Graham Pullin’s “Design Meets Disability” is an interesting read, as it pushes the idea of not constraining the design of assistive devices with a utilitarian approach. That is, we should not only focus on the overall function of assistive devices for disabled people, but also focus on the design aspect of it.
This reminds me of an earlier reading we did on the balance of form and function, where different teapots were compared in regard to the utility and aesthetic aspects of their design. I agreed with the author that aesthetic choices enhance the overall experience, even adding to the utility aspect of a design. The same principal applies here.
Take glasses for example. Anyone who’s grown up wearing glasses knows the desire to get the frames that fit you the best. There are two reasons for it. Firstly, why not? The glasses will serve the purpose of making you able to see, whether or not they’re fashionable. So why not get something that you love wearing? The second reason adds on to that, and it’s simply that you’ll feel better about wearing your glasses and actually use them, if they fit you and you like the way they look on you. In that sense, the aesthetic and fashion sense add on to the utility of the pair of glasses because it allows you to not feel hindered or lesser just because you have weaker eyesight. The same principle applies for other disabilities as well. People who have access to customizable prosthetics use them to express themselves and feel much more open about their disability. It gives them an avenue to express themselves and accept themselves.
In embracing the fusion of aesthetics and functionality, we acknowledge that design can be a powerful tool in fostering inclusivity and self-acceptance within the realm of assistive technology.