Design 21: Social Design Network

Oz, I think you may be on to something. Most amputees seem to want to a prosthetic that looks as much as possible like an actual limb, but the ones that are almost perfect, but then you realize they are plastic, are kind of creepy. If disability wasn't stigmatized, and if we didn't have conformist ideas about physical beauty, perhaps people who loose a limb would be more creative about their prosthesis. Or, perhaps we should think of prostheses as tools, which is really what limbs and other body parts are. (Fingernails are really useful in making things, and they are attached to you for convenience). I would like to see a line of tool plug-ins for a prosthetic socket, where a user could snap different tools in depending on the task he was doing...

This sounds strange, but it is already happening. If you remember just before the olympics, there was a story about a guy from South Africa, I think, who had these metal springs attached to his stumps, and he could run incredibly fast. but they wouldn't let him run because they said it was unfair advantage. If that's the case, it's possible to imagine some form of elective, or even cosmetic, amputations...

FREEDOM TO MOVE:- I believe there is extensive studies in design regarding the use of SkateBoards, as an 'acceptable' Urban Vehicle; and a great way for young people to move about in the community, without feeling unusual from other kids around them. I was actually forming a model myself. Having built and repaired many skateboards, bikes, scooters, and such. However, my work has been brought up a little short, as I am needing to work around having gone blind, due to Multiple Sclerosis attacking my optic nerves. I have some limitations, but if anyone is interested in helping continuing this with me, I would wecome a response very much. I have always worked with youth in one form or another, and now I do believe, wishing to continue assisting if I can - with Gernany leading the research field, and Industrial Design Manufacture and furthering Research into various vehicles and Prostheses.Even to the extent that the limbs are almost like a real limb. In fact Snap-In Tools, such as discussed, are already 'real' limbs. But the studies continue.. http://siriandimensionalwarrior.spaces.live.com