of the forearm piece. However, the added support of a forearm crutch was of interest to her and she saw the potential in explor- ing a hybrid of forms. Additionally, we recognized the need for a new prototype that would facilitate adjustment much like our first prototype (Fig. 3). Ultimately, we recognized the need to work without compromising the functional elements of our co-creator’s existing crutches. With this non-negotiable constraint, and our co-creator’s hopes for increased mobility through collapsibility and personalized aesthetics, we were able to focus on combining these elements into a new prototype (Fig. 5). FINDINGS// A New Prototype// With clear constraints in mind, we focused on paring down the form to meet our new design criteria. Investigating the underarm, forearm and handle as they relate to the body meant experimentation with form through the use of wet clay. Holding the clay in our hands, we were able to see the form of the hand as it related to holding the handle of the crutch, as well as the curves of the body in relation to the underarm. This enabled us to pare down the form of the crutch in a way that fit the ergonomics of the body. To facilitate collaps- ibility, we used an existing mechanism in the height adjust on the standard axillary crutch. We employed this same mechanism in locking the collapsible crutch into an open and closed position. As the form became pared down, becoming more comfort- able and portable, we incorporated the collapsing mechanism to construct a final testable prototype (Fig. 5). At this stage we met with both our co-creator and the physiotherapists from G.F. Strong to present them with our work. It appeared that while the issue of comfort required further modifications, the collaps- ible component held significant potential as a viable solution. While this prototype has fulfilled the requirements for the studio deliverables, this collaboration will continue as we work to find a solution to meet the needs of a woman living with a disability. CONCLUSION// The process of design involves gleaning infor- mation from a variety of sources. A source of valid information in the process of re-designing a mobility aid is medical literature which facilitates a better understanding of the issues surrounding these devices. Meanwhile, collaboration with medical profession- als allows one to better understand this information by tapping the vast anecdotal experience and knowledge on the subject. Finally, through collaboration with the end user, one is able to achieve a more personalized and practical understanding of the issues surrounding product design. Through these sour- ces, a designer is better able to understand the broad issues at hand, and gradually narrow the focus to a personalized, usable end product. + REFERENCES// 1. Buchenau, M.,and Fulton Suri, J. E. (2000). Experience Prototyping. Pro- ceedings of the 3rd Conference on Designing Interactive Systems. ACM Press. 2. Raikin, $., and Froimson, M. (1997). Bilateral Brachial Plexus Com- pressive Neuropathy (Crutch Palsy). Abstract retrieved March 31, 2010 from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed.9057152?log$=activity 3. Sanders, E., and Stappers, P. (2008). Co-creation and the New Land- scapes of Design. Co-Design, 5-18. 38 CURRENT WP 4. Scarry, E. (1985). The Body in Pain: The Making and Unmaking of the World. Oxford University Press, 278-286. 5- Youdas, J., Kotajarvi, B., Padgett, D., and Kaufman, K. (2005). Partial Weight- Bearing Gait Using Conventional Assistive Devices. Abstract retrieved March 2010 from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15759217?log$=activity IMAGE REFERENCES// Fig 1. Henderson, A. (2009). Fig 2. Henderson, A. (2009). Fig 3. Henderson, A. (2009). Fig 4. Henderson, A. (2009). Fig 5. Henderson, A. (2009). 66 00. cREs TION AND COLLABORATION EDUCATES DESIGNERS WHILE HELPING THEM MANAGE CONSTRAINTS. 7.