Empowering design solutions for orbital epitheses, avoiding the uncanny valley

Abstract

Current humanlike orbital epitheses are unnoticeable from afar. When bystanders come closer and discover the epithesis, they often react distressed. This can be explained by the uncanny valley effect. Humanlike epitheses fall in the depths of the uncanny valley and potentially evoke negative responses from bystanders. Instead of hiding the epithesis, this study suggests a shift towards empowering designer epitheses located on the left side of the uncanny valley. A literature study was conducted to determine the state-of-the-art on facial epitheses and stigma-free design. In addition, interviews were organized with six anaplastologists and five orbital epithesis wearers. Design workshops with stakeholders allowed to derive three promising design directions for orbital design epitheses. Additionally, lead users identified three specific use cases: professional, personal/casual, and social/festive use. These explorations resulted in a better understanding of future challenges and values.