Multicase study on product design in the area of assistive technology in Brazil

Abstract

Purpose: The present research aims to contribute to the comprehension of the product development process (PDP) of Assistive Technology (AT) through methodological multi-case studies in Brazil. The following considerations presented in the study are part of a Master’s degree thesis, conducted from 2013 to 2015.

Methodology: The research adopted a multi-case study methodology by selecting four product developers from the Assistive technology field in Brazil, focusing on physical disability.

Results: According to the findings, this research discusses the possible influences of Emotional Collaborative Design on the process of Assistive Technology, aiming at enhancing new perspectives about such tools on the product development process. As a result, it was possible to set a delimitation of PDP of AT stages in the four cases approached, in most of the methodological steps empirically developed.

Conclusion: Final considerations of the study, collaborate with the comprehension of the assistive product development, stating there is still a little emphasis on the design concepts throughout these processes, also illustrates the necessity for further studies about the product development in the area.

Implications for rehabilitation

• The visualization of a still scarce dialogue between the multiple areas that could contribute for AT development;

• The potential correlation between high dissatisfaction in several issues regarding use of ATs and the poor understanding of user needs;

• The predominance of a great functionality emphasis, and the negligence of the individual’s emotional in AT development;

• The understanding that product design maybe is still poorly applied/understood in this field.

Keywords:

• assistive technology
• product development
• design

Note

Acknowledgment

The authors thank CAPES and CNPq for the support.

Notes

1 For further information, please visit: http://futurage.group.shef.ac.uk/