Wearability in the Development of Protection System for Lower Limb Marita Canina, Venere Ferraro, Jennifer Signaroli Politecnico di Milano, Facoltà di Design Via Durando, 38/A, 20158 Milano, Italia marita.canina@polimi.it venere.ferraro@mail.polimi.it jennifer.signaroli@gmail.com Abstract- In this paper we present a new methodological approach resulting from the main research area developed in our Biodesign Lab - the estimation and satisfaction of wearability criteria (ability to wear) - and defined through a case history; specifically an innovative “knee protection active system” usable in motorcyclist suits or in extreme sports is in details described. This system is characterized by the integration of an elastic taping support aimed to protecting the athlete, though allowing a complete freedom of movement. The primary goal of this research project is to understand the relation between human anatomy and the shape of these wearable systems, using an “anatomically correct design”. The scientific bases are: o biomechanics o anatomy o physiology and traumatic pathology of knees o analysis of injury risks connected to the posture The outcomes of the project want thus to avoid and limit injuries and pathologies associated to muscular strains, caused by motorcycling or extreme sports. The protection system is based on functional features coming from the prevention methods applied to lower limb sport injuries: in particular functional bandages and supporting elements like Theratogs™ and Kinesio® taping are used. This system has the aim to reduce muscle fatigues, protect from full stress and support muscles, ensuring however the freedom of movement. I. INTRODUCTION Biodesign Lab of Politecnico di Milano was born with the aim to introduce a technological innovation in the medical-biological and sport fields through solutions whose effectiveness is really perceived by the human being. Inside the research areas developed by biodesign, whose focus is design around human body as psycho-biological unicum, here is presented an applied research project developed in the field of wearable systems. In this area, the biodesigner has the rule to develop optimal solutions able to blend these kind of devices with body and user’s life style in order to make theme clear in the use. [1] Ergonomics and quality of use are the relevant aspects in biodesign. Users often reject objects felt unfamiliar to own body, even if they can improve daily life. This happens because sometimes the designer overlooks the relationship between human body and the wearables which involve both physical and psychological side. [2] [3]. The case history here described is about a research geared to the study of safety device extremely adaptable and applicable to a suit for motorcyclists. This protection system, named ActProK (Active Protection Knee) is characterized by the integration of an elastic taping support aimed to protecting the athlete by carrying out the freedom of movement. II. OBJECTIVES Research objective is to identify solutions which satisfy requirements of safety and wearability (the right relationship between human body and wearable objects) through an “anatomically correct design”. The analysis of the taping chosen for designing this protection system is associated to a research in this direction. The designer has to evaluate and satisfy wearability aspects which concern right relationship between human body and wearable object. [4] It’s fundamental for a product in close contact with human body to be totally adaptable to human anatomy. The reason of this research is visible in the lately technological developments: new technologies simulate body functions and strengthen the organic ones. Clothing and prosthesis get instruments thanks to which body shape reconfigure itself. The objects interact with the body and closely meet biology and anatomy. The wearables fix body silhouette inhibiting or making easier movements and postures through ergonomic and enveloping shapes. From this point of view, the wearable is not an overlapping structure or close architecture but an enveloping film, “a second skin”. [5] This feature, typical of wearables is connected to the primary target of research, so that improve comfort and wearability. The parameters used for wearability are those identified by The Institute for Complex Engineered Systems (ICES). ICES developed a study about this topic, “Design for Wearability”, by outlining a design guidelines for wearable products. [6], [7], [8]. The parameters set for the wearable device was: • formal language: the way the different shapes blend with each others; • size: cross section variation of human body; • human movement: the way the form of body changes whit simple motion; • Unobtrusivity: body areas less obtrusive for wearable products.