“Wear It Loud”

Abstract

We investigate the role of aesthetic customization in managing sociocultural issues of assistive technology (AT) use. First, we examined an online forum dedicated to customized hearing aids and cochlear implants to understand the breadth of activity occurring in this space. Next, we conducted a series of interviews to understand motivational factors and sociocultural outcomes related to expressive AT. We found that community members discussed customization tools and techniques, shared their customizations, and provided each other with encouragement and support. Community members customized their devices as a means of self-expression that demonstrated the wearer's fashion sense, revealed favorite sports teams and characters, and marked holidays and personal milestones. We also found that aesthetic customization worked on multiple levels to create personal and meaningful relationships with one's AT and with other AT users, and also to manage societal expectations regarding hearing loss. Our findings may inform the design of assistive technologies that better support personalization, customization, and self-expression.

Design in the Public Square

“…They didn't need to inform other paddlers of their disability, but did so when they were proud to declare their participation in an outrigger canoeing event. As others have demonstrated, control over disclosure is a desirable feature for assistive technology [44,52].…”

Value beyond function: analyzing the perception of wheelchair innovations in Kenya

“…While some PWDs might feel uncomfortable about being seen through the lens of their assistive devices, others look for opportunities to attract positive attention by showcasing their creativity, personal preferences and meaningful life experiences through the modifcation of their assistive devices as a form of self-expression [54,55]. In this scenario of self-expression and experimentation, the assistive device becomes part of the body of the person and new ideas of normal, identity and physical body can be explored through this Intimate laboratory [10].…”

“…In this scenario of self-expression and experimentation, the assistive device becomes part of the body of the person and new ideas of normal, identity and physical body can be explored through this Intimate laboratory [10]. For example, users of cochlear implants and hearing aids in the online community observed by Profta et al [54,55] proudly showcased their unique designs which represented the image they wanted to project to the world and allowed them to take pride in their appearance.…”

“…PWDs can often feel like they have reduced control over themselves and their own bodies as a result of their interactions with assistive devices and services [62]. Customizing and adapting current assistive devices or creating new solutions allows people to take back control of their own circumstances manifesting their desire for more agency in these interactions [51,55]. It is worth noticing that, although many of these modifcations might appear to be motivated only by the desire to improve the aesthetic aspect of assistive devices, they are often linked to a more profound narrative of empowerment where the value comes from the act of customization itself as the resulting adaptation [45,55].…”

“…Refective design is often about processing our interactions with a product after the interaction, examining it in light of the situation, our personal preferences and cultural outlook and making judgements as a result of these refections [48]. Considerations about value of assistive devices and other aspects such as identity [65], visibility [29], selfexpression [10], and control [55] illustrated in the previous section are all generated primarily at the refective level.…”