Week 11 – Reading Response – Design meets Disability

This reading explores how design and disability are intricately related, and how a constraint in designing from disability can lead to greater innovative efforts and contributions. The constraints due to disability basically serve as a catalyst for innovation. The author brings up several examples in history that illustrate the evolution of design with disability. Designing for disability shouldn’t solely focus on the functionality but it should also consider the aesthetics of the product, challenging the stigma around people with disabilities. Every single design, from furniture to eyewear to prosthetics to hearing aids, serve a purpose. That purpose is not only defined by its functionality, but also its aesthetic form. I was very interested in the aesthetics of Aimee Mullins’ prosthetics, and how it combines function, form and aesthetics. I do believe that inclusive designing helps to create a sense of identity and belonging for differently abled people. As a person who wears glasses, I think it is definitely important to consider the design of such products; it truly does give a sense of identity and expression. It is also important to create diverse, inclusive and collaborative work environments that promote the designing for the differently abled. I loved this quote from Steve Jobs mentioned here, “Most people make the mistake of thinking design is what it looks like. That’s not what we think design is. It’s not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” This just highlights how all spheres of design must come together for it to be innovative and inclusive; both in functionality and aesthetics. 



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