Design Meets Disability
The reading helped me understand the intersection go aesthetics and utility. Its emphasis on glasses changing from medical necessity to fashion accessory made me realise how deep the idea of “hiding” disability is in our culture. We tend to prioritise discretion in disability design over self-expression. This showed how good designs should not just accommodate but enhance and adapt to human experiences without bringing attention to differences. I now see how disability is more of a limitation by environments which aren’t designed inclusively rather than a limitation of a person.
I was particularly struck by the contrast between traditional medical design and the bold, unapologetic aesthetics introduced by people like Aimee Mullins. Her idea that a prosthetic leg can be glamorous and even a fashion statement reforms disability not as a limitation but as an opportunity for individuality. Another interesting point was the way simple designs such as the Muji CD player were framed as essentially inclusive. It made me question the products I use daily ,such as elevators without braille and phones with complex interfaces, and how they often don’t accommodate diverse needs. Some designs exclude certain groups by default by catering only to “average” users. In my opinion many innovations could be made if designers embraced the tension between accessibility and aesthetic appeal.
This reading changed my perspective on inclusivity in design, it’s not just about solving problems but embracing differences.