A Methodological Approach for the Design of Inclusive Assistive Devices by Integrating Co-design and Additive Manufacturing Technologies

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing is a widespread technology that may enhance product customization based on specific users' needs, as in the case of assistive devices. Many chronic physical progressively disabling diseases, but also ageing, may cause severe limitations in daily life, which can be overcome by highly customized aids. Literature shows that the active involvement of the patient in the development of assistive devices through co-design allows for their greater therapeutic effectiveness and acceptance. Therefore, this paper proposes a methodological approach for the development of inclusive assistive devices to support daily activities in persons with disabling diseases of the upper-limb. The approach integrates co-design, standardized tools, and low-and high-tech prototyping techniques and tools, which lead to significant feedbacks from patients. The patients are encouraged to interact with conceptual prototypes through direct 3D CAD modelling and touch screen devices. Assessment tests highlight the suitability of the method to achieve the expected goals.

Designing and manufacturing custom-made 3D printed assistive devices: A comparison of three workflows

“…Based on these cases, the workflow was iteratively adapted to allow for more interaction with clients during the design and manufacturing process. The research findings [23,27] regarding these cases are encouraging. After six months, all ADs that had been created were still in use, and clients' satisfaction generally remained unchanged.…”

Integration of Topology Optimisation and Design Variants Selection for Additive Manufacturing-Based Systematic Product Redesign

“…Redesign loops provide implementation of design modifications required on morphological and/or functional features. A possible execution can be based on direct patient's inclusion for AD improvement [22], especially if functional targets are achieved, whereas ergonomic or aesthetic ones are not satisfied. Otherwise, at each of these stages, a redesign for AM that provides product optimisation (including process/material replacement) can be required to achieve the expected functional targets.…”

The role of product development in the battle against product-related stigma – a literature review

“…Furthermore, in many of the presented solutions, the product developer interacts with real users (e.g. Gherardini et al 2020;McCarthy, Ramírez, and Robinson 2017;Bright and Coventry 2013). On the one hand, this may sensitise the developers to better understand the problems of those being actually stigmatised.…”

“…in co-designing or qualitative approaches like focus groups (cf. Gherardini et al 2020). We need to be aware, that working with a stigmatised person might require more time, costs and experience than classical user integration.…”

“…Overview of individual solutions.Planning and clarifying the taskIdentifying requirements with • the kano model(Brandl et al 2017) • qualitative approaches like tea parties, focus groups, observation, contextual inquiry, ethnography etc. (Bright and Coventry 2013; McCarthy, Ramírez, and Robinson 2017) • the Reversed MoSCoW Method (Spiru et al 2019) • the Feature Matrix (Woodcock, Osmond, and Holliday 2020) Evaluation Measuring stigma with • the Divergency (Abel and Satterfield 2018) and the Connectivity Model (Kang and Satterfield 2009) • Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire (Lawrence et al 2010) • Environmental psychology method 'room effect' (Renda et al 2016) • Product Appraisal Model for Stigma (Vaes 2019) Measuring appraisal using focus groups (McNeill and Coventry 2015)Throughout the whole process • Design guideline for assistive devices(Bright and Coventry 2013) • Method to combine co-design and additive manufacturing(Gherardini et al 2020) • Participatory design through workshops(McCarthy, Ramírez, and Robinson 2017) • MATUROLIFE (smart materials in e-textiles)(Moody and Cobley 2020) • Design for Social Accessibility using method cards • Product Appraisal Model for Stigma and Product Intervention Model for Stigma(Vaes 2019) • Empathic Design(Thomas and McDonagh 2013)…”