bridging methodological gaps through cross-disciplinary dialogue for design of smart clothes and...
TRANSCRIPT
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
