Design Meets Disability is a new take on how design can play a much bigger role in the world of assistive technology. Instead of treating medical devices as something to hide, it encourages us to see them as an opportunity for creativity and personal expression. One of Graham’s coolest examples is the leg splint designed by Charles and Ray Eames during World War II—originally meant to help injured soldiers, but it later inspired their famous furniture. It’s a great reminder that functional design can also be beautiful and impactful beyond its original use.
Pullin makes a strong case for reimagining everyday medical devices, like hearing aids and prosthetic limbs, as something more than just tools. Think about glasses: they used to be seen purely as medical necessities, but now they’re a full-on fashion accessory. So why not give the same design attention to other devices? By making them customizable and stylish, users could feel more confident wearing them, and society might begin to see disability in a new, more positive light.
What’s especially great is Pullin’s emphasis on involving people with disabilities in the design process. He believes that assistive tech should reflect the user’s identity, not just meet a need. That mindset leads to more thoughtful, inclusive designs, and it helps everyone, not just those with disabilities. The reading is an inspiring call to designers to be more empathetic, open-minded, and creative in how they think about ability, aesthetics, and innovation.