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By Ali Sutani, OT Reg. (Ont.)
What do a smart vest, augmented reality (AR) goggles and a simple ergonomic chair have in common? On the surface, they may seem like everyday tools. But...
...through the lens of occupational science - the study of how we engage in meaningful activities - they represent the future of what I like to call occupational 'products'.
These are not just tools - they are evolving systems, designed to enhance how we live and work.
As an occupational therapist (OT), I've spent my career exploring the fascinating relationship between people, their environments and the tools they use. The emergence of occupational products marks a pivotal shift in this relationship - pushing us to rethink how technology and design can meet human needs. Whether it is helping someone regain independence at home or optimising workflows in high-stakes industries, these products are transforming the way we perform, connect and thrive.
What Are Occupational Products?
At their core, occupational products are tools or systems that support how people engage in daily activities.
They go beyond mere functionality; they are designed to integrate seamlessly into our routines, adapt to our needs and even anticipate challenges we might face.
Think about a connected smartwatch that tracks your stress levels and nudges you to take a mindful break. Or consider an exoskeleton that supports a warehouse worker's back, enabling heavy lifting without strain.
These innovations aren't just techy gadgets - they are part of a broader movement to create products that align with what matters most: human well-being, autonomy and connection.
People, Places and Things That Shape Us
Occupational science teaches us that meaningful activity is never isolated - it happens at the intersection of three elements: the person, the place and the thing.
The Person: Each of us brings our unique goals, abilities and challenges to the table. Occupational products must honour this individuality. For example, an augmented reality headset might help a surgeon perform intricate procedures by projecting real-time instructions onto their field of vision, reducing cognitive load and enhancing focus. For someone recovering at home, a wearable might offer gentle reminders to stretch or hydrate.
The Place: Our environments profoundly influence how we engage with the world. Well-designed occupational products adapt to these environments, whether it is a crowded hospital, a quiet library, or a chaotic construction site. Take the example of collaborative digital platforms that allow remote teams to work together seamlessly, creating a sense of shared purpose, even across distances.
The Thing: And, of course, there is the tool itself - the occupational product. These tools are evolving, from static objects to dynamic ecosystems. Modern occupational products, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced materials, don't just react to us - they interact with us. They guide, protect and even grow with us, enabling not just performance, but empowerment.
Why do Occupational Products Matter?
The global workforce is facing profound changes. Automation, hybrid work models and the growing importance of mental health have reshaped what 'work' means.
Occupational products are uniquely positioned to address these challenges, by fostering autonomy, competence and relatedness - three key pillars of human motivation, identified in Self-Determination Theory.
Autonomy: Empowering people to take control of their tasks and environments.
Competence: Supporting skill development and confidence, through intuitive design and feedback.
Relatedness: Strengthening connections by facilitating collaboration and shared goals.
For example, a simple app that gamifies daily chores can transform a mundane task into a family bonding experience. Or a virtual reality module that simulates real-world challenges can prepare workers for high-pressure situations, enhancing their confidence and resilience.
Occupational Products in Action
Imagine this: You are in a bustling hospital, where nurses use smart wearables that monitor patient observations/vitals, while also tracking their own well-being. The devices send reminders to take breaks, reducing burnout, while ensuring high-quality care.
Or consider a small business, where employees use a shared task app to assign and track responsibilities. Tasks like 'organise inventory' or 'prep for meeting' are gamified with points and badges, making the workday more engaging.
These aren't just hypothetical scenarios - they are real-world examples of how occupational products are reshaping daily life.
The Road Ahead
Occupational products are still in their early stages, but their potential is vast. From AI-driven personal assistants that anticipate needs, to AR overlays that make learning new skills intuitive, the possibilities are endless. As these tools become more integrated into our lives, the role of occupational therapists will expand. We will be at the forefront of ensuring that these innovations remain human-centred, accessible and ethical.
As someone passionate about blending human care with intelligent design, I believe this is just the beginning...
Whether you are a healthcare provider, a designer, or a curious consumer, I invite you to explore this exciting intersection of technology and occupational science.
Let's work together to create tools that don't just solve problems, but enrich lives.
Occupational products aren’t about replacing human effort - they are about enhancing it. They are not about controlling our actions - they are about empowering us to live and work with greater meaning and ease.
After all, every tool we create tells a story about who we are and who we aspire to be. Let's make that story one of connection, innovation and progress.