textile-wrapped prosthesis solution SYLA X1 blends artificial limbs with everyday clothing

Running Guy & SYLA collaborate on textile-dressed prostheses

Running Guy design studio, in collaboration with SYLA, addresses the challenge of reintegration for new amputees through the innovative design of SYLA X1, a prosthesis dressed in textiles. Their project aims to ease the anxiety experienced by amputees and the social perception of prosthetic devices. Instead of creating another plastic or hardware piece, they use textiles, which are abundant and familiar, to make the prosthesis blend with everyday clothing. The design features a high-performance white fabric sleeve that covers the mechanical parts of the prosthesis, blending with ordinary clothing. This project aims to reduce the extra attention amputees might attract in public spaces, helping them overcome the social challenges they face alongside their physical limitations.

all images courtesy of Running Guy Studio and SYLA

SYLA X1 answers the rising demand for prosthetic devices

Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, an estimated 20,000 to 50,000 individuals have lost at least one limb. As the conflict continues, the demand for prosthetic devices rises, presenting substantial challenges for the healthcare infrastructure and the affected individuals. Using textiles by Running Guy Studio and SYLA to conceal the prosthesis addresses inclusivity by making the prosthetic device less noticeable, thus enhancing the amputee’s comfort and confidence. This approach helps integrate the prosthesis into everyday life, making it appear as a part of the amputee’s attire. By creating a prosthetic that looks as ordinary as regular clothing, the London-based design studio and the advanced knee prosthetics company assist in physical mobility, while supporting social acceptance.

Running Guy design studio and SYLA address the challenge of reintegration for new amputees

through the innovative design of SYLA X1, a prosthesis is now dressed in textiles

aiming to ease the anxiety experienced by amputees the project uses textiles to dress the prosthesis

to make the prosthesis as inconspicuous as possible, the design uses textiles

covering the mechanical parts of the prosthesis, the design features a high-performance white fabric sleeve

blending with ordinary clothing, SYLA X1 reduces the extra attention amputees might attract

since the onset of the war in Ukraine, an estimated 20,000 to 50,000 individuals have lost at least one limb

presenting substantial challenges for the affected individuals, the demand for prosthetic devices rises

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the fabric sleeve makes the prosthetic device less noticeable

this approach helps integrate the prosthesis into everyday life, making it appear as a part of the amputee’s attire

a prosthetic that looks as ordinary as regular clothing assists in physical mobility

project info: 

name: SYLA X1
designer: Running Guy Studio | @running_guy_studio x SYLA | @syla.prosthesis

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom