'handy' is an open source tool designed to slow the spread of COVID-19

created by a visiting postdoctoral scholar at stanford university, matteo zallio, ‘handy’ is a multipurpose tool that provides a physical barrier between our hands and surfaces. designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the opensource device aims to help people avoid touching contaminated surfaces in order to prevent further spread of the virus. 

handy can help you open the pull handle of your car

all images courtesy of matteo zallio

zallio, a user experience researcher with a background in architecture and design, noticed how difficult it is to open doors, press buttons and interact with objects in the public space since the spread of COVID-19. the idea behind ‘handy’ is to therefore offer an open source response to combating the virus, which is reportedly known to last on some surfaces for days.

the tool can help you press ATM buttons 

the open source, 3D-printed, and personal device can be used every day to pull or push a door handle, to open the car door, to push a button and to easily grab grocery bags. the aim of the multipurpose tool is to avoid direct contact with handles, buttons, bags and other daily objects outside of our homes, helping to increase hygiene and to lower the chances of becoming infected.

or pedestrian stop buttons 

handy can be 3D printed at home, printed via online 3D printing services, or for those who are creative, made by cutting and gluing layers of cardboard together. this might be a fun activity to do with kids and you can find the file and instructions for DIY manufacturing here. handy is customizable, easy to carry, personal, ergonomic (with a design that fits fingers of any size, and limits hand torsion), can be used by right or left-handed individuals and is easy to sanitize.

the tool fits all types of push handles

the tool can help you ergonomically carry shopping bags by correctly distributing the weight

handy fits a variety of pull handles

handy in action

handy in action

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom