But then the reading talked about glasses. I wear glasses, and I never think of them as a medical device. I think about which frames look good on me. I feel more confident in some pairs than others. The reading pointed out that glasses became successful not by being hidden, but by becoming a fashion item , it’s something people are proud to wear. This was a big shift in my thinking. Why should a hearing aid or a prosthetic leg be any different? Why does it have to be hidden or made from “skin-colored” plastic?
I loved the story about Aimee Mullins and her collection of legs. She has running legs, elegant legs, and even beautifully carved wooden legs that she matches with her outfits. To her, they are not just tools; they are part of her identity and style. That idea felt human to me. It’s not about ignoring the disability, but about embracing it as part of who you are and even celebrating it through design.
It also made me realize that good design isn’t just about solving a problem in the most efficient way. It’s about emotion, identity, and culture. When designers from fashion or art get involved, they bring new perspectives. They ask not just “How does it work?” but “How does it make you feel?”
I now see disability not as something to be corrected or hidden, but as a source of inspiration for more creative, more personal, and more beautiful design. It made me hope that in the future, everyone will have the option to use assistive products that they don’t just need, but truly love.