Design for human augmentation: building a design framework for assistive technologies for wellbeing and longevity

Human Augmentation is an emergent field that integrates wearable and implantable technologies into the human body to assist, substitute, or enhance its natural sensory, physical, and cognitive capabilities. Predominantly driven by technology-centric perspectives, the primary focus of this field has been on ensuring functionality and usability to improve performance, particularly within military, industrial, and healthcare contexts. These traditional approaches often incorporate design considerations only at the final stages of development, addressing ergonomics, aesthetics, or storytelling. This top-down methodology, however, frequently fails to anticipate and comprehend the impacts that augmentation technologies may have on individual behavior, identity, ownership, and social interactions. The present doctoral research positions Design Research as a crucial element in the evolution of Human Augmentation, proposing that design-based approaches are essential for understanding the evolving needs, desires, and expectations of users. By leveraging design methods and tools within this technology-centric domain, the present work aims to foster a more empathetic understanding of human desires, expectations, and fears. This, in turn, can drive the development of more humane, life-centric, and ethically aligned technological solutions. The core objective of this work is to develop new design methods and tools for Human Augmentation, particularly focusing on a methodological framework for design-focused interventions in the creation of wearable interfaces. This research primarily addresses the theme of augmented health, examining social stigmas surrounding wearable health devices, user behavior and acceptance, and the overarching narrative of longevity through technology. A significant aspect of the research is its challenge to ageism and ableism, concepts often linked to socially determined standards of performance that neglect the unique needs and qualities of marginalized groups, such as people with disabilities nd the elderly. To construct a new narrative and development agenda around these issues, the research adopts a dual approach comprising theoretical nvestigation and practical experimentation. This approach will facilitate the development of a design framework, which will be validated through prototyping and co-design activities involving interested individuals. By integrating design research into the development process of Human Augmentation technologies, this work aims to bridge the gap between technological capabilities and human-centric design. The anticipated outcome is a set of design methods and tools that can be employed to create wearable interfaces that are more attuned to the social, emotional, and ethical dimensions of human augmentation. This research has the goal to offer a contribution to the establishment of a more inclusive, empathetic, and ethically responsible approach to the development and implementation of augmentation technologies, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for a broader spectrum of users.