Key Factors of Design: 3D Printed Occupational Therapy Products in Developing Communities

This paper presents the initial determination of key factors of design desirability for 3D printed occupational therapy products in rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. As most disabled persons worldwide are living in low-income countries, it is crucial to have supply chains to provide access to appropriate therapy tools. 3D printing technology can address poverty in these countries by addressing individual product needs and improving industrial capabilities. It has been proven that 3D printing technology can be employed to produce feasible and viable products, but the key issue of product desirability is currently unaddressed. This paper addresses the problem of misunderstood design desirability to provide appropriate occupational therapy tools in this market. To address this issue, all known occupational therapists in Kisumu County, Kenya were interviewed about eleven key factors of design desirability. Of the ten hospitals with occupational therapy programs, six occupational therapists were interviewed, first informally to understand their experience and perception of 3D printing and then formally to understand their unique desires for appropriate products. These interviews suggested that portability, customizability, and cost are the most important considerations when designing new occupational therapy products. Patients cannot afford transportation to large hospitals, increasing the value of home programs. Patient needs are not met by traditional devices, and therapists are eager to work with designers to create appropriate, customized products. Occupational therapy is viewed as "less critical" than other departments, so budgets are low. To make claims with greater specificity, therapists in the additional 47 counties in Kenya need to be interviewed. The length and depth of the survey should be extended to provide better, quantitative data. Once a specific determination is made, these desirability factors should be used to guide product design of 3D printed occupational therapy tools to provide appropriate occupational therapy tools, increasing the availability of effective care for patients seeking education and employment.