Design de prótese de pododáctilo: a personalização como ferramenta para autoafirmação

Abstract

The development of big toe prostheses is still an area that prioritizes the discretion. The design of realistic products aims the stump camouflage, which emphasize amputation as a factor to be hidden, generating social exclusion. This project is a case study of the author herself, who had the hallux (popularly known as big toe) amputated and due to this have a difficulty in wearing open and heeled shoes. In order to produce a functional and aesthetically satisfying prosthesis for the user, the knowledge acquired throughout the Design course exploited. Specifically, was used the open methodology of product development, with the aid of tools to gather data and conceive ideas that prioritize the user’s welfare, comfort and self-esteem. The result was the design of a differentiated aesthetic-functional prosthesis that reaffirms the importance of prosthesis for the amputated person.