Utah Tech Graduate Turns Personal Challenge Into Assistive Technology

Utah Tech University graphic design graduate Dallin Mattson was given a midterm assignment to solve an everyday problem he personally faced. Living with partial blindness, he saw an opportunity to create a product that could improve daily navigation, leading to the creation of C4U™.

Mattson was born with glaucoma in his left eye. At a young age, he underwent surgery to relieve pressure, which resulted in the removal of most of the eye and left him with a prosthetic. Growing up with limited vision on one side, he became accustomed to frequently bumping into walls and struggling to fully perceive his surroundings.

But as a big brother, Mattson had an even more compelling reason to invent a solution. “My younger brother is actually legally blind. He has those thick glasses, and he never liked being ‘the blind kid’ with the cane,” Mattson said. “I wanted to create this product to help him and others move around the world confidently without extra eyes looking.”

Mattson’s wearable technology is a baseball cap designed to recognize surroundings and alert the user when approaching a wall, doorway, or other obstacles. The original design notified users through small vibrations and lights above the right eye. With guidance from Wayne Provost, director of innovation, guidance, and support at Atwood Innovation Plaza, the design evolved to include 360-degree sensors and vibration motors positioned around the cap, making it accessible for fully blind users.

“Dallin is a remarkable kid. My heart went out to him,” Provost said. “I saw his design as a game changer for individuals with optical problems, and we wanted to extend the product to take into consideration all different types of blindness.”

With Provost’s support, C4U™ is now in the process of securing a nonprovisional patent. Mattson first connected with Provost through his professor, Rachel Ramsey, who recognized the project’s potential and helped introduce him to additional resources. Provost later brought Douglas Osborn onto the project to assist with the electronic development of the product and mentor Mattson through the technical process.

“Doc (Provost) almost jumped out of his chair when we showed him the first prototype,” Mattson said. “He immediately wanted to start the patent process.”

Following the pending patent, Provost and Mattson hope to market C4U™ and introduce a product that could significantly improve mobility and confidence for individuals in the blind and visually impaired community.

The addition of Atwood Innovation Plaza in 2019 has opened doors and opportunities for Utah Tech students to partner with professionals and build upon ideas that better the community. Mattson is an example of real-world innovation extending beyond the Utah Tech classroom.

Learn more at innovation.utahtech.edu.