Exploring users’ attitudes towards prosthesis aesthetics in the UK and Greece

Abstract

Previous studies have highlighted the importance of prostheses on users’ wellbeing; however, the effects of the prosthetic appearance on users’ lives have not been thoroughly explored. The aim of this study was to explore how the aesthetics of prosthetic limbs affected users in two countries with different cultures: the UK and Greece. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used based on semi-structured interviews, alongside probes. Seven participants (n_UK = 4; n_GR = 3) were recruited, based on purposive methods. All the participants were adults, who had limb-loss due to amputation. The results regarding the role of prosthetic limbs, with respect to their appearance, revealed one theme related to users’ personal life, and two opposing themes regarding users’ social lives. Prosthetic limbs with unattractive appearance negatively affected participants’ wellbeing, whilst expressive prostheses, an alternative prosthetic type that is individually designed to highlight the user’s identity, could increase their self-confidence. Regardless of the extent to which participants were conscious about the aesthetics of their prostheses, they indicated that expressive prostheses were more attractive. Therefore, they could educate society and help users be more easily accepted. However, caution needs to be paid in the case of collectivistic societies, as expressive prostheses could increase users’ stigmatization.

Keywords:

• Expressive
• prostheses
• aesthetics
• interviews
• amputees
• probes

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all the people who participated in the study. Additionally, we would like to thank Scott Summit, Sophie de Oliveira Barata, Alleles Design Studio, Fillauer, Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH, and Össur for the permission of using images of their prostheses.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anna Vlachaki

Anna Vlachaki has a background in Product and Interior Design. Currently, she is a Ph.D. candidate at Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, UK. Her Ph.D. focuses on the effects of expressive prostheses on users and society, with further interest in Emotional Design.

Abby M. J. Paterson

Dr Abby Paterson is a Lecturer in Industrial Design and Technology at Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, UK. Dr Paterson specializes in 3D scanning, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and digital, automated fabrication (including CNC milling and Additive Manufacture).

Samantha C. Porter

Dr Samantha Porter is a Senior Lecturer in Design Ergonomics at Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, UK, a fellow of the Ergonomics Society and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Her background is in ergonomics, applied psychology and design ergonomics.

Richard J. Bibb

Prof Richard Bibb is a Professor of Medical Applications of Design at Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, UK. Professor Bibb’s primary area of research explores the effective application of advanced design and product development technologies in medicine, healthcare, surgery and rehabilitation.