How can design help reduce the stigma around prosthetics and those who wear them?
Our project on the exploration of the future of prosthetics was both an exchiting and a thought provoking experience that encouraged us to think beyond what we knew an look into a future that is constantly changing its path.
Our project focused on the survival spect that a prosthetic may provide in the event of a natural disaster. We named our device NutriPlug due to the nature of its function. The NutriPlug is of course only speculative design object yet it bases itself on real life issues which are likely to worsen in the next few years, unless we take action. We based its function on the constant increase of natural disasters happening in the southern hemisphere and the subsequent lack of natural resources and aliments for the population to feed on and get back on its feet in the aftermath of the disaster . The consequences of this lack of nutrients for those victims of the natural disasters who find themselves deprived of all resources is of crucial matter as it causes further weakness and health issues that prevent the individuals and he comunity as a whole to heal. The NutriPulug works in such way that through a self-adhesive plug that enters through a small incision within the calf, so to reach the necessary veins, it is capable to monitor the body’s nutritional levels and pump into the system the nutrients required for the body to keep functioning, thus eliminating the risk of malnutrition or sickness.
During the research process we gathered volunteers and had them come in and try on the prosthetic so to tell us their genuine ideas about the prototype and thoughts or concerns regarding what that meant for the future. During the three sessions we carried out, there were specifically themes that kept reappearing. The first was naturally that of the impact of climate change and how the prosthetic would be a good adaptation, and the second being that the device’s design and shape itself stood out too much for someone to actually wear it on a day-to-day basis. Even if not directly said, this brings about the existing stigma around prosthetics, which are still not as integrated within our society’s culture as one would have hoped or expected.
People who use and benefit of prosthetics report that whenever someone they are interacting with notices that they have a prosthetics, they immediately sense a shift of emotion which usually tends to drift towards nervousness. The reason for this shift of emotion can be cause by a fear and of the unknown. Due to the fact that there is no way for someone to be able to experience what not having a limb is like, we lack that element of empathy and thus begin to feel uncomfortable as we do not know what is appropriate and what is not. I believe it is this strong lack of empathy to what the amputee is going through which creates and adds to the stigma around prosthetics. Furthermore, one becomes concerned as to whether our uncomfortableness has now become obvious and in result has made them feel nervous too, which starts spiraling into a self-induced cycle of nervousness. Whilst this whole process may seem difficult for the one that does not have the prosthetic, it may even be more uncomfortable for the one who does. It is due to these common reactions that the concealment of prosthesis usage is an effective coping strategy for users so to more easily integrate socially and prevent stigmatization. Modern prosthetics have evolved in all kinds of functional ways but all for the purpose of looking and acting as humanly as possible. Yet if someone finds themselves in the situation in which they need to use a prosthetic in their everyday life, then why limit oneself to only what a human body part can do when you’ve got all the technology at your hands? The fear of being judged and seen as an outsider by society merely by ones additions to the body seems like a backwards thinking process that is limiting the true potential that could be achieved.
With the increasing national news coverage over the last decade that show people that have lost limbs due to incidents during the war has definitely helped desensitize the idea of missing a limb. Yet this can also cause for the public to have a preconceived notion of amputees being perceived as damaged and in seek of rescue, which is not for the public to decide. Nonetheless, the general increase of media coverage has helped to improve the public’s perception of prosthetics and see them as something a bit less “alien” than before.
Often, one of the most underlying cause as to why the subject is such a delicate one is also due to the amputee’s very own difficult perceptions. Learning how to deal and be comfortable with a new body can be difficult and take a long time. Not feeling like it is one’s body anymore, but rather a poorer replica of it adds to the urge of hiding away and thus makes it evn more difficult to head towards the normalization of prosthetics.
Design can be the leading force that encourages society to see prosthetics for their actual value and potential rather than a physical representation of an unfortunate situation. By sparking curiosity and excitement, it allows for prosthetics to advance within the world and start influencing the future of man kind. Multiple companies are attempting to break the stigma and encouraging amputees to show off their prosthetics instead of hiding them away from the public. Allele Designs aims to do just that. They offer amputees a wde variety of leg and arm prosthetic covers that become like wearable artwork. Each design of the cover is aims to reflect and be a demonstration of the owner’s personality and creativity. As they are merely prosthetic covers, it allows the wearer to change the cover each day with a new design that matches their creative mood for the day. This excitement for change and variety allows not only for the wearer to feel encouraged by it but it also sparks curiosity and almost envy within those who do not have that option.
Another design initiative that aims to encourage and intrigue people on the topic of prosthetics is a project called The Alternative Limb Project by Sophie de Oliveira Barata. Her aim is to show and promote how prosthetics are wearable art pieces that can add value to one’s being. Her clients vary from Paralympic athletes to video game companies that seek to bring to life a character’s trait or aspect into the real world and make it a physical reality.
One of the project’s most infamous and intriguing pieces is one titled Vine. Created for model Kelly Knox, the prosthetic represents exactly what it stands for, a vine. The shape of the prosthetic expresses the interest Knox has for extraterrestrial creatures and botanical shapes. the functionality of the prosthetic is adapted to her needs and allows her to make subtle organic movement of the arm as she grabs and moves objects. The tentacle looking prosthetic is controlled by movements of her big toes which mimics the movements she aims to achieve.
The project as a whole is an ongoing exhibition that was first launched and presented in 2012 in London. The project quickly began to gain fame and slowly Sophie began to receive mutiple clients who were interested in a prosthetic that enhanced the notion of “more than human”. Sophie explains how the process of having complete freedom over what ones leg or arm will look like, becomes like something that the individual has an advantage on rather than something they’re lacking or it being a poorer version of the original limb. This excitement and new empowered feeling that movements and artists like Sophie are what are changing the conversations about amputees, where rather than feeling uncomfortable towards prosthetics that look somewhat like a real limb, now the public cant help but express curiosity towards the piece of art.
A good example as to how design is helping prosthetics become normalized and something to be valued is that of the Third Thumb project by grad student Dani Clode. This prosthetic does not seek to replace any limb but rather too add one. The third thumb straps on to the side of your hands and is connected through a bracelet that is connected through bluetooth to the movements of your big toe, which monitor the movement you wish to make.
Clode’s aim is to challange what society sees and understands to be a prosthetic. Instead of a prosthetic being a tool replacing a missing piece, it should be seen as a tool that merely adds capabilities and extends what we know to do. The device sparked great curiosity and is something that a lot of non-amputees can see themselves wearing and having fun with, especially musicians which would be able to achieve and discover new sounds.
Design has definitely the power to change the public’s attitude towards the world of prosthetics as we see it become more popular and inclusive than ever. The potential design carries to individualize and help feel uniqe and proud of one’s body is something that should be continued to be explored and to eventually help us come round to the notion of going beyond what our bodies are born like and use them as canvases for our unlimited creativity.
