DESIGNING PROSTHETICS FOR ANIMAL INTERACTIONS
 

Exploring Interaction with Animals Through Design

This module focused on human-animal interaction, encouraging us to explore ways in which design could bridge or redefine relationships between species. However, since I have a strong fear of animals, I approached the task differently—by designing a prosthetic device that would act as a self-defending machine, keeping animals away from me.

Concept Development

The idea was simple yet effective: a wearable prosthetic that could deter animals without causing harm while creating a protective barrier. The design needed to be:

1. Lightweight and wearable, ensuring ease of movement.

2. Defensive in nature, utilizing passive deterrent mechanisms.

3. Mechanically self-sustaining, functioning without the need for advanced technology or electronics.

I aimed to blend defensive features with functional aesthetics, ensuring that the prosthetic was not just a protective tool but also an interesting mechanical extension of the body.

This exercise not only allowed me to experiment with joinery and mechanical design but also gave me a deeper understanding of how design can cater to personal needs and psychological comfort. By combining fear-response analysis with functional prototyping, I was able to create a device that served as both a defensive barrier and a unique exploration of form and movement.