An estimated 10 million people in the world wear prosthetic devices. While these devices offer increased mobility and quality of life, limited options and sky-high prices have stalled their promise. Fran Díaz started Autofabricantes in Spain in 2015, seeing in 3D printing an opportunity to revolutionize the way prostheses and orthopedic supports are designed. Now with a footprint on three continents, Autofabricantes meets the needs of users, particularly children, by offering flexibility and lower costs. Ashoka’s Irene Milleiro talks with Díaz about why design should start with users, how to create collaborative environments, and the implications of his approach for health care broadly.
Irene Milleiro: Fran, you