2023 Galleries
The Spark Gallery pages are one of our most popular design destinations, with thousands of visitors each year. Check out some of the latest Spark entries, in the galleries below.
Galleries // 2023 Spark:Spring Student // Prosthesis Guard for Children
Prosthesis Guard for Children
Finalist
Competition: Spark:Spring Student
Designer: Asli Demir
Design Type: Concept, Product & industrial
Company / Organization / School: TU Delft
Website: http://www.aslidemir.com
Team Members: Asli Demir
The prosthesis cover for sports (aka "shin guard"), is a game-changer for amputee preteens on the soccer field. Developed through extensive research and evaluation, this cover addresses the emotional well-being of children with lower limb differences. In the children's prosthetics market, the focus has primarily been on mobility and mechanical challenges, leaving social issues unaddressed. Amputee children often face stigma, leading to stress, anxiety, and lowered self-esteem. This impact is particularly felt by preteens, who are highly aware of social dynamics and strive to fit in with their peers. After thorough evaluation, we identified a crucial opportunity—a shin guard that boosts self-confidence during soccer play. Amputee preteens often feel insecure about their prosthetic legs during exercise, despite their functional capabilities. Existing sports prostheses are costly, lack benefits in contact sports, and can further amplify bodily differences. Our prosthesis shin guard visually transforms the prosthetic leg. Snapping attachments and buckles provide reassuring auditory feedback, ensuring a a secure fit. Lightweight and impact-dampening mid-layer technology, enabled by 3D printing, adds an extra layer of safety.Through the sports cover, we aim to transform the soccer experience for amputee preteens, boosting their confidence, and fostering a sense of belonging on the field.
