Design for inclusivity: identifying and overcoming the design and social barriers to adaptive clothing

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to identify and organize the design and social barriers of adaptive clothing in order to increase its market availability. Adaptive clothing are garments designed specifically for people living with disabilities, endeavoring to increase quality of life and independence. Despite the benefits, adaptive clothing is not widely available for purchase because very little house-hold-name brands sell it, typically only available online from small companies. This research is divided into two aims. The first aim facilitates the identification of the design barriers by designing and testing apparel, which addresses the clothing related needs of an individual living with Down syndrome. The second aim focuses on identifying the social barriers to adaptive clothing by identifying and organizing the descriptions of adaptive clothing perspectives within the context of disability, using the three models of disability. By identifying the design and social barriers, this research produces a novel approach to product design. The new practice, titled Design for Inclusivity, is an interdisciplinary research method, not only focusing on user-centered design to satisfy clothing related needs of people living with disabilities, but also creating inclusion by marketing to both people living with and without disabilities.