Touching reality: Bridging the user-researcher divide in upper-limb prosthetics

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Upper-limb prostheses have advanced significantly, yet user satisfaction and adoption remain challenges.
• Current prosthetic technology often fails to align with the practical, everyday technological requirements of amputees.
• A gap exists between engineering capabilities and the lived experiences of prosthetic limb users.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the specific technological needs of upper-limb prosthesis users.
• To identify key areas for improvement in prosthetic device design based on user feedback.
• To bridge the gap between prosthetic development and user-centered innovation.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research methods, including interviews and surveys, were employed.
• Participants included individuals with varying levels of experience using upper-limb prostheses.
• Data analysis focused on identifying recurring themes related to technological functionality and usability.

Main Results:

• Users expressed a strong need for enhanced sensory feedback and intuitive control systems.
• Durability, battery life, and ease of maintenance were consistently cited as critical factors.
• Desires for greater customization and integration with daily digital technologies were prevalent.

Conclusions:

• User-centered design is paramount for the successful development of next-generation upper-limb prostheses.
• Future prosthetic research must prioritize addressing the identified technological needs of end-users.
• Incorporating user feedback directly into the design process will drive realistic advancements in prosthetic technology.