RESEARCH
From last week, I needed to delve deeper into the technically hyper functional aspects of the design. I have looked at new innovative furniture, clothes, helmets, and brands to gain inspiration. The idea of extendability through origami, and multi purpose through clever design seem to be strife. PetitPli has the pleated extendable clothes that grow with your child. Eco Helmet uses recyclable waterproof paper in a honeycomb design for cyclists as a strong travel size alternative. There are chairs which fold and extend. And Acronym are a brand based in Berlin who strongly focus on functionality, with many hidden pockets, functional straps, zips for movement, and modular pieces.
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Words matter: terminology towards those with disabilities and labels they get need to change.*****
Disability --> Differently Abled
Impairment = A mainstream medical diagnosis.
Disability = The social repression of a medical condition.
Design
A re-occurring thought I keep having is: anyone can move in loose clothing, but that is not the point, I want to create nice fitting clothes which move with you and ones not that you move inside of. Going into the technical elements of the design has helped me gain such understanding. I want pleats and folds to aid movement, a scale-like back to ease sitting position arm stretch, and pockets to be accessible sitting down but also not allow things to fall out. The yoke at the back of the trousers needs to be larger to allow a high centre back for seated position. Padded elements should be on pressure points. Adjustable hems and openings are important. As are magnetic or push button type easy fastenings. Modular elements, can be on the outfit or the wheelchair or for the career, and modular limb parts to aid accessibility.
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I have now thought about the difference in physical and sensory needs of a 'disabled' person. Warmth, heat, comfort, breath-ability, sensory, help for careers, and micro-encapsulation for nice smell release. All of these are also important aspects to be aware of, and can help with bringing the deign into a more innovative, forward thinking field.
Evaluation
I think I got too lost in it all. I need to focus my concentration. I don't always have to be experimental. Think about functionality, think about why I am doing this.
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The sensory ideas would be good to explore after creating an effective design and fit.
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I will chose elements I like to bring forward. The honeycomb can be good for movement and the scale-like back.
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The realisation of my ideas did not go to plan. I really need to work on fit and overall aesthetic. I will use a mannequin more and remember to take a step back whilst I'm working. The elastic is good for accessibility but looks bad on the lining fabric and needs to be properly applied.