, ergonomic curvature, and durable construction to maximize user safety and comfort. - The board’s contoured edges reduce friction and strain during transfers, while its compact design ensures portability and ease of storage. - Each "Notaboard" is produced with Sri-Lankan sourced Jackwood under Unitech Aids, merging mechanical engineering principles with inclusive design to create a mobility aid that’s both functional and aesthetically refined.

HighlightS

-Developed an inclusive assistive device that bridges engineering and accessibility, empowering individuals with mobility challenges to transfer independently and safely.


-Engineered and prototyped multiple design iterations using CAD, FEA simulations, and ergonomic testing to optimize load capacity and user comfort.


-Achieved commercial viability — successfully launched the Notaboard across multiple e-commerce platforms, generating real customer adoption and positive feedback.


-Integrated sustainable design practices, using locally sourced wood and eco-friendly finishes while maintaining structural integrity.


-Recognized for innovation in applying mechanical engineering principles toward human-centered product design.


-Established Unitech Aids as a social-impact startup focused on affordable, durable, and aesthetically designed assistive products.

SKILLS

Product DesignCAD Modeling (Fusion 360 / SolidWorks)Finite Element Analysis (FEA)Prototyping & TestingErgonomic DesignMechanical Design PrinciplesManufacturing ProcessesWoodworking & Material SelectionUser-Centered DesignAccessibility InnovationEntrepreneurshipE-Commerce Product LaunchBranding & MarketingProject ManagementSustainability in Design

Additional Details

Notaboard – Background, Design, and Pricing Overview

Background

The Notaboard was developed under Unitech Aids, a startup founded in 2025 with the goal of making assistive devices more practical, affordable, and human-centered. The idea was born out of a personal experience  watching my father, who uses a wheelchair, struggle with transferring between surfaces safely and comfortably. Most transfer boards on the market were either too expensive, flimsy, or poorly designed for real-world use.

That’s what drove me to design something better  a transfer board that combined mechanical engineering precision with genuine everyday usability. What started as a one-off solution for my father evolved into a fully engineered and market-ready product helping others with similar mobility challenges.




The Notaboard is built from premium jackwood sourced from Sri-Lanka, chosen for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and warm, natural feel. The board’s surface is hand-finished with a non-slip matte coating, ensuring smooth but controlled motion during transfers. Its shape was refined through ergonomic testing to minimize strain and improve independence for users with limited upper-body strength.

Key Design Features:

  • Dimensions: 28" × 8" × 0.75"

  • Weight: ~1.6 kg

  • Load Capacity: Tested up to 180 kg (400 lb)

  • Finish: Medical-grade polyurethane for hygiene and durability

  • Edge Profile: Rounded to prevent skin friction and enhance grip

  • Production: CNC-machined, hand-sanded, and quality-checked locally

Every board is designed, prototyped, and assembled in Ottawa, integrating engineering precision, ergonomic testing, and user feedback from real mobility aid users.



Impact & Recognition

Since launch, the Notaboard has gained recognition for combining technical performance, sustainability, and inclusive design. It’s praised for its natural look and feel, making it less “medical” and more like a product designed for real life.


This project continues to fuel Unitech Aids’ mission: to make assistive technology that restores independence and dignity one innovation at a time.

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