The Need

Rich McCracken, a retired lab technician and current substitute high school teacher, is the inventor and owner of Stackable 3D Tic Tac Toe LLC in Clearfield County. The therapeutic game board has potential applications in both physical therapy and education.  After a severe hand injury from a saw, McCracken envisioned a product that could help patients improve motor skills and encourage strategic thinking. To make that vision a reality, he needed to refine the design and add digital capabilities.

The Project

After being referred to PennTAP by Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA and the PennWest Clarion SBDC, McCracken began collaborating with PennTAP Advisor Jenn Jones. Together, they set two main priorities: redesigning the therapy board to be lighter, more adaptable, and more functional, and adding digital capabilities to track progress.

To bring these ideas to life, PennTAP connected McCracken with two Penn State Learning Factory senior engineering teams. The physical redesign team improved the board’s structure by incorporating 3D-printed components, lighter materials, and a dovetail-style docking system that allows multiple boards to connect. They also created therapy stands that can rotate 180 degrees, enabling a wider range of rehabilitation exercises that engage different muscle groups.

Meanwhile, the digital design team developed a programming framework capable of recording puzzle completion times, wins, difficulty levels, and gameplay modes. They also implemented secure cloud sharing, allowing therapists, doctors, and physical therapy patients to review progress from any location.

Outcomes

The collaboration improved the board’s usability, durability, and versatility, opening new possibilities in physical therapy, special education, and public settings. Student-led testing provided valuable insights into materials and functionality, guiding future enhancements.

PennTAP also helped McCracken secure $8,000 in combined funding from the Farrell Center Voucher Program and other Learning Factory resources, covering the full cost of both projects.

Beyond the technical advancements, McCracken valued the opportunity to mentor the Learning Factory students.

“PennTAP connected me to resources that provided opportunities I would never have found, including helping to find full funding for both projects,” he said.

Inspired by the collaboration, McCracken hopes to connect local high school students interested in engineering and related industries with organizations such as the Learning Factory.

With PennTAP’s guidance and the creativity of Penn State students, Stackable 3D Tic Tac Toe is poised to become a widely available tool that brings therapeutic benefits to patients needing physical therapy and educational value to learners.

Client

Stackable 3D Tic Tac Toe LLC

Rich McCracken, Owner

Clearfield County, PA