Assistive Products Development: A Framework to Respond to the Value Requirements from Users and Manufacturers Points of View

This article presents an Assistive Product (AP) design model built in order to respond to the requirements of persons with disabilities. This target population is heterogeneous and their needs change over time, which is a great challenge in terms of customers' satisfaction, operational manufacturing performance, and financial results. The design model proposed is composed of design approach, containing the design principles that guide the process; and the design methodology (stages and their activities). This process was applied in a case study in the context of walking aids such as canes, crutches and walking frames was performed. This case brings insights about how to offer products variety to respond to different users in a suitable manufacturing environment.