GitHub repository: https://github.com/nathanfu88/opentdcs
The future isn't just written in code; it's wired in hardware. But what happens when you combine open-source philosophy with neurological treatment? In this episode, Nathan unveils his latest project: a low-cost, open-source Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (TDCS) device designed to treat conditions like depression and anxiety. We explore how standardizing the hardware and software for these devices can help facilitate clinical trials and solve the massive accessibility gap in mental health care. We also dive into the messy reality of physical product development. From the challenges of sourcing components in an AI-dominated supply chain to the nuances of choosing an Apache license for open-source hardware, we break down what it actually takes to bring a medical hardware concept to life. You will learn why multidisciplinary feedback is absolutely crucial during the sticky "middle phase" of execution, and how this simple circuit could democratize treatment.