Research and Design Development: Adaptive Wear for Locomotor Disability Persons
1.
2. 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
3. RE – PHASE:THE RESEARCHP
A 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
4. VALIDATINGTHE
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
5. VALIDATINGTHE
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
6. 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.
7. EVELOPING DESIGNSD
Fabric 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.
8. EVELOPING DESIGNSD
Mens Kurta with Cross-back Opening
Type Cross back Kurta
Fabric Cotton
Colour Blue
Closure Velcro on Shoulder, Snap button on front
placket
Sleeve half
11. EVELOPING DESIGNSD
Unisex Short Kurta with Side Opening
Type Short Kurta
Fabric Cotton
Colour Blue
Closure Velcro on one side closure
Snap buttons of shoulder-arm stretch
Sleeve Half
14. EVELOPING DESIGNSD
Mens Paijama with Back Flap Opening
Type Back flap closure Paijama; raised back
Fabric Poly-cot
Colour White
Closure Velcro on back closure
Length full
20. EVELOPING DESIGNSD
Womens waist-length Blouson
Type Stitched saree with drapes
Fabric Cotton voile
Colour Blue
Closure back closure with Velcro
Sleeve nil