research and design development: adaptive wear for locomotor disability persons

HE PROCESS IN BRIEF

PRE PHASE

• Secondary data analysis and interpretation• Defining the need gap• Primary data collection to validate the problem

CONCEPT BUILDING

• Concept Ideation based on collected data• Development of Sketches

SAMPLING

• Prototype development • Developing testing sample

T

RE – PHASE: THE RESEARCHPA secondary review on the scenario it is reported that studies have shown that these (people with locomotor disabilities) groups are very sensitive to the clothing they wear and to their overall personal appearance. Thus, the design consideration has to include, among others, changed body shapes, mobility limitations, psychological and social needs. [1]

Many People with disabilities experience difficulties with clothing every day. Garments are difficult to put on and take off. Clothes do not fit properly and are often, too big and look baggy and sloppy. The waistband of pants cut into your stomach, is uncomfortable and often impacts on how well you digest your food. Winter coats just do not fit right, particularly for people who use wheelchairs full time. Zippers on Winter jackets are too hard to do up, for arm amputees and other who only have the use of one hand. Care Aides develop back, shoulder and arm injury over time, causing them to reduce their work due to these work place injuries. [2]

FINDINGS

The difference in appearance affects the psychology of persons with locomotor disability, they are forced to believe that they are disabled. Only if they readily accept their condition and have products that embrace their special needs, they might feel sociable. Since clothes help in enhancing the self-image of a person, a range of specially design clothing as per their daily requirement will help them present selves positively.

NEED FOR DESIGN

[1]Excerpts from research paper Designing Functional Clothes for Persons with Locomotor Disabilities by Curteza Antonela, Cretu Viorica1, Macovei Laura1 and Poboroniuc Marian[2] Excerpts from the article Fashion Moves Inclusive Designs by Ruth J Clark

VALIDATING THE ISSUES

Project in association with

The persons taken for study here have low levels of locomotor disability, hence are able to perform locomotor tasks to some extent. They are able to clothe themselves, though requiring more time to succeed in performing complex operational tasks such as buttoning, pinning and pulling up pants.

UNDERSTANDING THE DAILY CLOTHING NEEDS OF ELDERLY WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF LOCOMOTOR DISABILITY

VALIDATING THE ISSUES

Project in association with

The persons taken for study here have high levels of locomotor disability, hence are unable to perform limited/no locomotor tasks. They are clothed by their caretakers, often laid in flat position so as to facilitate ease in wearing the garments. The clothes slip, misfit and are not emotionally and physiologically comforting.

UNDERSTANDING THE DAILY CLOTHING NEEDS OF ELDERLY WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF LOCOMOTOR DISABILITY

The sample range aims to provide for special clothing for the daily needs of individuals with locomotor disabilities. The target sample chosen is the elderly with age group 60+, having both minor and major level of locomotor dis-functioning.

EVELOPING DESIGNSDFabric and Colour Reference

The following colour palette has been considered for the samples. The colours are positive and pleasant for the sample pieces.

The following fabrics palette have been used in the samples. The fabrics are taken on considerations of durability and breathability. Hence cotton is preferred.

EVELOPING DESIGNSDMens Kurta with Cross-back Opening

Type Cross back KurtaFabric CottonColour BlueClosure Velcro on Shoulder, Snap button on front

placketSleeve half

MENS KURTA WITH CROSS-

BACK OPENING

MENS KURTA WITH CROSS-BACK OPENING

EVELOPING DESIGNSDUnisex Short Kurta with Side Opening

Type Short KurtaFabric CottonColour BlueClosure Velcro on one side closure

Snap buttons of shoulder-arm stretchSleeve Half

UNISEX SHORT KURTA WITH SIDE

OPENING

UNISEX SHORT KURTA WITH SIDE OPENING

EVELOPING DESIGNSDMens Paijama with Back Flap Opening

Type Back flap closure Paijama; raised back

Fabric Poly-cotColour WhiteClosure Velcro on back closureLength full

MENS PAIJAMA

WITH BACK FLAP

OPENING

PAIJAMA WITH BACK FLAP

OPENING

EVELOPING DESIGNSDWomens waist-length Blouson

Type Saree BlouseFabric Poly-cotColour WhiteClosure Cross back closure with velcroSleeve Cap sleeve

WOMENS WAIST

LENGTH BLOUSON

WOMENS WAIST LENGTH BLOUSON

EVELOPING DESIGNSDWomens waist-length Blouson

Type Stitched saree with drapesFabric Cotton voileColour BlueClosure back closure with VelcroSleeve nil

WOMENS STITCHED SAREE

WOMENS STITCHED

SAREE

THANK YOUHarshita Hajela

Masters Of Space DesignNIFT Kannur