URCAD continues through this weekend!
URCAD.umbc.edu
ProAesthetics: Changing How We View Prosthetic Function
Presenter:Susanna Abler (INDS/Visual Arts)
Mentor: Foad Hamidi (Information Systems)
Abstract:
When it comes to functionality, much progress has been made in mechanical and bionic prosthetic limb capabilities but less work has been done in improving the available cosmetic options for amputees. Individuals who have limb deficiencies found that they often experienced distress or a disconnect with their prosthetic limb due to its appearance and some eventually abandoned their limbs due to this disconnect (Sansoni, 2015). This research project showed how the involvement of the amputee in the cosmetic design of their limb influenced how they perceive their limb and gave it a renewed purpose outside of mechanical constraints of function, which emphasized the need for co-designing in assistive technology. Five lower-limb amputees were interviewed for a case study regarding their personal cosmetic desires for their limbs. Data from these interviews shows a variety of aesthetic interests as well as a varied understanding of what is available cosmetically for lower-limb prosthetics.