Designer Devices

I first became interested in design when I was working on a project to design a better prosthetic sleeve. Working in the field of prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) I found many fundamental flaws in how these devices were designed. And many of these flaws stemmed from a lack of proper integration between the device and the user.  This integration is key in P&O because nothing is more personal than a part of your body. However, despite all the time I have spent reading and thinking about ways to better integrate these devices into a persons body and life, it wasn't until recently that I began to think more about how to integrate these devices into a persons personality. 

Prosthetic and orthotic design seems to be branching out from its functional focus into a form of individual expression. New designers and companies are beginning to concentrate on making customized patterns and designs for P&O devices that express the users personality. One great example of this is the picture shown far left.  A new prosthetic that in addition to having highly functional components also has a sleek design. The back brace also shown right has a distinct pattern and texture that makes it a unique and part of that individuals body. 

Now devices and braces that users were once trying desperately to hide from the outside world are becoming parts that they actively try and expose as a means of expression. The most exciting thing about these new designs is that they possibly signal a transition in society towards a more accepting and positive image of non- able bodied individuals.  People using prosthetics may be able to see this device in a new light, as a permanent accessory instead of an embarrassing medical tool. In this case it seems as if both function and form will have front row seats! 

The Robotic Revolution!

The robotic revolution is upon us! Or at the very least robots that are both functional and entertaining have been growing in popularity during the last few years. From the lovable children's toy, Furby to the iRobot Roomba which can vacuum your floors for you, robots are popping up everywhere.  And these robots are becoming more technology we have around. Furby was not just a toy he was our interactive pet. And the Roomba has managed to delight users  by becoming aemore than just some vaccum. People name their Roomba, video tape it doing the chores, and post youtube videos of the Roomba in comical scenarios. These robots obviously look nothing like humans however they are becoming automated members of the family. It is almost as if we are being weened onto the idea of robots being a part of daily life. 

Now the question is what's next? Will we soon have robots that are not just automated machines but interactive creations? In the most recent Pixar movie Wall-e the futuristic world aboard the Axium is filled with robots helping people with every small task.  In the picture (shown below) you see robots made to trim peoples hair, shave them, serve them drinks, and clean up after them. For example, the cleaning machine, Mo is not too far off from Roomba with a few adjustments that make him more human-like and relatable. We are amused by Mos' frustration and excited when he is able to help.  And the truth is this futuristic cartoon world is filled with robots that researchers and companies are creating everyday in the real world.

One researcher at CMU Jodi Forlizzi is working on a next generation automated helper, "Snack Bot." This robots one goal is to deliver snacks to students at CMU. And I dont think we are too far off from a world where robots are just as much a part of our every day lives as computers!