Medicalised Aesthetic

A design approach in assistive technology that prioritises clinical functionality over personal style, resulting in devices that visually signal disability through neutral, institutional-looking form factors such as plain plastic casings and uniform designs. Research with AAC users has shown that medicalised aesthetics contribute to social stigma and device abandonment, as users feel their devices mark them as different. Emerging design approaches advocate for assistive technologies that reflect users' personal fashion, identity, and style preferences, treating aesthetic customisation as an accessibility concern rather than a superficial consideration.