Bespoke product design and manufacture for disabled children: A case study of products and their perceived effectiveness on user wellbeing

Abstract

The paper shows a demonstrable process through which beautifully designed and intrinsically useful products can be produced on a bespoke basis for disabled children. These products have been proven to aid inclusion in society, improve health and wellbeing, and form a unique and emotional bond between designer/maker and client. Three examples are discussed, showing breadth of design and variety in requests for help.
Cerebra Innovation Centre are able to improve the wellbeing and quality of life for their clients using intelligent and beautiful designs that enable children to be included in family and social activities. In addition to inclusion, this paper suggests that acceptance into mainstream activities, from which a child might previously have been excluded, also stimulates wellbeing in the child, the family and even spectators.