Of course, the No. 1 requirement for a prosthetic device is functionality, but how does fashion factor into the design equation? 

This question came to mind after I saw a photo (right) of a woman with a prosthetic leg riding a bike on street style blog The Sartorialist. The prosthetic's design was a hit with the site's fashion-forward readership. Take, for example, these comments: 

Beside her overall beauty, this golden leg has amazing colour and style—looks like a right accesory for a cyclist!

Awesome outfit, great shoes, fabulous back, gorgeous not-meddled-with hair, love the legwork!

For those of you who develop devices that are meant to be seen, is fashion a consideration in your designs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

—Jamie Hartford is the associate editor of MD+DI. Follow her on Twitter @readMED.