Based on a workshop presented by Charles Wales, a guided design project was developed for a junior mechanical design class at California State University-Chico. This course involves lectures on the design process and an extension of the basic mechanics of materials concepts, particularly as related to design and prevention of failure. The objective of the project was to develop an orthotic arm aid for paralytics which was to be operated largely under programmed control. The process included steps relating to goal establishment, information gathering, component analysis and possible solutions, constraints, choice, and analysis/synthesis. The project was completed by groups of 4 students, who met for a weekly, 2-hour activity period for 5 weeks. A group-written report and an oral report were required. The project was relatively well received, i.e., most students were enthusiastic, but wanted to be "spoon-fed" more. Appendices contain a detailed explanation of the principal components of the design, a summary of the project evaluation, and students' individual evaluative comments. Three references are listed. (LMM)