Can design improve well-being and create new relationships?
Footwear Beyond the Foot: Extensions of Being (2017) redefines the parameters of footwear to include prosthetics and body accessories, and explores connections by directing attention to the effect design has on mental well-being.
Shoe + Prosthetic Leg (2017)
Silicone, foam, fiberglass, silver, steel, SLS nylon, medical-grade thermoplastic
Meditation Station (2017)
Silicone, foam, silver, steel, SLS nylon, medical-grade thermoplastic
Foot Massager (2017)
Silver, brass, SLS nylon
Community Bands (2017)
Steel, SLS nylon, medical-grade thermoplastic
The collection includes footwear, prosthetics, and lower-limb accessories and aims to create both new aesthetics of the human body and more empathetic relationships with it.
Research into the practices of the prosthetics industry, clinical research findings, therapy techniques and the experiences some prosthetic users encounter, led to a focus on designs that encourage physical and emotional connection.
The products were sculpted by hand before implementing appropriate industrial and digital manufacturing processes. Utilizing this combination of handcraft and 3D technology designs are made bespoke, but then can become customizable, allowing the collection to cross the line between imaginative and implementable.
With thanks to
Northwestern University Prosthetic-Orthotic Centre (USA), Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (USA), Smart-Fit In (DE), and Dorset Orthopedic (UK).
Research
An extensive design thesis accompanies the product collection. Research references are available upon request.
Photography: Celia Tang
Illustration + Animation: Kristina Walsh
