Designing with Purpose: Where Service Design Meets Occupational Therapy

What happens when you combine the creativity of service design with the insights of occupational therapy?
You get solutions that truly work—for real people, in real life.

The Intersection of Two Worlds

At first glance, service design and occupational therapy might seem like distant disciplines. One is rooted in design thinking and user experience; the other in health sciences, occupational sciences and rehabilitation. But when you look closer, they share a powerful common thread: a deep commitment to human needs.

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a discipline dedicated to helping individuals participate fully in everyday life. Whether it’s recovering from injury, adapting to physical changes, or managing chronic conditions, OT focuses on working with people to do the activities that they need and want to do that promote health and well-being.

Occupational Therapists assess physical, cognitive, and emotional factors, then design interventions that promote function, support mental and emotional well-being, health and safety. It’s not just about treatment; it’s about empowerment—giving people the tools and strategies to live life on their terms.

Understanding Service Design

Service Design is about creating experiences that feel seamless and intuitive. It looks beyond products to consider the entire journey—how people interact with systems, services, and environments. The goal? To make every touchpoint meaningful and accessible.

Why They’re a Perfect Match

Both disciplines prioritize human-centered thinking. Service design asks: How can we make this experience better for the user? Occupational therapy asks: How can we make this activity possible for the person?
Together, they create solutions that are functional, inclusive, and life-enhancing.

Real-World Applications at Bariatric Technologies

At Bariatric Technologies, this synergy drives innovation. We design high-performance support garments for individuals experiencing significant weight loss—a journey that often comes with excess skin and tissue. These garments aren’t just functional; they’re thoughtfully designed to address physical, emotional, and lifestyle needs.

Our designs are informed by:

• Clinical Expertise from an occupational therapist
• User Insights gathered through service design methods
• Real-Life Feedback from individuals living with these challenges

The result? Garments that:

• Relieve Pressure by supporting excess skin and tissue
• Protect Skin by reducing friction and chafing
• Enhance Comfort with breathable, soft materials
• Fit Discreetly under clothing for confidence in any setting

Collaboration Is Key

We involve users early and often in the design process. This collaborative approach ensures our products are not only effective but empowering—helping people move confidently, participate fully, and live comfortably.

The Bigger Picture

When service design meets occupational therapy, the impact goes beyond garments. It’s about creating systems and solutions that respect dignity, promote participation in everyday life activities, and improve quality of life. It’s about designing with purpose.

Join Us on This Journey

Want to learn more about how we’re blending design and therapy to change lives?
Visit our website or connect with us to explore how Bariatric Technologies can support your patients and clients.