Visual Diary #4 - Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets have so many benefits for people with numerous disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD. In more recent studies they have also been found beneficial for children with Autism. Regardless of who they help, it’s amazing to me that a product was developed in order to physically help ease these disorders. I view this as a service because they continue to develop these products to meet the needs for people with each of these disorders. 

The reason they work is underlying in DPT or Deep Pressure Therapy. Deep touch pressure is anything that gently applies weight and pressure to the body, therefore, these blankets can often times mimic the feeling of a hug, which is why they have been helpful for children with autism and other disorders. They are even especially effective for adults who have a hard time sleeping due to disorders such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD because the weight and pressure puts them at ease and allows them to sleep better regardless of the disorder they may have. 

The reason I see this as service design and not just helpful design is because they continue to develop these blankets and find ways to specifically help the people with these disorders. I think the research being done with these blankets in efforts to help kids with Autism is inspiring and I can’t imagine how much it must help parents with kids that have autism when it comes to getting them to fall asleep at night or just being able to calm them down during an episode.

Visual Diary #4 - Prosthetics

There are so many kinds of prosthetics out there–and as a replacement for so many parts that it’s truly amazing. I read some stories and articles about how people who have prosthetics of any kind feel about them, and it was moving. 

How amazing it is that design has led those who have lost a leg, arm, foot, etc., to feel somewhat normal again. While they still have a constant reminder of their loss or if they were born without a part, they appreciate the design and technology of prosthetics and how it allows them to lead a more normal life. This is truly a service and it’s very important that it grows as an industry and hopefully can become more affordable for all. There has been a lot of recent research being done on designing a prosthetic that is just as effective, but much more affordable than some that are currently on the market. It’s important that we continue to develop this and be of service to those who appreciate the chance to live a more normal lifestyle of independency.