Bridging Methodological Gaps Through Cross-Disciplinary Dialogue for Design of Smart Clothes and...

Include 11April 2011

Bridging Methodological Gaps Through Cross-Disciplinary Dialogue for the Design of Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology for the Active Ageing

David Taylor Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology Research Centre. University of Wales Newport.

Contents

1. Background, Research, Project, the Active Ageing and Smart Clothes

2. Theoretical Perspective

3. Case Study

4. Conclusion

Part 1- Background, Research, Project, the Active Ageing and Smart Clothes

Personal history

late 1980s

cross disciplinary product design agency

14 years as creative director

hardware engineers

internet business solutions

first web development agency in Wales

graphic designer

multi-disciplinary team

1994

software engineers

product stylists

PhD research brings design background into focus

Aim of the research

• Develop a design focused cross disciplinary communications methodology in a language that is easily understood:

– Can inform the work of cross disciplinary teams

– Provide a ‘gateway to understanding’ for the target end user (Active Ageing)

Design for Ageing Well, part of the New Dynamics of Ageing Programme

• One of 12 JRC funded projects in UK from NDA

• Project is investigating how we can develop wearable technology enabled smart clothes with the potential to contribute to an increase in the wellbeing of the active ageing, with a focus on walking as an activity.

Active ageing

• The process of optimising opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance the quality of life as people age 1

• Predicted growth from 11.8 to 15.3 million in the number of over 65s by 2031, when 24% of the UK population will be over 65 2

References: (1) WHO, 2002. (2) ONS, 2009.

Walking is good

• There is gathering evidence that walking is the best exercise for the over 65s in order to mitigate the occurrence of falls 3

• Research in dementia:

– suggests that anything that is good for the circulation is also good for the brain –

– including activity, in particular walking and having less fat on the body 3

References: (3) Williams, 2010

Part 2 - Theoretical perspective

Smart Clothes DesignEnd Users

Co-Design

Apparel Design

Reference: (4) Hussey (2007)

Software and Technical Engineering

‘The design phase is where we create the solution that we hope will match the user requirements created during project definition’ 5

‘The design and build phase are synonymous’

Reference: (5) Noakes et all

Product Design

We know what we want at the start of a project

We know enough to start building it 6

Reference: (6) Buxton

B U X T O N S

N P D M Y T H S

‘Wave has not seen the user

adoption we would have liked’ 7

‘Wave has not seen the user

adoption we would have liked’ 7‘It’s a service that nobody

needed and didn’t solve any

specific problems’ 8

‘It’s a service that nobody

needed and didn’t solve any

specific problems’ 8

References: (7) Lars Rasmussen, (7) CNET.

The Success Model

Reference: (9) Powell

9

Discipline Sublimation

Reference: (10) Sanders and Stappers

10

Manifestation of the Emerging Disciplines

• Key to the successful design of SCWT for the Active Ageing

– Experience the product, enhance experience

– Awareness of the functions and benefits – interact

– Feel the emotional pull of the products – friend for life

Manifestation of the Emerging Disciplines

– Products need to serve a purpose (multiple)

– Products need to be catalysts in transformation

– Be sustainable

References: (11) Gallacher, 2010.

Empowered to remain active

Connections between self efficacy and self esteem

Impact on feelings of life satisfaction

11

Part 3 – Case Study

Impact – User Involvement in Design Process

Impact – User Involvement in Design Process

• Specific brand of fabric – ‘Guaranteed to Keep You Dry’

• Long established

• Trusted by the public

• Make an assumption they want this brand

Fabric Brand Marketing Rationale

• Production specifications to manufacturers

• Enables them to pass the fabric brand lab test

• Co-brand garments with the fabric brand

• Use the ‘Guaranteed to Keep You Dry’

• Part of the specification involves the pocket storm flap

User Input into Design

• Met with the apparel designer at an international trade fair in Germany

• Changed fabric spec on garment:

– Removed outer storm flap and poppers

– Removed two way zip function

– Changed pocket storm flap design!

Part 4 - Conclusion

Co-Design Process

Great example of the process in action

Informed the apparel designer

Creative about the fabric choice

User needs rather than brand / specification needs

Inclusive Addressing of Needs

opening the doors

Step forwards

more inclusive outdoor apparel

potentially excluded group

Thanks & Questions

Contact:

david.taylor@students.newport.ac.uk

dave.taylor@imaginet.co.uk