If medical products were to possess the qualities of ‘desirability’ that are commonly associated with jewellery, positive user interaction would be enhanced. The wearer would be able to use medical products with pleasure and confidence, without fear or social stigma, and in doing so retain an element of personal control which might otherwise be lost to them.

This research addresses intersections between the two disciplines of craft and science of medicine. It focuses on developing new digital jewellery capable of monitoring the medical parameters of a patient as well as redeveloping specific products such as the Asthma Inhaler, the Diabetic Insulin-Pen, and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Medication Carrier. The aim in each case was to produce a more effective and user-friendly set of items. This research also facilitates the categorisation of jewellery artefacts which have a medical purpose, evaluating the benefits of devising new designs to ameliorate known problems, such as, iatrophobia (a phobia of seeking medical advice from a doctor or medical expert), or sociophobia (fear of being negatively judged in social situations).

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