Location
Presentation- College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Document Type and Release Option
Thesis Presentation (Restricted to Georgia Southern)
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Addie Martindale
Faculty Mentor Email
amartindale@georgiasouthern.edu
Presentation Year
2021
Start Date
26-4-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
30-4-2021 12:00 AM
Keywords
Georgia Southern University, Honors Symposium, Presentation
Description
Overall, 85 million (26 percent) of the United States population has some form of disability (CDC, 2020). The fashion industry has long focused on a narrowly defined retail customer; one based on contemporary societal ideals of beauty: young, conventionally attractive, and perceived physical health (Carroll, 2015). Thus, neglecting people with disabilities leaves them unsatisfied with the current selection of clothing available to them (Suri, 2016). The lack of fashionable clothing available also negatively affects the perception of people with disabilities to able-bodied individuals (Nisbett & Johnson, 1992). The sad fact is that currently there is more clothing available for pets than there are people with disabilities (Ryan, 2018).
The purpose of this qualitative study is to better understand the level of satisfaction and needs of people who use mobility aids in regards to their clothing. The researcher evaluated 13 video-based interviews to find issues with current selections in ready-to-wear (RTW) and adaptive clothing as well as desired clothing design characteristics for people who use mobility aids. Common complaints from participants include issues with fit in a seated position, donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) independently, the attractiveness and price of adaptive clothing, and the accessibility of the fashion industry overall. This research provides insights to the gap in the market for clothing for people with disabilities. Results will be used to design and create three vintage-inspired looks that are accessible to people who use mobility aids.
Academic Unit
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
"We already look amazing, we just need designers to jump on board": Designing for Female Consumers that Use Mobility Aids Based on Satisfaction with Retail Selection and Garment Design Characteristics
Presentation- College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Overall, 85 million (26 percent) of the United States population has some form of disability (CDC, 2020). The fashion industry has long focused on a narrowly defined retail customer; one based on contemporary societal ideals of beauty: young, conventionally attractive, and perceived physical health (Carroll, 2015). Thus, neglecting people with disabilities leaves them unsatisfied with the current selection of clothing available to them (Suri, 2016). The lack of fashionable clothing available also negatively affects the perception of people with disabilities to able-bodied individuals (Nisbett & Johnson, 1992). The sad fact is that currently there is more clothing available for pets than there are people with disabilities (Ryan, 2018).
The purpose of this qualitative study is to better understand the level of satisfaction and needs of people who use mobility aids in regards to their clothing. The researcher evaluated 13 video-based interviews to find issues with current selections in ready-to-wear (RTW) and adaptive clothing as well as desired clothing design characteristics for people who use mobility aids. Common complaints from participants include issues with fit in a seated position, donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) independently, the attractiveness and price of adaptive clothing, and the accessibility of the fashion industry overall. This research provides insights to the gap in the market for clothing for people with disabilities. Results will be used to design and create three vintage-inspired looks that are accessible to people who use mobility aids.
Comments
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