1. Drawing with Feet
We are capable of more than we think.
Humans adapt to change, no matter what
form that change takes. Look at this
self-portrait for example; it was drawn
using feet!
Viktoria Modesta, a Latvian-
born pop-star with an
amputated leg. It was meant
to get us thinking about
what having a disability
meant and to question the
preconceived notions we
held about it.
Eyewear is a prime example of a product that addresses a disability
with beautiful and numerous designs that carry no social stigma. However, things
weren’t always this way: glasses were once viewed as a medical apparatus. They
were flesh-colored, un-styled, and a cause of social humiliation
Designers, non-designers, and volunteers come together in this course
to design a product that effectively addresses a need while simultaneously
creating a positive emotional connection between product and user. Such design
can empower a person, not by hiding a part of themselves but by embracing
everything that they are.
There is one group project that is the central and
ongoing assignment in the course. Each group decides on a project
that addresses some challenge faced by people with a disability.
They document their design process, which culminates into a book
chapter which finds its way into a book published by the Industrial
Design department every year.
We, as researchers in this course, support the projects
and work of the students by finding and compiling relevant data for
the class. In doing so, we minimize the time they would need to
spend individually to find the information, and we provide
information that may not be necessary but insightful and stimulating.
A major concern most people have
when interacting with people with disabilities
is knowing what is acceptable and what is
disrespectful. The key thing to be conscious of
is your choice of words. Aim to empower,
respect, and choose person-centered wording.
For example, the terms disabled people or the
disabled should be replaced with person with a
disability, effectively making the person the
primary focus as opposed to their disability
status.
Obviously there are other things to
consider, but most importantly, be open to
correction. It’s impossible to know every
socially acceptable action to take, so if you
make a social faux-pas, learn from it.
Definition of Disability
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and
Health (ICF)
Population of people with disability
United States Census Bureau report in 2010
Empathic modeling is essentially a simulation method designers use to
experience something they do not personally know. In industrial design, it can be used to
simulate some disabilities.
Hand tremors take the form of an of a persons’ hands, which affects almost
every aspect of life. We focused on eating difficulties associated with it, by trying to eat
with weighted, vibrating cutlery. Solid and liquid foods would spill out, among other
difficulties experienced. We were among
friends for this activity, but how would it
feel surrounded by strangers? Good design
could address the physical realities facing
people with hand tremor and not create a
negative social stigma with its appearance.
We are attracted to Shawna’s project
pitch; to design her “dream leg” that
provides her with the silhouette of a
woman’s leg, and beautiful coverings
that reflect her interests and character.
Shawna lost her leg due to cancer when
she was 9 years old, and although having one leg
sometimes causes her some inconvenience, she never
tries to hide it. It is a part of who she is, and she takes
pride in herself.
Post-it note Brainstorming
You’ll find that Industrial
designers love Post-it
Notes! It allows them to
jot down ideas, move
them around, and
visually organize their
thoughts. In doing so,
they find connections
and ideas they would
not otherwise see in the plethora of Information.