During the fall semester of 2009, 21 students embarked on a journey
to conduct design work around upper limb prosthetics. Through readings,
research, and an incredible group of guest critics including Aimee
Mullins, Jon Kuniholm, Frank Wilson and Elliot Washor, the students
attempted to put a dent in what may arguably be one of the most daunting
design challenges imaginable—to design a better prosthetic arm.
The students took different approaches to the problem: some
attacked it directly with mechanical improvements to existing
prosthetics. Others offered devices and garments that introduced
alternative modalities or provided new functionality. Some students took
a more abstract approach, creating formal, often sculptural, gestures
as a way to help us think about the notion of ‘prosthetic,’ while others
took an extremely conceptual approach to investigating the paradigms
and cultures around prosthetics and amputees.
Many of the projects were targeted at kids, arguing that there may
be wider leeway in what would be deemed acceptable to the user. Some of
these push the definitions of function, providing devices that are
playful and life-affirming. The more sobering investigations in the
group try to address the realities of arm amputees—as much as is
possible by designers with both limbs.
Throughout the 10 weeks, the design project was humbling, daunting,
and thrilling in its ability to demonstrate the power of design, and
the potential for design thinking and creativity to impact this
long-neglected problem. I hope that looking through these projects, you
will feel their power and imagination, and use it to fuel your own paths
to celebrating the lives of people, whatever their abilities.
With clients ranging from major research universities to artists, from
industrialists to inventors, 
