No Limits For A Swim

Combining a prosthetic leg and swimwear in a clever design, Della Tosin hopes to sufficiently enhance an amputee’s swimming experience. The design aims at balancing, maximizing energy return from launch off and flip-turns, and supporting the body through the latest technology. The wearable suit will assist single-leg amputees to compete with regular swimmers.

Here is how it works:

• Elle leg provides an adjustable air chamber to control buoyancy and help amputees to maintain their streamlined position in the water.
• The frame will be personalized to match the volume of the amputee’s other leg and it is made out of woven elastane-nylon and polyurethane, a material that repels water to increase buoyancy.
• Elle leg has a flexed ankle made out of a metal plate to increase energy return, interchangeable to match an individual’s strength, and has an elastic band on the back, which will helps users launch off with reduced energy loss.
• The prosthetic leg comes with a vacuum socket that reduces pain and improves endurance.
• It is 3D printed, adjusted to one’s measurement to create the perfect balance.

Designer: Della Tosin

Radhika Seth

Radhika Seth is a design and technology writer with over 18 years of experience covering products, innovation, and the ideas shaping design. She serves on the jury of international design competitions, including the iF Design Award, and hosts Yanko Design’s Design Mindset podcast. A former Ogilvy advertising professional, she has also taught Communication and Design Journalism, bringing together her experience across design, storytelling, brands, and media.

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