Design Meets Disability
The reading highlights some important points, especially on how we should rethink design for disability, emphasizing a balance between function and beauty. The examples given, such as the Eames’ leg splint, stood out to me because they show that disability products can be both useful and attractive. I was also inspired by the story of how glasses changed from a medical tool to a fashion item. This change made glasses a symbol of personal style rather than something to hide.
For my own designs going forward, I hope to focus on some key ideas from this text. First, I want to make designs that feel good to use—not only functional but also enjoyable and comfortable—so that even if a design is intended for people with disabilities, they feel comfortable using it. I plan to use creative solutions that combine usefulness with visual appeal. Second, I’ll seek to work with people from different backgrounds—such as artists, fashion designers, and people with disabilities—to create designs that are more thoughtful and inclusive. Lastly, I’ll avoid “one-size-fits-all” designs, instead creating products that allow people to show their unique personalities.
In the end, I believe designing for disability is a chance to make products that improve people’s lives in meaningful ways, so designers should prioritize combining beauty and function.