When designing assistive technology, should the focus be on universal design or on tailoring it to the needs of an individual?
Both perspectives offer compelling arguments. Prioritizing universality ensures that the technology is accessible to a larger demographic, simplifies mass production, and lowers the cost of each product. On the other hand, designing with a specific individual in mind ensures that the product is perfectly suited to their unique circumstances, enhancing usability and user satisfaction.
Before addressing the question, it's important to explore the context of assistive technology. Its primary purpose is to help people with disabilities, the elderly, and those with non-communicable diseases maintain or improve their independence and functionality. The use of assistive technology is closely linked to highly individualized circumstances. For instance, two individuals with genetic hearing loss may have vastly different needs—one might experience bilateral hearing loss (in both ears), while the other has bimodal hearing (using a hearing aid in one ear and a cochlear implant in the other). Similarly, for individuals with cerebral palsy, mobility devices must be uniquely customized to their specific measurements and needs, as their circumstances differ significantly from person to person.
This trend is evident across all user groups of diverse assistive technologies, highlighting the importance of tailoring each design to individual users. However, this does not imply that mass-produced assistive technologies are inherently inferior to personalized equipment. As previously mentioned, mass-produced devices offer unique advantages over customized options. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the specific circumstances that call for personalized assistive technology versus commercial devices.