Exploring salutogenic design of assistive products from unpleasant feelings expressed by users in two studies

Assistive products may elicit unpleasant feelings within both the actual user and persons around. By analysing two complementary studies, this paper tries to illuminate which unpleasant feelings may be elicited. In study A industrial design students evaluated assistive products. In study B young persons with disabilities were interviewed about their everyday experiences. Negative statements by participants in both studies were divided into three categories: Identity, Experiences through senses, and Functionality. Expressed feelings of disgust, dislike, irritation, frustration, disappointment, boredom and unattractiveness were identified. When a mismatch in identity between user and product existed, actual users as well as students referred to unpleasant feelings. Students were more sensitive regarding unpleasant feelings elicited from senses than from functionality. They acted as consumers before a possible purchase. Persons with disabilities focused on feelings elicited from functionality since they already possessed and were used to their products. It is important for a designer of assistive products to have an open mind regarding which unpleasant feelings may be elicited within the context of the user with disability, the assistive product and people around the user