Toward a design methodology for configuring assistive wearables

Abstract

Wearable devices have some shared characteristics. They should conform to the wearer's size and shape, not interfere with desired activities, perform intended functions, be easily usable and comfortable, among others. Due to these shared characteristics, a common design methodology should be possible for designing wearables that assists designers in taking a systematic approach. We propose a configuration design method for wearables and sketch its elements. An example of a family of passive exoskeleton suits that assists with walking is presented to illustrate the configuration design process.