Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
Widening the Interpretation of Assistive Devices – A Designer’s Approach to Assistive Technology
Grieg, Jesper; Keitsch, Martina Maria; Boks, Casper
Type:
Year:
2014
Editor:
Miko Laakso, Kalevi Ekman
Author:
Series:
NordDESIGN
Institution:
Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
Section:
Users in design and development
Page(s):
303-314
ISBN:
978-1-904670-58-2
Abstract:
Assistive technology (AT) has traditionally focused on being ergonomic, functional and useful. The main aesthetic design maxim has been discretion, as in disguising or hiding the device. However, abandonment and non-use of acquired assistive device (AD) among people with disabilities is also a documented problem within the ‘discretion’ approach. A recent approach is to make the assistive technology products more ‘mainstream’. This paper explores various approaches to design of assistive devices. We suggest a widened interpretation of AT that can be categorized into ‘enhancing assistive devices (EAD)’ and ‘restorative assistive devices (RAD)’. The presentation gives an outlook on AT suggesting that designers should choose an appropriate strategy rather than limit themselves to a (mainstream) dogma. Its contribution lies in examining what impairment is (in and for design) and how the designer should approach some of the challenges of this design field.
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