ABSTRACT
Why is it important for a designer to realize products and services for people who are elderly and/ or disabled? The answer to this question may be provided by the author's own decision to work in this field. As a young designer in the 1980s, he wanted to make a difference to the quality of life of those in his society. On review of areas within which one could work, it was clear that medical or rehabilitation technology/assistive technology (RT/AT) product design would make the greatest impact on the target user's quality of life. Papanek (1974) advocated these areas as ones in which designers should aspire to work; he was many years ahead of the design establishment. From a societal viewpoint, using technology to enable people to be more independent and engage with society increases the potential help that finite resources can provide within a provision of care. It also facilitates the empowerment of an individual, enhancing their personal esteem, and supporting well-being. Over the last 20 years, the author has designed enabling products for people who are elderly and those who have some form of impairment.
