More than 30 European students and researchers took part in the Short Advanced Programme (SAP) “Beyond the Stick”, hosted by IPCA and coordinated by ID+ Researcher Miguel Terroso, during the RUN-EU Students Week and General Assembly (6-10 October).

The five-day “Beyond the Stick” design challenge invited participants to rethink the traditional cane handle through ergonomic, personalized, and aesthetically distinctive solutions developed with 3D scanning, digital modeling, and 3D printing.

Grounded in inclusive and user-centered design, the programme encouraged hands-on collaboration — from user research to rapid prototyping and testing. Participants designed functional handles tailored to individual needs, combining comfort, usability, and self-expression.

By integrating advanced digital fabrication tools and real-world problem-solving, the SAP equipped participants with valuable skills for emerging fields such as industrial design, biomedical engineering, and assistive technology innovation.

The results were outstanding — combining creativity, inclusivity, and technological experimentation. The prototypes presented showcased fresh, future-oriented ideas with strong potential for real-world application and further research within the ID+ community.
This SAP, held alongside the RUN-EU General Assembly, once again demonstrated the value of design-led collaboration across disciplines and institutions in addressing meaningful societal challenges.

With Professors Guilherme Braga da Cruz, Hugo Palmares and Tadeu Soares.