Human-Centered Design: How Prosthetics Have Failed Women

For decades, upper limb prosthetics have been designed primarily for men, often overlooking the unique needs of women. This session explores the history of prosthetic development and how factors like size, weight, and functionality have made many devices impractical for many female users. We will discuss the impact of these oversights on limb loss patients and highlight recent advancements that prioritize inclusivity. By examining the principles of human-centered design, we’ll emphasize the importance of involving the end users — women included — throughout the development process to create devices that truly meet their needs. Attendees will gain insight into how thoughtful design can improve both usability and quality of life for users. Whether you're in healthcare, engineering, or design, this session will demonstrate why considering diverse perspectives leads to better, more effective solutions.