Function Augmented by Beauty: Assistive Medical Devices for Patient Empowerment

Medical devices are continuously designed and redesigned to best serve patients. The work focuses on the creation of those that are worn by a patient to supplement or supplant everyday bodily functions. It approaches the issue from the lens of a critical consumer, evaluating the effectiveness of highly visible medical devices and how they could be improved. This is no simple task. It’s so difficult to create functional devices that frequently all other features are pushed to the side, which has led to the acceptance of technology that is effective but not beautiful. People in need of wearable medical devices deserve technological solutions that improve their physical and their psychological well-being.
The paper seeks to dismantle the age-old dichotomy between form and function. Specifically, it asks: “How can aesthetics add to the function of highly visible assistive medical devices?” Manufacturer catalogs, academic journals, and online sale pages were scoured for examples of the aesthetic status quo in highly visible device design. This was conducted for three case studies: hearing aids and cochlear implants, orthotic braces, and diabetes management devices. The additional functions granted by aesthetically minded device design include serving as a desirable accessory, augmenting feelings of agency, and increasing the regularity of use. Perhaps most importantly, better design for devices actively fights negative perceptions of disability.
Future research could enrich the topic in a number of areas. For one, three case studies are not nearly enough to understand the device market as a whole. The investigation also reveals the importance of co-designing with patients, and prompts more questions: What is the ideal methodology for such a partnership? How precisely can and should patients contribute in the process?

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

STS Advisor: Kent Wayland