Sketches, scraps of fabrics, paper mock-ups, and quick crap-ups were scattered all over the room. On the floor, the desk, and the walls; ruminants of progress in search of the ideal design solutions. It was a chaotic storm for a couple of weeks, days of exploring different forms, fabrics, technology, whilst learning how to sew.
The past few weeks, I have gain an understanding for clothing as a product. Clothing is
something personal; a piece of article worn and felt for hours of the day and is a presentation of one's identity. Everyone is gravitated to a piece of clothing for different reasons, whether it be the pattern, colour, or fit, these are the questions people think about when picking or choosing clothes to wear. Therefore, identifying a form cohesive to the user and its environment of use is
important. A form where it acts as an accessory to one's outfit, not the centre piece, and also serves its function. To identify the ideal form, I created paper mock ups of different
sizes. Ranging from a full vest covering the body, the hoodie itself, and
variations in between. It was identified the users were comfortable with either
a clothing article covering their whole body, or just the hoodie itself. Wearing
any length in between would be uncomfortable and awkward to wear. I decided to
go with the hoodie itself, as it has the potential to be incorporated into the
individual’s daily attire.
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| Paper Model of Half a Vest |
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| Paper Model of Shoulder |
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| Paper Model of Full Fest |
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| Paper Model of Hood |
Once the
form of the hood was identified, it was time to figure the hood and how to
incorporate the features.
1. Auditory: Acoustic dampening
2. Visual: Dimming lighting perceived in
the environment
3. Olfactory: the option to introduce a
smell
Design
considerations:
1. Ventilation and Climate Control
2. Ergonomics, sizing, and adaptability
3. Electronic Components
Quick fabric models to study structure and form
First fabric model of the form.
Quick low fidelity
models were made to test out the form and understanding the overall
construction. Although some prototypes were just practicing the construction of
the hood, a lot was learned from how fabric and stitching works.
A final quick mock-up was constructed for the public walk around.
The public
walk around was an opportunity to talk to individuals out of the design
discipline. It was an opportunity to gain insight from different individuals, especially
for a concept that may seem to be abstract, it was important to have a public
opinion on it. Many individuals were interested in the concept; however, it was
the form that needed improvement. The form had a juxtaposition between the softness
of the hoodie and the harsh exposure of the circuit board.
The long weeks of exploration have yet to continue, moving
forward, the form will be reconsidered to make the product more cohesive and approachable for use. The year long project is coming close to an end, there are a few weeks left, however, there are still more to explore, more sketches and mockups.