Unique Circumstances
2014
Concept Development
Creative Direction
Design Research
User Testing
Visual Identity
Photography
“Why would someone with a broken arm or a twisted wrist, not only use a functional item that heals, but also something that is aesthetically pleasing?
Driven by my appreciation for well-crafted leather goods and the banality of common orthopaedic products, I asked myself: can the aspects of craftsmanship transform ephemeral orthopaedic items into something more meaningful, making the shift from stigma to self expression?
Through this research I explore the idea of replacing this gear with fashion-like therapeutic pieces. This study, a critique to the current state of the art, blends both my motivation for working with leather and my vision on design for well-being. It confirms that even the more functional things can be made differently, and they can have their value increased through fine craftsmanship. It also proves that materials, on their own, can create a certain feel for a product and that there is room for an aesthetic statement that goes beyond the utilitarian “one size fits all”.
Alongside that, the project unfolds a new way for society to engage with the beauty of crafts, while offering the craftsmen business opportunities in a new context. A context in which the inherent uniqueness of their creations have a higher meaning for the users.
Developed in collaboration with TEHEUX & Jacomine Immink.