Institut Teknologi Bandung

ITB LPPM highlighted this collaboration in their Arts and Technology Dialogue titled "Aesthetics and Biomechanics" on Wednesday (18/1/2023). The Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, attended the event as the speaker.

Collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches are a must in designing products prominent in their performance and aesthetic. In this case, there are two major perspectives in design- the technical perspective, which is the forerunner of engineering-based designs, and the artistic perspective, which inspires the birth of industrial designs.

The intended use of the two is different. The industrial design aims to enhance the aesthetics and usability of products based on the principles of art and production. Meanwhile, engineering design seeks to create a final product that meets technical specifications and user requirements.

According to Prof. Tata, a product would have a different emphasis on each of the two design aspects, depending on its function and aim. Some products may focus more on display requirements yet less on functional durability, and vice versa.

"The solution in product design is achieved as a result of compromises between disciplines with varying viewpoints," Prof. Tatacipta explained.

One of ITB's products made by considering both engineering and industrial design was the prosthetic knee patented by the ITB Biomechanics Team in 2020. As a response to the need for a comfortable and affordable prosthetic aimed at people from the middle to lower economic class, the team refined the design of the joint and rotator to ensure perfect performance and user comfort.

Reporter: Hanifa Juliana (Urban dan Regional Planning)
Translator: Hanna Daniela Ayu (Aerospace Engineering, 2021)