Utilising the Repertory Grid Technique in Visual Prosthetic Design: Promoting a User-Centred Approach

Stefania Sansoni a* , Andrew Wodehouse a , Angus McFadyen c , Arjan Buis d 4 a Department of Design, Manufacture and Engineering Management, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK 5 c AKM-STATS, Statistical Consultant, Glasgow, UK 6 d Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK 7 8 Abstract This paper proposes a new User-Centred data-collection methodology based on the 9 Repertory Grid Technique (RGT) for the aesthetic design of below-knee prostheses. The innovation of 10 this methodology is to propose a measurable approach guiding the designer to detect latent emotional 11 needs of interviewed prosthetic users to be translated into measurable aesthetic issues to reproduce in 12 their customized devices. This work is situated within the Kansei Engineering framework and is part of a 13 more comprehensive study for the revision of aesthetic prosthetic design. The data of this paper are based 14 on face to face interviews and the results were translated into a set of design principles and elements 15 classifying the statements of the users. This methodology aims to stand as an initiative for a new design 16 system for the improvement of the emotional User Experience of prosthetic users – and to consequently 17 provide products to be positively accepted by the users for the improvement of their body image. 18 19