#visualdiary4

How amazing it is that design has led those who have lost a leg, arm, foot, etc., to feel somewhat normal again. While they still have a constant reminder of their loss or if they were born without a part, they appreciate the design and technology of prosthetics and how it allows them to lead a more normal life. This is truly a service and it’s very important that it grows as an industry and hopefully can become more affordable for all. There has been a lot of recent research being done on designing a prosthetic that is just as effective, but much more affordable than some that are currently on the market. It’s important that we continue to develop this and be of service to those who appreciate the chance to live a more normal lifestyle of independency. 

Roston, Brittany (2018, June 19). Virtual reality headsets make it easier to give kids shots. [Weblog post] Retrieved from: https://www.slashgear.com/virtual-reality-headsets-make-it-easier-to-give-kids-shots-19534737/ 

The printer uses readily accessible building materials that can be sourced from almost anywhere. It also durable, easy to transport, and requires very little additional labor. The ICON team sought to uncover issues that kept housing out of reach of people across the world and found simple solutions that could scale to help them over them.

The second example I came up with for this visual diary entry is volunteer firefighters. In many rural areas, volunteer firefighters often serve as equals, working in their community day-to-day with their peers and when the time comes, as a firefighter to protect their community. These individuals undergo training and dedicate their time voluntarily to the fire department, creating a cooperative environment where they both work in and protect their community.

The first example I thought of where someone helping another provides a service are mentorship programs. While mentorship programs are typically framed as experienced individuals helping those who are less experienced, they often foster mutually beneficial relationships. Mentors can gain fresh perspectives and insights from their mentees, leading to a symbiotic exchange of knowledge and support.

The main goal of Be My Eyes is to make the world more accessible for more people. By starting with the user in mind and looking for simple ways to improve their lives, the Be My Eyes team created a tool that empowers and frees blind and low vision people.