How can design help reduce the stigma around prosthetics and those who wear them?

Our project on the exploration of the future of prosthetics was both an exchiting and a thought provoking experience that encouraged us to think beyond what we knew an look into a future that is constantly changing its path.

Our project focused on the survival spect that a prosthetic may provide in the event of a natural disaster. We named our device NutriPlug due to the nature of its function. The NutriPlug is of course only speculative design object yet it bases itself on real life issues which are likely to worsen in the next few years, unless we take action. We based its function on the constant increase of natural disasters happening in the southern hemisphere and the subsequent lack of natural resources and aliments for the population to feed on and get back on its feet in the aftermath of the disaster . The consequences of this lack of nutrients for those victims of the natural disasters who find themselves deprived of all resources is of crucial matter as it causes further weakness and health issues that prevent the individuals and he comunity as a whole to heal. The NutriPulug works in such way that through a self-adhesive plug that enters through a small incision within the calf, so to reach the necessary veins, it is capable to monitor the body’s nutritional levels and pump into the system the nutrients required for the body to keep functioning, thus eliminating the risk of malnutrition or sickness.

During the research process we gathered volunteers and had them come in and try on the prosthetic so to tell us their genuine ideas about the prototype and thoughts or concerns regarding what that meant for the future. During the three sessions we carried out, there were specifically themes that kept reappearing. The first was naturally that of the impact of climate change and how the prosthetic would be a good adaptation, and the second being that the device’s design and shape itself stood out too much for someone to actually wear it on a day-to-day basis. Even if not directly said, this brings about the existing stigma around prosthetics, which are still not as integrated within our society’s culture as one would have hoped or expected.

With the increasing national news coverage over the last decade that show people that have lost limbs due to incidents during the war has definitely helped desensitize the idea of missing a limb. Yet this can also cause for the public to have a preconceived notion of amputees being perceived as damaged and in seek of rescue, which is not for the public to decide. Nonetheless, the general increase of media coverage has helped to improve the public’s perception of prosthetics and see them as something a bit less “alien” than before.

Another design initiative that aims to encourage and intrigue people on the topic of prosthetics is a project called The Alternative Limb Project by Sophie de Oliveira Barata. Her aim is to show and promote how prosthetics are wearable art pieces that can add value to one’s being. Her clients vary from Paralympic athletes to video game companies that seek to bring to life a character’s trait or aspect into the real world and make it a physical reality.

The project as a whole is an ongoing exhibition that was first launched and presented in 2012 in London. The project quickly began to gain fame and slowly Sophie began to receive mutiple clients who were interested in a prosthetic that enhanced the notion of “more than human”. Sophie explains how the process of having complete freedom over what ones leg or arm will look like, becomes like something that the individual has an advantage on rather than something they’re lacking or it being a poorer version of the original limb. This excitement and new empowered feeling that movements and artists like Sophie are what are changing the conversations about amputees, where rather than feeling uncomfortable towards prosthetics that look somewhat like a real limb, now the public cant help but express curiosity towards the piece of art.

Design has definitely the power to change the public’s attitude towards the world of prosthetics as we see it become more popular and inclusive than ever. The potential design carries to individualize and help feel uniqe and proud of one’s body is something that should be continued to be explored and to eventually help us come round to the notion of going beyond what our bodies are born like and use them as canvases for our unlimited creativity.

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