The latest research paper published by WDO Member PDR’s research team and Swansea Bay University Health Board researchers sheds light on the challenges and potential solutions for scaling up the use of custom assistive technology (AT) within healthcare services.
In an era where chronic health conditions contribute significantly to global health burdens, AT is crucial to supporting independence and wellbeing. However, up to 70% of AT is reported to be prematurely abandoned since it does not meet user needs. With an estimated 2.5 billion people relying on AT products globally, an ageing global population, a rise in noncommunicable disease and constraints on healthcare spending, this waste cannot be afforded.
Designing with the end user to create solutions that are tailored to their needs could reduce this waste. Computer-aided design and 3D printing are powerful tools that can enable this, offering a paradigm shift from traditional, wasteful “one-size-fits-all” AT. This has garnered significant interest from AT users.
For more information about this design research project and PDR’s other pioneering work, please visit their website.
About PDR
PDR is a world-leading design consultancy and research centre based in Cardiff, Wales. Our interdisciplinary design team works across a diverse range of industries to improve people’s real-life experiences through highly informed innovation. Conceived as an offshoot of Cardiff Metropolitan University, academic thinking continues to strongly shape our approach. Since 2019 we’ve been ranked as the number 1 Design Agency in the UK by the iF Design Federation and to date hold over 80 international awards from leading bodies, iF, IDSA, GOOD Design and Red Dot. Learn more at www.pdr-design.com.