STANDING OUT TO FIT IN

Abstract: Most women opt for so called cosmesis, a cover which mimics the look of a leg, on their prostheses in order to get real-looking legs. Their male counterparts usually choose to show the entire construction or parts of the raw prosthesis. However the cosmesis is in many cases lowering the functionality of the prosthetic leg. In this project, 8 female and 2 male lower-leg amputees were interviewed in order to find out what might be the driving force to go for one or the other and find a common ground that works for most people. Additionally, a prosthesis engineer and a prosthesis technician were interviewed in order to understand the existing system. The findings resulted in a concept for an active lower-leg prosthesis which can be adapted to different shoes and heel heights - a titanium base with a 3D-knit sleeve which moves with the amputee.