Adapt or Design

The episode opens with host Roman Mars introducing Kurt Kolstad, the digital director of 99% Invisible, who shares his personal experience following a debilitating injury that left him with a paralyzed right arm. Kurt describes the mysterious circumstances surrounding his injury—a neurocardiac event that caused significant damage to the nerves in his arm. This traumatic experience initially led him to view his condition as a temporary setback, but he ultimately had to confront the reality of living with a disability. His journey prompted him to explore assistive technology and adaptable design solutions, culminating in his series 'Adapt or Design,' where he shares the challenges and innovations he encountered on his path to regain independence.

After leaving the hospital, Kurt faced the challenges of a world designed primarily for two-handed individuals. One of the first difficulties he encountered was dressing himself and managing everyday items, like his phone and wallet, with only his non-dominant left hand. Kurt discusses the adaptations he made, such as rearranging the pockets of his clothing to make essential items more accessible. He shares inventive solutions, including using retractable card holders and specially designed holsters to clip his phone, emphasizing the significant changes required in his daily routines.

Throughout the podcast, Kurt delves into the various solutions he explored to adapt to one-handed living. He talks about the complexities of putting on shoes and the adjustments he implemented, such as using lace locking kits and thermoplastic tubing to create effective, discreet shoe closures. Kurt also highlights the discovery of innovative hands-free shoes that simplify the process of putting them on and taking them off. The conversation shifts to the frustrations of conventional plastic buckles found in everyday items, leading Kurt to adopt magnetic buckles that allow for easier one-handed operation.

As a design journalist, one of Kurt's primary challenges was the need to write and edit content effectively. Kurt discusses his exploration of speech-to-text technology and finds that while it is helpful for casual communication, it doesn't suit his nuanced writing process. He further investigates specialized one-handed keyboards and the challenges with each type he tests, from the clunky Maltron to the unique Tippy model. Ultimately, he finds that creating a custom layout on his traditional keyboard that simulates a mirrored design allows for the best blend of functionality and ease, enabling him to maintain productivity despite his limitations.

The episode wraps up with Kurt reflecting on his ongoing recovery journey and the growth he has experienced over the past year. He remains committed to sharing his insights and solutions through the 'Adapt or Design' series on the 99% Invisible website. The series aims to help others navigate similar challenges and to raise awareness about the importance of accessible design in everyday life. Kurt discusses how his experience has shaped his understanding of design and emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to accommodate a wider range of human experiences.