Was es macht
Para is a rain cover consisting of a jacket and a leg cover that can be worn together or separately, protecting them from rain. The rain cover can be adjusted to fit the body and offers plenty of storage options with many pockets and easy-to-open closures.
Deine Inspiration
I am very interested in fashion design but have seen that many people are forgotten or excluded in the process as well as in the basic idea. Especially with outdoor clothing, it is important to find good and suitable clothing, which is why my decision fell on a rain cover. People with physical disabilities often have problems finding suitable, practical and fashionable clothing. Something that is easily available to me and most other people. The mix of the technical characteristics of the wheelchair, the movement of the body and the textile, as well as the aesthetic wishes of the wearers made the project very exciting during the process.
So funktioniert es
The jacket is cut shorter and the sleeves are adjustable in length and width for a perfect fit. The pockets of the jacket and the leg protector are placed in such a way that they offer as much space as possible, but do not interfere with freedom of movement. All fasteners are easy to operate even with reduced mobility in the hands thanks to large loops or innovative magnetic fasteners. The back has two hidden mesh inserts, which increases freedom of movement and provides additional ventilation. The hood can be adjusted to fit the head so that it rotates with the head without being too tight. The leg protector can be easily and independently put on and taken off when needed and can be attached to the jacket to make everything waterproof. When not in use, the leg protector can be easily stored in itself by folding it up.
Designprozess
During the process, eight intermediate models were created, which I tested with different people. at the beginning of the project, it was important to get a basic knowledge, which is why I held discussions with my target group, as well as with professionals such as occupational therapists, wheelchair experts and wheelchair designers. In addition, I analyzed different types of wheelchairs and was thus able to make a list of technical, but also aesthetic requirements. In the second section, I analyzed existing types of rain protection and jackets and made patterns of them so that I could then test them and modify them directly. Some prototypes were also just cut-outs like the hood or the sleeve end, material tests, sewing process tests or the testing of a fastener. I went from one 1:1 design to the next and was able to find solutions quickly and efficiently. For the aesthetics, I used regular rain jackets, however, the technical properties of the jacket required a sophisticated solution to create this aesthetic. The reflective elements on the jacket and leg protectors were part of the design from the beginning, as visibility in the dark is extremely important. So in the final design, I looked for a pattern that would be seen from all sides and heights without being too much.
Warum es anders ist
Unfortunately, the clothing industry, especially the sports and outdoor industry, is not diverse enough and excludes many people. Para proves that clothing for people with special needs can be fashionable and practical without reinventing the world. As in any design process, you just need the interest and curiosity to learn new things and get out of your comfort zone. Para offers people in wheelchairs the flexibility to be outside in the rain without having to go to huge expense or compromise on getting wet. Para convinces with its detailed elaboration, leaving no wishes unfulfilled. From adaptability and stowability to text and Braille descriptions, Para thinks one step further and makes adaptive clothing accessible.
Pläne für die Zukunft
The clothing industry is very hard to reach and extremely fast moving. Nevertheless, I would like to develop the project into another prototype to be able to produce it. To do this, I will either raise funds, work with brands or directly with manufacturers. In my research I saw that there is a big need and interest. Many institutions such as hospitals or occupational therapy practices have expressed interest in workshops where I should present my project so that they can promote it further. But for me it is most important to create an awareness in the fashion world that we have to design more inclusively and that it's possible to do so.
Auszeichnungen
- nomination for the "Förderpreis ZHdK", won the "honourable mention" - nominated for "Prototypes For Humanity"
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