Design Summary & Analysis (Draft 1)

Subject: Design Summary & Analysis Draft 1

In the article “It's 2019 - Where’s My Super Suit”, Zelik (2019) writes about the significant and unique features of the exoskeleton made by his team as well as brief descriptions of current commercial versions of exoskeletons. The main function of an exoskeleton is to reduce the risk of muscular injuries. However, modern designs do not appeal to the public because they are cumbersome and costly. The writer endeavours to improve upon the modern designs with a few distinct features. To begin with, the new design has a “clothing-like” appearance that consist of a vest, short, elastic bands and a switch. Furthermore, the design allows the user to move “freely and fully’ by turning off the suit using the outfitted switch. On top of that, the absence of batteries, motors and protruding parts provides a lightweight and seamless design. Lastly, Zelik (2019) asserts that laboratory tests have verified that turning on the suit will reduce substantial loading on the lower back. This path of simple and discreet designs will be the deciding factor for exoskeletons to be popular and commonplace but there must be a balance between design and performance.

In order for new technology to start trending, one of the most important factors is image. When someone mentions the word exoskeleton, the first image to pop up would be a bulky and heavy contraption that will be uncomfortable and a hassle to wear. Even with all of its benefits, no one would willingly adorn an exoskeleton suit every day.
Comparing the writer’s exoskeleton and the exoskeleton suit “Spexor” created by an EU research project from Slovenia will highlight this issue (Wilks, 2019). The “Spexor” is a 6.3 kilo suit that is designed to arrest any lower back pain and assist those with ongoing lower back issues. Developers have commented that testing with the “Spexor” indicates that it is “too wide and bulky” and that the leading issue would be persuading workers without any health issue to use it.

One of the most famous technology that was only used by the rich in the past has now become a commonplace item in any home and this technology is the television.
Designers noticed the hidden potential of the television and changed the image of the television from big and bulky to slim and thin (Dunne, 2014). There is no reason why the exoskeleton cannot follow the successful path of the television by changing its image with sleeker and lighter designs.

Even though getting the design of the exoskeleton to be sleeker and lighter is a priority, there must still be a balance between design and actual performance. Laptop are irreplaceable in the current world and the current trend of laptop design are to make it sleeker, thinner and lighter. These decisions may come at the cost of actual performance as there have been allegations that Apple laptop’s stated performance can only be reached if there is a sufficient cooling environment like a refrigerator (Owen, 2018). Exoskeletons may also be liable to be affected by this problem as its performance will be based on its size and mechanical design.

In conclusion, the way to get exoskeletons to become popular and commonplace is definitely to design it to be simpler and more discreet. This will change its image in the world and make it more desirable. However, there must be a good balance between design and performance as the main benefits and function of an exoskeleton should not be diminished for the sake of popularity and sales.

Reference
Zelik, K. (2019). It's 2019 - where’s my super suit. Retrieved and adapted from https://theconversation.com/its-2019-wheres-my-supersuit-115679

Wilks, J. (2019). New exoskeleton to beat low back pain. Retrieved and adapted from https://www.euronews.com/2019/09/30/new-exoskeleton-to-beat-low-back-pain

Dunne, C. (2014). How the television has evolved. Retrieved and adapted from https://www.fastcompany.com/90460346/philips-hue-security-risk

Owen, W. (2018). Thinner and lighter laptops have screwed us all. Retrieved and adapted from https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/9kmkve/thinner-and-lighter-laptops-have-screwed-us-all