De-stigmatizing products: making the hearing aid desirable

Abstract Stigma in America creates heated controversy and is associated not only with people within defined social groups, but with a variety of products which are used daily. Many products (e.g. assistive walking devices, adult diapers and hearing aids) carry significant stigma, which prevents users from purchasing or using important assistive devices due to negative emotional responses. As people are living longer and experiencing more disabilities throughout an extended lifetime, designers need to be able to create products for users that are often outside their personal comfort zones. Products need to satisfy both the functional and emotional needs of the user to carry a lasting bond between the user and the object and promote product sustainability. This paper begins with a brief overview of the issue of stigma, and a review of the products which are affected by stigma and the impact this has on the user. It will then address topics of product abandonment, the need for innovation in the emerging market of people with disabilities, and societal trends and culture in the United States using empathic design research methods to gain insight. This will reveal opportunities to improve user’s experiences and benefits and will be focused in the areas of urinary incontinence and hearing loss. The paper will conclude with hearing aid designs which focus on creating an exciting user experience and fostering enjoyment of a better quality of life though an object of desire.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.F.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Art and Design

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Youngquist, Anne M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• McDonagh, Deana C.

• Hearing Aids
• Stigma
• Disabilities
• Urinary Incontinence
• Empathy

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2011 Anne Marie Youngquist

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/24187

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/24187