Design de capa de próteses: a influência dos aspectos configuracionais no nível de aceitação dos usuários.

Abstract

The present research aims to evaluate the degree of acceptance of covers for lower limb prosthetics, taking as reference the perception of users regarding configurational aspects, since there is a high abandonment rate of these devices, being a phenomenon influenced by social, emotional, and individual factors, in which aesthetic and visual elements play a determining role in their acceptance. The research has an exploratory-descriptive character, with a mixed approach. It is considered a case study and field research as it has been developed at the CER IV Rehabilitation Center in Campina Grande - PB. From a non-probabilistic sampling (Snowball), 10 prosthetic users and 10 health professionals were selected to obtain diverse information related to behavior, perception, and aesthetic preferences. Data collection was carried out in five stages: i) Bibliographic research on the topic; ii) Questionnaire with physiotherapy professionals who treat people with motor disabilities; iii) Semi-structured interview with prosthetic users; iv) Presentation of a notebook with images of prosthetic cover alternatives developed based on rectilinear, curvilinear, and mixed shapes, with application of colors and textures, and presentation of samples of prototyped surfaces in 3D printing; and finally v) Application of Semantic Differential, evaluating users" perceptions of the presented concepts. As a result, it was seen that configurational aspects, such as shape, color, and texture, play a crucial role in the perception of acceptance or rejection, being strongly influenced by emotional and psychological factors, not limited to functionality, and reflecting cultural and individual values and narratives, where mixed shapes, camouflage and neutral colors, and simple and polished textures presented greater acceptance, while curvilinear shapes, vibrant colors, and organic and rough textures presented greater rejection.